---
title: upgrade_network
description: "## What is the upgrade_network permission in WordPress? The upgrade_network permission allows users to upgrade the core WordPress files on a WordPress multisite network. The upgrade_network permission can't be used without the [manage_network](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/manage_network/) permission. If a user has both capabilities,…"
url: "https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/upgrade_network/"
updated: "2026-10-14"
category: WordPress Permissions / Multisite Permissions
---

# upgrade_network

## What is the upgrade_network permission in WordPress?

The upgrade_network permission allows users to upgrade the core WordPress files on a WordPress multisite network.

The upgrade_network permission can't be used without the [manage_network](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/manage_network/) permission. If a user has both capabilities, they will be able to go to this link:

- My Sites > Network Admin > Sites.
- The user can now see the "Upgrade Network" menu.

![Upgrade Network Link](https://publishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/upgrade_network-link.png)
Upgrade Network Link

On the "Sites" screens, the user can click "Upgrade Network" and run any available update of the core WordPress files.

![Upgrade Network Screen](https://publishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/upgrade_network-screen-1024x307.png)
Upgrade Network Screen

---

## Who has the upgrade_network permission?

The upgrade_network permission is available only on multisite networks.

By default, the upgrade_network permission is only given to [Super Admins](https://publishpress.com/links/super-admin).

Users not in the [Super Admin](https://publishpress.com/links/super-admin) role are not allowed to run core updates on a multisite network.

---

## Control who has the upgrade_network permission

You can control who has the upgrade_network permission by installing the [PublishPress Capabilities](https://publishpress.com/links/capabilities) plugin.

- After installing [PublishPress Capabilities](https://publishpress.com/links/capabilities), go to "Capabilities" in your admin menu.
- Using the dropdown in the top-left corner, choose the role you want to edit.
- Enter "upgrade_network" into the "Add Capability" box.
- Click "Add to role".

![Upgrade Network Add](https://publishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/upgrade_network-add.png)
Upgrade Network Add

- Check or uncheck the "upgrade network" box in the "Additional Capabilities" area.

![Upgrade Network Box](https://publishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/upgrade_network-box-1024x138.png)
Upgrade Network Box

---

## All the Multisite capabilities in WordPress

1. [create_sites](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/create_sites/)
2. [delete_sites](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/delete_sites/)
3. upload_themes
4. upload_plugins
5. [manage_network](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/manage_network/)
6. [manage_network_options](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/manage_network_options/)
7. [manage_network_plugins](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/manage_network_plugins/)
8. [manage_network_themes](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/manage_network_themes/)
9. [manage_network_users](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/manage_network_users/)
10. [manage_sites](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/manage_sites/)
11. [upgrade_network](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/upgrade_network/)