Automatic Update Permission Errors
Problem
This information only applies to self-hosted WHMCS installations. WHMCS Cloud updates WHMCS for you automatically.
An unattended automatic update displays a Failed status in the Update History table, and the Activity Log at Configuration () > System Logs shows one of the following errors:
The system failed to write the temporary repository file: <path>
The permission check failed: the system cannot write to <directory>.
The permission check failed: the system cannot write to backup directory <directory> (operation: backup).
The permission check failed: the system cannot read <file> (operation: backup).
The permission check failed: the system cannot write to <file> (operation: apply).
The permission check failed: the system cannot create directory <directory> (operation: apply).
The permission check failed: the system cannot read the patch archive <file> (operation: apply).
Cause
The user under which WHMCS runs does not have the permissions it needs for this step of the update.
The system checks file permissions before it changes any files. When this check fails, the system sets the attempt to the Failed status without modifying your installation.
Solution
Make certain that the user under which WHMCS runs has full permissions to the WHMCS installation’s directory.
For help, contact your hosting provider or system administrator.
Last modified: 2026 September 30