Upgrading Your Moodle 4.1 to 4.5
If your organisation is currently using Moodle LMS version 4.1 (LTS) or 4.4, this important message is for you.
The current security support for Moodle versions 4.1 and 4.4 ends on 8 December 2025.
Version support table from Moodle (Source)
By running an unsupported version of software, you increase the risk of cyber security attacks and dealing with various bugs. This also limits your access to latest features that are designed to improve your Moodle LMS performance and your user experience.
So, why is it important to upgrade your Moodle LMS?
Ensure security
Software upgrades include new patches for known vulnerabilities and are a part of the Essential 8 security requirements.
Globally, cyber attacks have increased by 44% between 2023 and 2025, with the top three most attacked industries still being in higher education, government offices, and health institutions. To protect your data and your users, you must regularly update your software.
Fix bugs and improve performance
Software upgrades also include bug fixes and performance optimisations that will improve the speed and efficiency of your LMS applications, making your LMS site more reliable and user-friendly.
Upgrading will also ensure seamless integration with the latest versions of other tools in your software ecosystem – WCAG, LTI, SCORM, etc.
Reduce costs
While upgrading requires some initial investment, it saves you money over time by preventing costly security breaches and reducing downtime due to software issues. The cost of support for your site will only increase over time if you are running an unsupported version, as you will need to backport security updates from newer versions.
Improve user experience
Improved performance will translate into better experience for your users. In addition, newer versions come with design improvements and new features.
For example, Moodle 4.5 features AI Subsystem, great improvements to the Assignment activity and Quiz, and more. Check out this blog to learn more why we (and our clients who already upgraded) love Moodle 4.5.
Please note: Moodle Workplace major release dates usually differ to Moodle LMS. Check out this page for details.
What to expect from a Moodle LMS site upgrade
A typical upgrade process for an LMS site includes:
- Backing up your existing data
- Reviewing your system requirements
- Setting up and testing the upgrade to your new Moodle version in a staging environment, to identify and address any issues
- Upgrading your Moodle Core
- Checking compatibility with existing plugins and themes
- Testing functionality, user data and course content
- Applying themes and customisations
- Gradual roll out and user communications as required
- Monitoring
- Documentation, training and ongoing maintenance
How long does it take to upgrade a Moodle LMS?
Small to medium sites usually take 4-8 weeks to complete the upgrade. Larger sites, on the other hand, can expect a timeline of 8+ weeks.
Testing alone takes at least 3-5 days and requires engagement of 1-2 full time specialists.
If innovation is one of your company’s strategic priorities, you must upgrade your software regularly to take advantage of the new cutting-edge integrations, improvements and experimental features.
Need a personalised advice and a quote on your Moodle LMS upgrade? Reach out to our team today.
