Knowledgebase

WordPress sets a database lock while updating core and clears it when finished. An interrupted update leaves the lock in place.

Wait first

The lock expires on its own after about 15 minutes. If you are not in a hurry, this is the safest fix.

Remove it in phpMyAdmin

1. cPanel → phpMyAdmin and select your WordPress database.
2. Open the wp_options table (your prefix may differ).
3. Use the Search tab and search option_name for core_updater.lock.
4. Delete that row.

Or use a plugin

If you can still reach the dashboard, the Fix Another Update In Progress plugin removes the lock with one click.

Afterwards

Re-run the update from Dashboard → Updates, and check Tools → Site Health for anything the interrupted update left half-finished.