From time to time, companies update their core installations to keep pace with the evolving web technologies. And PrestaShop is no different. Even if your store seems to be working exactly the way it has, consider upgrading Prestashop to the latest version. Take time to read our post that could be of great help in your decision-making process.
PrestaShop Upgrade to the Latest Verion: Frontline Changes of Functionality
Released in 2005, Prestashop is an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses. Currently, it is home to hundreds of thousands of live websites. This platform includes 300+ capabilities that are good enough to meet the demands of a robust online shop. The milestone PrestaShop 1.7 was launched in November 2016. Since then, major releases such as PrestaShop 8.1 and 8.2 have brought significant advancements, continuing to improve the platform for various reasons.
Why Upgrade PrestaShop to 8.x?
Taking into account that PrestaShop 8.x represents the latest major upgrades, it aims to simplify the store creation process. Also, it facilitates an easy way for your first sale. Its main characteristics include:
- effective and classy default theme to get you up and running;
- optimized process of building and maintaining the theme;
- rethought Product and PrestaShop Module pages;
- reworked user interface and menu structure for the better workflow;
- compelling technical architecture, based on the Symfony framework (modern versions utilize Symfony 6.x or higher).
In short, these innovations take the solution to a new level and make it one of the most comprehensive eCommerce platforms. Now, let's explore the fresh highlights of updating PrestaShop to 8.x more thoroughly.
Improved Products Settings
The new version enables you to add the catalog to your e-store efficiently. The product also includes a more engaging interface, automatic management, and a wide range of shortcuts. You can easily create the products or pack them within a limited time and organize their capabilities and values. The product navigation is enhanced with the quick and better way of building the categories.
Renovated Modules Page
When talking about upgrading PrestaShop to its latest versions (8.x), you can't miss the investigation of the modules updates. The refurbished modules page enables you to manage them quickly and effectively. Also, you can take advantage of the freshly designed tab facility. It will help you view the installed modules and options, alter them or discover the new ones.
Cleaner Core Experience
Many eCommerce services (especially the free ones) provide users with a plethora of features. PrestaShop improvements try to eliminate all the unused capabilities. To increase the shopping cart performance, the company has removed some functionality. Thus, making the core lighter. All the functions now exist in the form of modules.
Enhanced Back Office Navigation
The renewed back office offers you the improved UI/UX capabilities. They provide you with the possibility to browse the website easily. To be more specific, the updated menu is divided into three sections: Sell, Improve, and Configure. The new tabs allow surfing between the three categories hassle-free and manage the modules painlessly.
Password Security Overhaul
The previous PrestaShop editions included the password security based on the md5 algorithm. Unfortunately, it had some significant weaknesses. Therefore, the platform's latest version has a more advanced algorithm.
Symphony Framework Introduction
Prestashop upgrade to the latest version will get you acquainted with the Symphony framework. It enhances the performance of your solution and boosts teamwork. For example, designers can use this option to emphasize eCommerce specifics and improve Prestashop features. Besides, it helps in managing orders, calculation of costs and taxes, invoice generation.
So, if you decide to upgrade PrestaShop to a newer version you will notice the improvements in the UX for both the admin and customer point of view. The innovative structure will enable you with a lighter and cleaner core. Moreover, it will improve the product configuration and compelling theme creation. Additionally, upgrading PrestaShop is known for features like the new 'upgrade all modules' button and optimized back-office navigation for mobile devices.
How to Upgrade PrestaShop to the Latest Version
Shopping cart transfer can be a challenging task. Considering the number of entities and the diversity of the customization options, we recommend you turn to automated services (like Cart2Cart). The tool will get the store's data transferred to the latest version of Prestashop swiftly and securely, offering various data migration service packages.
Why Choose Cart2Cart?
- user-friendly interface to complete your PrestaShop upgrade just within a few clicks;
- total uptime of the current e-store to keep selling during the transfer;
- free Demo Migration to test the service in action;
- Migration Insurance to launch the process over in case you want to make any changes.
In case you are ready to upgrade PrestaShop to the latest version, follow this step-by-step guide:
Perform Source & Target Setup
Open the drop-down menu and choose your existing PrestaShop version (Source cart). Specify the URL of the store. Also, download the Connection Bridge, unzip and upload it to your current cart root folder. Then, press 'Check the Connection. Once done, provide your Target cart Admin URL, email, and password. Click on 'Choose Entities' button.
Also, we advise you to watch this short video tutorial on Connection Bridge installation:
Choose entities
Specify the PrestaShop data items you wish to move to the new store. Besides, to improve the data import possibilities you can take advantage of the additional migration options.
Once ready, map the fields to fit your business requirements and run a free Demo Migration to check how the service works.
Start Full migration
If you are happy with the result of the Demo migration, feel free to launch the Full migration and upgrade your PrestaShop store to the latest version.
PrestaShop Upgrade to the Latest Version: The Final Slice
A PrestaShop upgrade has a lot to offer to assure your business evolvement. Consider the above-mentioned information, compare the functionality with your current solution and take the next step towards your online store success.
Don’t wait up, start Free Demo Migration right now!
Monthly Update – September 2025
In the dynamic world of eCommerce, staying ahead means embracing innovations that truly enhance the customer journey. For September 2025, a critical trend for PrestaShop store owners is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create highly personalized shopping experiences. Modern PrestaShop versions, especially 8.x, offer greater flexibility for integrating AI-powered tools for product recommendations, dynamic pricing, and even AI-driven customer service chatbots.
Implementing AI can significantly boost conversion rates by showing customers products they are more likely to buy, based on their browsing history, past purchases, and real-time behavior. Furthermore, AI can optimize inventory management and marketing campaigns, leading to greater efficiency and profitability. As you plan your PrestaShop upgrade, consider how these advanced integrations can transform your store from a transactional site into a truly intelligent and customer-centric platform. This strategic move is vital for capturing market share and fostering long-term customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
For more details, explore our FAQ section or schedule a call with a migration expert.
