Jul.24th.2024

How to upgrade from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10: a comprehensive guide for a successful transition

image of developer drupal's computer

With the end of Drupal 7 support scheduled for January 2025, it is imperative to prepare the transition of your Drupal 7 site to the newer versions. Otherwise, your site will no longer be secure. This transition will allow you to benefit from new features, performance improvements, and security updates offered by Drupal 10. This guide explains each step of the process to ensure a successful migration.

photo of two developers drupal working by Scott Graham on Unsplash

Migration Preparation

Existing Site Audit

Before starting the migration, it is crucial to perform a complete audit of your current Drupal 7 site. This audit should include an evaluation of the modules used, themes, and specific configurations. Identify modules that are no longer maintained and look for their Drupal 10-compatible alternatives. This aspect may require reworking data or functionalities to align with the new Drupal infrastructure.

Resource Planning

Migration can be a complex process requiring meticulous planning of human and technical resources. Contact us to develop a migration schedule by defining key steps and clear objectives.

Update to Drupal 8

Using Drupal 8 as a Stepping Stone

A direct transition from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10 is not possible. You must first migrate to Drupal 8, which will serve as a stepping stone. Use the migration tools available in Drupal 8 to transfer your content and configurations.

Content and Configuration Migration

Use Drupal 8 migration modules to export your content and configurations from Drupal 7. These tools facilitate data transfer and ensure continuity in content management.

Upgrade to Drupal 10

Compatibility Check

Before upgrading to Drupal 10, ensure that all your modules and themes are compatible. Drupal 9 is essentially a cleaned-up version of Drupal 8 with deprecated items removed, so compatibility should be carefully verified.

Modules Update

Update all modules and themes to ensure their compatibility with Drupal 10. Use community-provided tools to check compatibility and perform necessary updates.

Testing and Validation

Conduct thorough tests to validate that all site functionalities work correctly under Drupal 10. Involve key users in the testing process to gather feedback and identify potential issues.

Post-Migration Optimization

Performance Optimization

After the migration, optimize your site’s performance using recommended tools and techniques from the Drupal community. This may include caching, image optimization, and server configuration adjustments.

Site Security

Ensure your site is secure by applying all security updates and using recommended security modules. Regularly conduct security audits to identify and fix potential vulnerabilities.

User Training

Train your users on the new features and interface of Drupal 10. Adequate training ensures quick adoption and effective use of the new platform.

Conclusion

Migrating from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10 is essential to ensure the security, performance, and advanced features of your website. By following this detailed guide, you will be well-equipped to make this transition smoothly and effectively.
Need Help with Migration?

Looking for a web agency in Montreal to assist you with this project? 8P Design handles large digital projects, blogs, custom management tools, and offers practical design. With over 26 years of experience, we have developed solid expertise in the Web field.

Ready to tackle your digital challenges? Request your quick consultation now and discover our unique approach! Together, we will make your migration to Drupal 10 a real success.

 

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