Sometimes after updating WordPress, your website breaks or plugins stop working. Don’t worry — you can easily downgrade WordPress manually. Here’s a simple guide showing exactly which files to delete and which to upload from the old version.
📦 Step-by-Step Guide to Downgrade WordPress Manually
✅ Step 1: Backup Your Site
Before doing anything:
Backup your database
Backup your
/wp-content/folderBackup
wp-config.php
Use tools like UpdraftPlus or manually do it via FTP.
✅ Step 2: Download the Old WordPress Version
Go to the WordPress Release Archive and download the version you want. For example, WordPress 6.4.3.
Unzip the downloaded file on your computer.
✅ Step 3: Delete These Files from Your Server
Using FTP or File Manager, delete the following from your WordPress root directory:
🗑 Delete These Folders:
🗑 Delete These Files (in root):
index.phpwp-activate.phpwp-blog-header.phpwp-comments-post.phpwp-cron.phpwp-links-opml.phpwp-load.phpwp-login.phpwp-mail.phpwp-settings.phpwp-signup.phpwp-trackback.phpxmlrpc.phplicense.txtreadme.htmlwp-config-sample.php
🔒 Do NOT delete:
wp-config.php✅/wp-content/folder ✅.htaccess,robots.txt(if you have them) ✅
✅ Step 4: Upload Old Version Files
From the old WordPress version you downloaded:
Upload the entire
/wp-admin/and/wp-includes/foldersUpload all other files (except
wp-content/)
This will overwrite your core files with the older version.
✅ Step 5: Run the Database Upgrade Script (Optional)
Go to:https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/upgrade.php
If required, WordPress will ask to update the database. Click the button.
✅ Step 6: Disable Future Auto Updates (Recommended)
Edit wp-config.php and add:
🔚 Done!
You’ve successfully downgraded WordPress. Test your site, re-enable plugins, and everything should work as before.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you’re not comfortable doing this manually, try the WP Downgrade Plugin.
