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Updates usually keep our mobile, laptop, social media or our websites safe. Old versions of software may cause problems with security and prevent us from maintaining the latest improvements. The consequences can be slower performances, and features that stop working.
Upgrading to a relatively risk-free version is the main reason for updates, including WordPress.
However at times, the update can be inconvenient, slow us down and may even appear to sabotage our website. Usually, though, it is not the update that is actually interfering with the website..
So we need to know what to do, and in this case the best way to fix the safety problem is to temporarily downgrade WordPress to a previous version.
When we know why our website stops working as it should, we will understand the logic of rolling back WordPress.
The causes of this problem are usually:
If WordPress's core code is causing problems or our theme is incompatible, to secure the website, it is best to downgrade WordPress in order to protect the WordPress Core, the content files, and the database.
After the problems are fixed you can reinstall the updated version to have a refreshed core and updatable plugins and themes.
The security patches that come with the upgrade will restore the website’s performance, its functions and keep it safe.
If the theme or the WordPress Core is causing trouble, it’s wise to temporarily downgrade WordPress to the previous version. You can accept the newest WordPress version when the bug is fixed.
It’s recommended to disable automatic updates when you’ve finished, to prevent WordPress from installing another version. In the wp-config.php file add:
“define( 'AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true );”
WordPress rollback plugin and WordPress downgrade plugin are not the same thing.
WordPress rollback plugin (or WP rollback plugin) fixes problems with plugins and looks for an older version of a WordPress plugin to use or reverts a WordPress theme to previous action. It has nothing to do with downgrading your WordPress website or rolling back a WordPress update. The WP Downgrade plugin is used for that.
If it is possible to access the admin panel, the WP downgrade plugin will easily perform the downgrade.
The plugin uses the WordPress update routine, but forces an update for a specified WordPress release instead of updating to the new version.
It is very important to have the latest version of WordPress to protect your website from hackers and other vulnerabilities. However if there is a problem with the plugin or theme incompatibility or the WordPress core, it is important to know how to downgrade WordPress for a temporary fix, then upgrade again once the problems are solved.
Always remember to back up your WordPress website before making any changes.
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