Some will ask: Why will anyone need that?
- Hosting environment conflict with a newer version of WordPress
- Theme/plugins conflicts
- Vulnerability on WordPress core still not patched
There are 3 ways to handle that.
Always make a backup before trying any of these options.
#1 By using WP Downgrade plugin
WP Downgrade helps lock upgrades and downgrades to a specific WP version.
Here is how you need to proceed:
- Go to Settings > WP Downgrade settings page.
- Set the WordPress target version (you can use the WordPress releases page to find the correct version number).
- Hit Save Changes.
Now, WordPress’s core updating system will suggest you upgrade/downgrade to the specific version you did set on the previous step.
If no message shows up, you can go to Dashboard> Updates and proceed with the upgrade/downgrade.
#2 By using WP CLI
If your hosting service has WP CLI enabled or uses a VPS, you do the desired upgrade/downgrade using the command line.
Assuming WP CLI is already installed, to update or downgrade, use the following command:
wp core update --version=4.9.10 --force
Replace the version with your target version.
#3 By manually replace core files
This will require access to the website’s directory through FTP.
All you have to do is:
- Download which version of WordPress you want to use from WordPress official releases page.
- Unzip on your desktop.
- Remove the following files and folders: wp-content, wp-config-sample.php.
- Connect to your website through FTP and upload all the remaining files.