Introduction
Upgrading from Joomla4 to Joomla5 is said to be an update. This is true if all the existing extensions (Components, Mouldules and Plugins) are compliant! By using the Joomla Next update method then these extensions will be checked. It will also check that your PHP level and Database version meet the minimum standards.
The images opposite show the principal requirements for J4 and J5. The main change in these is that the minimum PHP level is now 8.1
J4 and J5 also require PHP Modules: json, simplexml, dom,gd,mysqlnd or pdo_mysql or pdo_pgsql.
Additionally J5 requires zlib.
If you are unsure of how to select a higer version of PHP or to enable the required modules it is suggested that you consult your hosting sevice provider.
Getting to Joomla Next
The first step is to click on the 
button. Then in the 
section, click on 
.
Next Click on the
button at top right. This shows the Update Source so use the pull down as indicated opposite to select option Joomla Next.
So again click on the button and then in the Section it shows
.
. This indicates that the version available is Joomla 5.2.4. Next click on Joomla as indicated.
button. Then in the section, click on .Next Click on the
button at top right. This shows the Update Source so use the pull down as indicated opposite to select option Joomla Next.So again click on the
button and then in the Section it shows .
. This indicates that the version available is Joomla 5.2.4. Next click on Joomla as indicated.Compatibility Check
This instigates the 'checking' process.
It typically brings up the view as shown opposite as the reqirements for Joomla 4 and 5 are similar.
However if there is a Requirement problem it may be useful to contact your hosting service.if you are unsure how to solve the problem.
In this exampe all the main requirements are set to Yes. However the Update button is not active and the Extensions indicate a possible problem.
So click on the
as indicated opposite.
This presents the detailed report as shown opposite which is querring the jDownloads System Plugin.
Actually the jD System Plugin is OK.
Apparently it is the way the system plugin is coded which apparently does not totally conform to Joomla practice.
If you scroll further down you will see a report as shown below.
If you now scroll down to the bottom of the report you will find
This then gives an 'Are you Sure Message' where you need to click on OK. The 
button is now active so click on it.
Actually the jD System Plugin is OK.
Apparently it is the way the system plugin is coded which apparently does not totally conform to Joomla practice.
If you scroll further down you will see a report as shown below.
If you now scroll down to the bottom of the report you will findThis then gives an 'Are you Sure Message' where you need to click on OK. The button is now active so click on it.Updating
Click on the "i'm aware..." message and then on the 
.as indicated opposite.
This will start the Update
After a little time it becomes
.as indicated opposite.This will start the Update
After a little time it becomesYour site has now been upgraded to Joomla 5.
Note that the update channel has been reset to "Default" so when the next update to Joomla 5 becomes available it will be notified in the normal way.
That is click on the button then in the
section click on .
Note that the update channel has been reset to "Default" so when the next update to Joomla 5 becomes available it will be notified in the normal way.
That is click on the
button then in thesection click on .Colin M rewritten Febuary 2025
