Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

Downloading Old Versions of WordPress

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) on the market today. It has undergone a lot of changes and improvements since its inception in 2003. However, some users may want to use older versions of WordPress for various reasons. For example, they might prefer an older version's interface, or their site may not be compatible with the latest version.

If you are looking to download an older version of WordPress, it can be a bit tricky to locate the appropriate files. But with the right steps, it can be done.

Step 1: Locate the old version archive

WordPress keeps an archive of all previous releases on its website. To access it, go to https://wordpress.org/download/releases/. This page will show you all the previous versions of WordPress that are available. From there, select the appropriate version you wish to download.

Step 2: Download the version you want

Once you have selected the version you want, click on the download button, and then save the file to your computer. The file will be downloaded as a .zip file.

Step 3: Backup your site

Before you install an old version of WordPress, it's essential to back up your site. This will ensure that if anything goes wrong during the installation process, you won't lose any data. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to backup your site.

Step 4: Install the old version of WordPress

To install the old version of WordPress, you will need to follow the same steps as you would for installing the latest version. First, extract the .zip file you downloaded in step 2. Then, upload the extracted files to your server. Once the files are uploaded, create a new database and update the wp-config.php file with the correct database credentials.

Step 5: Test the site

After you have installed the old version of WordPress, it's a good idea to test your site thoroughly. Make sure that all your plugins and customizations are still working correctly. If everything looks good, then you're all set.

In conclusion, downloading an old version of WordPress can be an easy process if you follow the steps outlined above. Keep in mind that using old versions of WordPress might pose a security threat, and it's essential to keep your site updated with the latest version.