Joomla 6 is available, but that doesn’t mean every Joomla 5 website needs to be migrated right away. Still, doing nothing isn’t a good long-term choice. By checking your extensions, template, hosting, and customizations now, you can prepare for the upgrade at your own pace and avoid problems during the transition.

## Are you still using Joomla 5 for your company website, or do you have questions about the update to Joomla 6?

[Schedule a no-obligation consultation](https://www.loft33.com/en/schedule-a-consultation/)

Are you using Joomla 5 for your company website? If so, you’re probably wondering when you should upgrade to Joomla 6. Should you do it as soon as possible, or can you safely stick with Joomla 5 for a while longer?  

As of July 23, 2026, Joomla 6.1.2 is the current stable version. Joomla 5.4.7 is the latest version in the Joomla 5 series. Both versions received [security updates and bug fixes](https://www.joomla.org/announcements/release-news/joomla-6-1-2-5-4-7-security-bugfix-release.html) as recently as July 7, 2026. Joomla 5 is therefore not suddenly in an insecure or unusable state.   

You don’t need to rush. But you shouldn’t keep putting off the preparations either. Support for Joomla 5 is being phased out. Furthermore, the upgrade may become more difficult if your template, extensions, or customizations aren’t updated in time.   

More important than the question “When will Joomla 5 be discontinued?” is whether your website is technically ready for Joomla 6.

## What will change with the transition to Joomla 6?

Joomla is a content management system, often abbreviated as CMS. It is the software you use to manage pages, news posts, menus, forms, and other elements of your website. LOFT 33 uses Joomla as one of its two CMS specializations for [websites and online stores](https://www.loft33.com/en/websites-and-webshops/), alongside WordPress.  

Minor updates are released regularly within a single Joomla version series. For example, an update from Joomla 5.4.6 to 5.4.7 includes security fixes and bug fixes. These updates usually do not significantly alter the system’s technical foundation.  

The transition from Joomla 5 to Joomla 6 is an [upgrade to a new major version](https://guide.joomla.org/user-manual/migration/joomla-5-to-6-planning-and-upgrade-step-by-step). As part of this process, older code is being phased out, and Joomla is now built on a more modern technical foundation. 

Joomla describes the transition from Joomla 5.4 to Joomla 6 as an upgrade rather than a full migration. Well-developed extensions that no longer use outdated Joomla code will, in many cases, continue to work. Other extensions may receive temporary support through the Joomla 6 compatibility plugin. However, this must be tested on a per-website basis.   

So, upgrading to Joomla 6 doesn’t automatically mean you have to re-enter all your pages or that you need a completely new website. The content, menus, and users can usually be retained. The main areas of concern typically involve the template, extensions, links, and custom code.

## What role does Joomla 5.4 play?

Joomla 5.4 is the fourth and final minor release in the Joomla 5 series. This version was intentionally developed as a transition between Joomla 5 and Joomla 6. 

Some of the technical changes from Joomla 6 were already incorporated into Joomla 5.4. This allowed developers to prepare their extensions and templates before their clients actually migrated to Joomla 6. 

That makes Joomla 5.4 the logical starting point for the upgrade. A website running Joomla 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, or 5.3 must therefore first be carefully updated to the latest version of Joomla 5.4. 

Extensions must also be updated within Joomla 5 first. Upgrading directly with outdated extensions increases the risk of error messages, an inaccessible admin panel, or components that no longer function after the migration.

**Practical tip**

First, check to make sure your website is running the latest version of Joomla 5.4. Then update the extensions, and only after that create a test copy for the Joomla 6 upgrade.

## How long will Joomla 5 be supported?

According to the official schedule, Joomla 5 will receive regular bug fixes until October 13, 2026. After that, there will be a period during which only security issues will be addressed. That security support will continue until October 12, 2027.  

The difference between the two periods is significant.

During regular support, Joomla can resolve general bugs in addition to security issues. After October 13, 2026, the focus will shift to security. Other technical issues or compatibility problems will not necessarily be resolved in Joomla 5 after that date.  

That doesn’t mean a Joomla 5 website will suddenly become insecure on October 14, 2026. A fully updated Joomla 5.4 website can still receive security updates after that date. You’ll just have less and less time to resolve other issues within Joomla 5.  

According to the current schedule, security support will also end on October 12, 2027. From that point on, new fixes for discovered security issues will generally no longer be available for Joomla 5. 

Waiting until October 2027 is therefore rarely a good idea. If you don’t start until just before that date, outdated extensions, hosting requirements, or custom code could create time pressure. Read more about why [regular Joomla updates are important](https://www.loft33.com/en/have-a-joomla-website-built/), even aside from this major version upgrade.

## When should you upgrade to Joomla 6?

For many business websites, 2026 is a good time to prepare for and carry out the Joomla 6 upgrade. That doesn’t mean every website needs to be updated right away. 

You can upgrade at short notice when:

- your website runs on the latest version of Joomla 5.4;

- Your key extensions support Joomla 6;

- your template is compatible with Joomla 6;

- your hosting meets the technical requirements;

- the entire website can be tested in a test environment.

It may be justifiable to temporarily stay on Joomla 5.4 if an important extension does not yet have a reliable Joomla 6 version. However, your website must remain fully updated and secure. You should also create a concrete plan to replace the missing extension or upgrade it at a later date.  

You shouldn’t underestimate commercial dependencies. For example, a restaurant with a reservation system can’t upgrade until that integration is working reliably. For a simple website for a construction company using a standard template, the transition can be much easier.  

The complexity of your website is therefore a factor in determining the timeline. Extensive Joomla platforms with portals or custom features require more preparation; read more about [extensive Joomla websites, portals, and custom features](https://www.loft33.com/en/have-a-joomla-website-built/).

**Practical tip**

Schedule the technical inspection well in advance of the end of standard support on October 13, 2026. That way, you’ll have time to replace outdated parts without having to rush.

## Extensions, templates, and customization determine the level of difficulty

The Joomla core is usually not the biggest problem. The challenge often lies in everything that has been installed or customized around Joomla. 

### Check Extensions

Extensions add features to Joomla. These include forms, newsletters, reservations, online stores, document management, search functions, and cookie banners. 

A statement that an extension is “compatible with Joomla 6” is a useful first indication, but it’s not a complete guarantee. There may be differences between the developer’s stated compatibility and how the extension actually works on your website. 

For example, a form extension might open correctly, while the integration with a CRM system no longer works. Automatic emails, payments, and document downloads must also be tested separately. 

When preparing for the upgrade, remove any extensions you no longer use. Every unnecessary extension requires maintenance and can make the upgrade unnecessarily complicated. 

### The template and overrides

The template determines the visual layout of your website. In addition, there may be template overrides—customized versions of standard Joomla layouts.  

Overrides are often used to display articles, contact pages, search results, or modules differently. They may contain older code that is no longer supported in Joomla 6. 

That is why it is not enough to simply check with the supplier to see if the template supports Joomla 6. Any customizations you’ve made to your website must also be technically reviewed. 

### Custom Code and Links

Customization can range from a small plugin to a members-only area, a reservation system, a product database, or an integration with external software.

The more custom features your website has, the more important documentation and testing become. Without a clear overview, even a seemingly minor upgrade can have unexpected consequences. 

For example, a professional organization with multilingual information, document downloads, access rights, and a members-only area requires a much more comprehensive audit than a simple informational website.

## What do the compatibility plugins do?

Joomla uses [compatibility plugins](https://manual.joomla.org/migrations/54-60/) to make the transition between major versions more manageable.

The “Behavior – Backward Compatibility 6” plugin temporarily helps Joomla 6 run extensions that still use certain older code. When upgrading from Joomla 5.4 to Joomla 6, this plugin must be installed and enabled. 

This plugin is not a permanent solution for outdated code. It gives developers and website administrators extra time to update their extensions. 

Joomla 5 also includes an older compatibility plugin that helped with the transition from Joomla 4 to Joomla 5. The official Joomla documentation states that this plugin must be disabled before upgrading to Joomla 6. If the website stops working afterward, this indicates that an extension, template, or custom feature still depends on older Joomla code.  

A test like this should never be run on the live website for the first time. Run it on a staging environment and make sure you can immediately revert to a working version.

## What does a professional Joomla 6 upgrade involve?

Performing a professional Joomla update doesn’t start with clicking the update button. First, we conduct a full assessment of the website. 

### Inventory and Compatibility Check

During the assessment, Joomla, extensions, templates, overrides, customizations, and external links are identified. We also determine which components are actually in use. 

Next, we check which components are compatible with Joomla 6. Outdated extensions are updated, replaced, or removed. For custom developments, we determine which code needs to be modified.  

### Backup and Test Environment

Next, a full backup is created. A backup is only reliable if it is clear that it can actually be restored. 

The website is then copied to a staging environment. This is a secure test environment where changes can be made without affecting visitors or employees. 

Joomla itself recommends testing the upgrade on a copy of the production website first.

### Trial Upgrade and Functional Testing

After the technical preparations are complete, Joomla 6 will be installed in the test environment. Then the actual testing will begin. 

Key features are tested one by one. These include forms, automated emails, search functions, language switches, user permissions, document downloads, and external links. 

The admin section also deserves attention. Employees must still be able to edit articles, menus, and other content correctly. 

### Controlled launch

Only after the test environment has been approved from both a technical and functional standpoint will work begin on the live website.

Websites that receive new orders, reservations, or submissions on a daily basis need a clear go-live plan. This helps prevent data added during the transition from being lost. 

After going live, error messages, performance, security, and key features are rechecked. Official release notes and known issues for that specific Joomla version must also be reviewed at that time.

## How do you protect your rankings on Google?

A Joomla upgrade doesn’t have to harm your search engine visibility. The URLs and content can usually be preserved. However, technical errors during the migration can affect Google. If you want to ensure that your search engine visibility remains intact, an SEO audit for SMEs from LOFT 33 can assess this before and after the upgrade.   

Therefore, please check the following, among other things:

- whether existing URLs will remain the same;

- whether the redirects are still working properly;

- whether metadata and canonical tags have been preserved;

- whether the sitemap and robots settings are correct;

- whether any important pages are set to “noindex.”

Noindex is a setting that instructs search engines not to index a page. If this setting is accidentally carried over from a test environment to the live website, pages may disappear from search results. 

Multilingual websites also require extra attention. The language structure, alternative language pages, and internal links must continue to function properly after the Joomla 6 upgrade. 

After the website goes live, check it for error pages. Also, monitor Google Search Console to quickly identify indexing issues. 

Proper technical preparation reduces the risk of losing visibility, but no one can guarantee a fixed ranking on Google.

## Is an upgrade enough, or do you need a redesign?

A Joomla upgrade, a redesign, and a complete rebuild are three different processes.

| Situation | Appropriate Approach | Key Consideration | Recommended Timing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Joomla 5.4 is technically sound, and all components are compatible | Technical upgrade to Joomla 6 | Extensive testing | Plans for the near future |
| An important extension isn’t ready yet | Stay on Joomla 5.4 for now | A concrete replacement or upgrade plan | Don’t wait until security support ends |
| The technology is usable, but the design is outdated | Combine the upgrade with a redesign | Mobile display and user experience | Carry out together when it’s more efficient |
| The website contains a lot of outdated custom code | Build a new Joomla website | Reviewing content, structure, and features | Analyze in a timely manner and prepare in phases |

A technical upgrade primarily updates the CMS and the underlying code. Your existing design can be retained in the process. 

A redesign focuses on visual style, navigation, and user experience. This can be helpful when the template is technically outdated or no longer works properly on smartphones. 

A complete rebuild is recommended when the website is difficult to maintain, contains a lot of unknown custom code, or no longer aligns with your current services and target audience.

You don’t have to combine these projects automatically. Sometimes it makes more sense to first upgrade to Joomla 6 safely and then carry out a redesign later. In other situations, you can save time and money by planning both projects together.

## What are the risks of waiting too long?

As long as Joomla 5.4 continues to receive security updates and you install those updates correctly, your website is not automatically insecure.

However, postponing things becomes riskier if you don’t make any preparations.

Extension developers will increasingly focus on Joomla 6. As a result, older Joomla 5 versions of extensions may receive fewer updates. Hosting companies, too, will continue to update their PHP and database environments.  

If your website relies on outdated code, the gap between it and current technology may continue to widen. What is a manageable upgrade today could turn into a more extensive restoration or rebuild project later on. 

A second risk is time pressure. If you don’t realize until just before October 12, 2027, that a key component is no longer being maintained, you’ll have to quickly find an alternative, migrate your data, and test everything. 

Doing nothing is therefore not a good long-term strategy. It is possible to stay on Joomla 5 temporarily, provided that your website is maintained and there is a clear plan for Joomla 6.

## Conclusion: When Should You Upgrade from Joomla 5 to Joomla 6?

There’s no need to rush to upgrade a well-maintained Joomla 5.4 website to Joomla 6 today. According to the current schedule, Joomla 5 will continue to receive security updates through October 12, 2027. Regular support with bug fixes will end earlier, on October 13, 2026.  

The best time to upgrade is when your Joomla 5 website is fully up to date and your extensions, template, hosting, and customizations have been checked. For many companies, this means that the analysis and preparation must take place in 2026. 

LOFT 33 can help you with a technical analysis of your current Joomla website. We’ll assess your extensions, templates, customizations, and integrations, and determine which components are compatible with Joomla 6. 

Next, we perform a safe test upgrade in a separate test environment. We check functionality, security, speed, and SEO settings before making changes to the live website. 

Upgrading to Joomla 6 doesn’t automatically mean you need a completely new website. We’ll first assess what can be kept and which changes are truly necessary. If a redesign or rebuild is indeed the better choice, you’ll receive clear and well-reasoned advice on the matter.  

### Would you like to know if your Joomla 5 website is ready for Joomla 6?

[ Request a Joomla analysis or introductory consultation](https://www.loft33.com/en/schedule-a-consultation/)

## Do you have questions about upgrading from Joomla 5 to Joomla 6?

Waiting until October 2027 is therefore rarely a good idea. If you don’t start until just before that date, outdated extensions, hosting requirements, or custom code could create time pressure.

[Do you still have a question about this upgrade?](https://www.loft33.com/en/schedule-a-consultation/)

## Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading from Joomla 5 to Joomla 6