How to Find Out What Version of WordPress Your Site Is Running

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Knowing the WordPress version your site is running is important for security, plugin compatibility, and troubleshooting issues. As a WordPress developer, I always check the version before installing new plugins or performing updates. Here’s how you can quickly find out your WordPress version.

1. Check from the WordPress Dashboard

The easiest way to find your WordPress version is through the dashboard:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
2. Look at the “At a Glance” widget on the homepage of the dashboard. Your WordPress version will be displayed there, usually under “WordPress.”

You can also scroll to the bottom of any admin page. The version number is often shown in the footer.

2. Check via the “Updates” Section

WordPress also lists your current version in the Updates page:

1. Go to Dashboard > Updates.
2. The page will show your current WordPress version and whether an update is available.

This is useful because it also lets you see if your site is running the latest version.

3. Check the Version in the Source Code

If you cannot access the admin panel, you can check the WordPress version from the front end:

1. Open your website in a browser.
2. Right-click and select View Page Source.
3. Search for generator or wp-. You may find a line like:

<meta name="generator" content="WordPress 6.5.1" />

This meta tag often shows the WordPress version being used. Note that some security plugins hide this information, so it might not always appear.

4. Check Using wp-includes/version.php

For advanced users with file access:

1. Access your WordPress files via FTP or hosting control panel.
2. Open the file wp-includes/version.php.
3. Look for the line: $wp_version

This line tells you the exact version of WordPress installed.

5. Use a Plugin

There are also plugins that show the WordPress version along with other site information. Plugins like WP-ServerInfo or Site Health Info can display your WordPress version along with PHP version, database version, and more.

Why Knowing Your WordPress Version Matters

It is important to know what WordPress version you are using and there are several important reasons to know it.

• Security: Running an outdated WordPress version can leave your site vulnerable to attacks.
• Plugin and Theme Compatibility: Some plugins or themes require a specific WordPress version.
• Troubleshooting: When fixing issues, knowing the WordPress version helps identify potential causes.

Conclusion

Finding out which version of WordPress your site is running is simple, whether from the dashboard, source code, files, or using a plugin. Regularly checking your WordPress version ensures your site remains secure and compatible with themes and plugins.