When you enable automatic updates in WordPress, your website initiates a specific process to check for and install new updates automatically. Here's how it happens:

1. Update Check:

• WordPress doesn't actively poll for updates. Instead, it relies on a mechanism called wp-cron.php.
• This script runs periodically, triggered by various events like a user visiting your website or a scheduled task.
• When triggered, wp-cron.php checks for scheduled tasks, which include checking for updates.

2. Update Availability:

• If an update is available, WordPress communicates with the WordPress.org server to verify the update details.
• This includes information like the version number, release type (security, maintenance, major), and any necessary changes.

3. Downloading and Installation:

• If the update is enabled in your settings (automatic for security and maintenance, manual for major updates), WordPress downloads the update package.
• The downloaded package is typically compressed (e.g., .zip) and needs to be extracted.
• WordPress extracts the package and replaces the relevant core files with the updated versions.

4. Backup and Verification (Optional):

• Some hosting providers may offer automatic backups before performing updates as a safety measure (check with your provider).
• After installation, WordPress verifies the integrity of the new files and database to ensure a successful update.

5. Notification:

• Once the update is complete, WordPress typically displays a notification on the admin dashboard informing you about the successful update.

Important Points:

• Triggering the update: While user visits can trigger the update check indirectly, it's not guaranteed with every visit. Low website traffic may result in delayed update checks.
• Security and Maintenance updates: By default, automatic updates are only enabled for security and maintenance releases. These are important for fixing security vulnerabilities and improving website performance.
• Major updates: You need to manually approve and install major updates containing new features or significant changes.
• Backup: It's crucial to back up your website before any major updates or even automated updates, regardless of your hosting provider's offering. This ensures you can revert to a previous version if any unforeseen issues arise.

Remember, enabling automatic updates is highly recommended, especially for security and maintenance releases, as it helps keep your website secure and optimized without requiring manual intervention every time an update is available.