Many organisations run Sitecore versions that are several releases behind. The site still works, so the upgrade keeps slipping — until a security issue, a hosting change or an unsupported dependency forces it. A planned Sitecore upgrade is far cheaper than an emergency one. This guide explains how to plan it, and when to migrate to SitecoreAI instead.
First decide: upgrade or migrate?
Before upgrading Sitecore XP or XM, ask whether you should be moving to SitecoreAI (formerly XM Cloud) instead. Upgrade if you need self-hosting, rely heavily on XP’s xDB personalisation or analytics, or cannot fund a headless rebuild yet. Migrate if you want to end the upgrade cycle permanently. Our platform comparison and migration plan cover that path.
Assess the current solution
- Current version and the target version
- Custom code and how much depends on deprecated APIs
- Installed modules and whether compatible versions exist
- Integrations, search configuration and xDB usage
- Hosting: on-premise, IaaS or PaaS, and supported OS, database and .NET versions
The upgrade process
- Prepare: clean up unused items, content and custom code; back up everything.
- Build the target environment on supported infrastructure.
- Upgrade the solution code to the new version’s APIs and package references.
- Upgrade databases and content using Sitecore’s upgrade tooling.
- Reconfigure search and xDB where applicable.
- Test functionality, authoring, performance and security.
- Cut over with a rehearsed plan and rollback option.
The best time to upgrade Sitecore is before you have to. The second-best time is now, with a plan.
ESS ENN Associates Modernisation Team
Reduce risk with automation
Infrastructure as code, serialised content items and automated deployment make each environment reproducible, which turns the upgrade into a repeatable process rather than a one-off. It also makes the next upgrade cheaper.
After the upgrade
Use the upgrade as a performance and security baseline, then keep the platform current with regular patching through a Sitecore support plan. Our wider approach to ageing platforms is on our legacy modernisation page.
ESS ENN Associates provides Sitecore development, migration and support through our web development and modernisation teams. To scope your Sitecore upgrade, Contact us.