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Steps to downgrade WordPress version:

1. Firstly, make full back up of your site (backup of WordPress folder and database).

2. Login to your WordPress dashboard. Go to plugins and deactivate all the plugins.

3. Once you completed with deactivating all the plugins, logout from the WordPress dashboard.

4. Login to your hosting account. Go to your sites root directory and locate the core WordPress files.

5. Delete wp-admin and wp-includes folder. There is no need to delete the files since they can be replaced or overwritten while you copy the files. We only need to delete these 2 folders.

Note: Do not delete the wp-conte

Downgrading a WordPress version may be necessary when a recent update causes plugin conflicts, theme compatibility issues, performance problems, or unexpected errors. While WordPress updates are important for security and stability, certain environments require rolling back to a previous version temporarily.

This guide explains how to downgrade WordPress safely, minimizing downtime and avoiding data loss.

Before You Downgrade WordPress

Before proceeding, it is critical to understand that downgrading WordPress can expose your site to vulnerabilities if older versions are used long term. Always combine version rollback with proper website security practices

Downgrades are best handled by experienced administrators, especially in complex hosting environments where cloud management challenges may arise

Steps to Downgrade WordPress Version

1. Take a Full Backup

Firstly, make a complete backup of your website. This must include:

• WordPress root directory files

• Database backup (MySQL)

This ensures you can restore your site if anything goes wrong.

2. Deactivate All Plugins

Login to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins, and deactivate all active plugins. This prevents compatibility issues during the downgrade process.

3. Logout from WordPress Admin

Once all plugins are deactivated, log out of the WordPress dashboard completely.

4. Access Your Hosting Account

Login to your hosting control panel or server (via cPanel, FTP, or SSH).
Navigate to your website’s root directory where the core WordPress files are located.

Choosing the right server operating system also plays a role in stability during such operations

5. Delete Core WordPress Folders

Delete the following folders:

• wp-admin

• wp

Do NOT delete the wp-content folder, as it contains your themes, plugins, and uploads.

There is no need to delete individual files since they will be replaced during the downgrade process.

6. Upload the Older WordPress Version

Open the folder of the older WordPress version you previously downloaded.

• Copy all files and folders except wp-content

• Paste them into your current WordPress root directory

 Do not overwrite or copy the wp-content folder.

7. Complete the Downgrade Process

Once the files are copied successfully, your WordPress core version has been downgraded.

8. Update the WordPress Database

Now login to your WordPress dashboard.
You will see a message prompting you to Update WordPress Database.

Click the update button to align the database with the downgraded core files.

9. Verify the Downgrade

Click Continue and log in to the dashboard.
Your WordPress site is now successfully downgraded.

After logging in:

• Reactivate plugins one by one

• Check site functionality

• Test theme compatibility

Post-Downgrade Best Practices

• Monitor performance and error logs

• Re-enable plugins carefully

• Plan a future upgrade path once compatibility issues are resolved

• Rely on a reliable dedicated support team for critical server-level changes
  Learn more about how to prevent .htaccess hacks in WordPress

FAQs

1. Why would I need to downgrade my WordPress version?

You may need to downgrade WordPress if a recent update causes plugin conflicts, theme compatibility issues, performance problems, or unexpected errors.

2. Is it safe to downgrade WordPress?

Yes, but only if done carefully. Always take a full backup and follow proper steps, as using older versions for long periods can expose your site to security risks.

3. Will downgrading WordPress affect my content?

No. Your content (posts, pages, media) is stored in the database and the wp-content folder, which remains untouched during the downgrade process.

4. Do I need to deactivate plugins before downgrading?

Yes. Deactivating plugins helps prevent compatibility issues and errors during the downgrade process.

5. What should I do after downgrading WordPress?

After downgrading:

• Reactivate plugins one by one
• Test your website functionality
• Monitor performance and errors
• Plan to upgrade again once issues are resolved

Need Expert Help?

Downgrading WordPress on production websites should be done with caution.
If you require assistance, contact SupportPRO Server Admin for professional server and WordPress management support.