Published on 6 Oct 2025/Updated on 15 May 2026/How to

How to Downgrade WordPress Version

Downgrade WordPress is way more easily that you think, all you need is follow the steps.

Need to downgrade WordPress version to a previous release? Whether you’re dealing with plugin incompatibility, theme conflicts, or unexpected bugs after an update, rolling back WordPress is much easier than you might think. All you need to do is follow the simple steps in this guide.

Why Would You Need to Downgrade WordPress Version?

There are several common reasons site owners choose to downgrade WordPress. Sometimes a new WordPress core update breaks compatibility with essential plugins or your active theme. Other times, the latest version may introduce bugs that affect your site’s performance or layout. In these cases, reverting to a stable previous version gives you time to troubleshoot without losing functionality.

Before You Downgrade WordPress: Backup First

Before you proceed, always create a full backup of your website, including both files and the database. This ensures you can restore your site if anything goes wrong during the downgrade process. You can use popular backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or your hosting provider’s built-in backup tools.

Step-by-Step Guide to Downgrade WordPress Version

  1. Install plugin WP Downgrade.
WP Downgrade | Specific Core Version
  1. Once installed, go to Settings of the WP Downgrade.
Wp Downgrade Setting
Wp Downgrade Setting
  1. Key in the Targeted Version Number and save changes. You may visit WP Releases for the exact version number.
WordPress Downgrade Targeted Version
WordPress Downgrade Targeted Version
  1. Go to Dashboard > Updates, and click Re-install now to continue the process of Downgrade WordPress.
Re-Install WordPress
Re-Install WordPress
  1. Continue with Update WordPress Database.
Update WordPress Database
Update WordPress Database
  1. That’s all you need to Downgrade WordPress.
Wordpress 5.4.2
Downgrade to WordPress 5.4.2

Photo by Jim Wilson on Unsplash

julian song

Author

Julian Song

Principal Digital Architect focused on high-performance infrastructure and enterprise-grade WordPress systems in Malaysia.

With a career spanning back to 2008, I specialise in building digital platforms that prioritise stability, security, and long-term scalability. As a Neurodivergent System Thinker, I naturally look beyond surface-level design to optimise the complex logic and architecture underneath. I use this perspective to help large organisations and GLCs move away from restrictive proprietary systems toward reliable, open-standard solutions that offer true data ownership and efficiency.

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