How Joomla Extension Update Sites Work
Update sites tell Joomla where to look
Extensions supporting Joomla's update system can register update-site URLs, visible under System → Update → Update Sites with enabled/disabled status and associated extension.
The source supplies metadata
The URL normally points to developer-supplied XML describing available versions and package information.
Joomla filters applicability
Update metadata can restrict a release by Joomla platform, minimum PHP, and supported database versions.
Find Updates queries sources
When Find Updates is used, Joomla queries configured enabled update servers and lists valid applicable updates.
Installation is separate
Finding an update does not install it. Selecting an update and choosing Update starts the extension update process.
Two server structures exist
Joomla update-server metadata supports individual extension sources and collection sources that point to definitions for multiple extensions.
Enabled status matters
A disabled update site will not normally participate in update discovery and is a key check when a known update does not appear.
Treat sources as trusted supply-chain inputs
Joomla may obtain executable extension packages using information from these sources. Keep update-site URLs limited to trusted developers or sources you intentionally control.
Need More Help with Joomla?
Still having trouble? Open a support ticket with QuantaCade Support and we'll be happy to help where we can.
Support priority is given to QuantaCade products, services, and customers. However, we're also happy to assist fellow Joomla users with general Joomla questions and troubleshooting when possible.
QuantaCade is an independent Joomla extension developer and is not official Joomla support. Some issues involving third-party extensions, hosting environments, server configurations, or other systems outside our development control may be beyond what we're able to resolve.