Core Rollback: Easy WordPress Core Downgrade Plugin

Core Rollback is a free, lightweight WordPress plugin created by Andy Fragen that allows site owners to safely roll back the WordPress core to the latest release or any previous secure, outdated version. It uses the official Core Update API and built-in update methods to make downgrading simple when a new update causes compatibility issues, bugs, or other problems. This tool is especially useful for developers, site admins, and users who need to revert quickly without manual file uploads or complex commands. With over 10,000 active installations and a 4.7-star rating, it’s a trusted option in the WordPress community.

The plugin adds a straightforward interface under the Tools menu (or Settings in multisite setups). You select a version from a dropdown of available secure releases, click Rollback, and it redirects you to the standard update-core.php page to complete the reinstall. It respects your site’s current locale and only shows versions that are still considered secure by WordPress. Note that major downgrades can break your site due to plugin/theme incompatibilities, changes in password hashing, or other core updates, so always back up first and use at your own risk.

Key features of Core Rollback include:

• Seamless rollback to the latest WordPress core version or any outdated but secure release
• Uses official Core Update API and core update methods for reliable downgrades
• Simple dropdown selection of available versions in the Tools > Rollback Core menu
• Redirects to update-core.php for easy Re-install button completion
• Supports current site locale during rollback process
• Limits options to secure releases only, avoiding truly deprecated or insecure versions
• PHP version compatibility checks in newer releases to prevent unsuitable downgrades
• Lightweight with no performance impact on your site
• Open source on GitHub, welcoming contributions and pull requests
• Regularly updated for compatibility with the latest WordPress versions (tested up to 6.9+)

Installation is quick: search for “Core Rollback” in your WordPress dashboard under Plugins > Add New, install, and activate. Then head to Tools > Rollback Core to get started. It requires WordPress 4.1+ and PHP 5.6+, making it compatible with most setups. The plugin was last updated in late 2025 and continues to receive improvements for better transient handling and hardening.

In short, Core Rollback is a must-have safety net for anyone managing WordPress sites. It provides a clean, official-way solution to downgrade core when needed, helping avoid downtime or forcing manual fixes. If you’ve ever faced issues after a core update, this plugin makes recovery much easier and faster.