Update the existing Create React App project to the Latest Version in 2025
Understand the step-by-step process for seamless updation:
1. Know the Current State of Create React App (CRA)
- CRA is in maintenance mode and deprecated for new projects.
- The React team recommends using Next.js or Vite for new apps, but you can still update and maintain existing CRA projects.
2. Update react-scripts to the Latest
- Open your project’s root folder.
- Run the following command to update the core build tooling:
npm install react-scripts@latest
or, if you use Yarn:
yarn add react-scripts@latest
- This updates your project to use the latest version of react-scripts, which includes the latest features and fixes.
3. Update React and ReactDOM (Optional but Recommended)
- To get the latest React features, also update the core libraries:
npm install react@latest react-dom@latest
or
yarn add react@latest react-dom@latest
If you move to React 18+, update your entry point to use the new root API:
// Before:import ReactDOM from 'react-dom';
ReactDOM.render(<App />, document.getElementById('root'));
// After:
import ReactDOM from 'react-dom/client';
const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
root.render(<App />);
Also Read: Expert’s Step-by-Step Guide for Hiring Top ReactJS Developers in 2025
4. Remove Any Old Global Installations
If you previously installed CRA globally, uninstall it to avoid version conflicts:
npm uninstall -g create-react-app
or
yarn global remove create-react-app
Always use npx create-react-app for new projects to ensure you get the latest version.
5. Check the Changelog and Migration Guides
- Check the changelog for breaking changes or manual migration steps.
- Apply any recommended code or config changes for the versions you’re skipping.
6. Consider Migrating to Modern Alternatives
- For new projects or full rewrites, consider using Vite, Next.js or other modern React frameworks, they have faster builds and better long-term support.
