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WordPress version

The WordPress version is the release of WordPress itself that your site runs, the part that’s the same on every WordPress site. Plugins and themes have version numbers of their own.

Why it matters

Section titled “Why it matters”

Each release brings fixes, and some fix security problems. WordPress officially supports only the latest version; older releases get security fixes only as long as the security team chooses to provide them. A site that stays on an old release misses fixes for problems that are publicly known.

The version also decides which features are available and which plugins and themes run. Plugins state the oldest WordPress version they need, and the newest one their authors tested with; see “Tested up to”.

Version numbers have two parts that count: a release like 7.1 brings new features, a release like 7.1.3 brings fixes for it.

What influences it

Section titled “What influences it”

WordPress: Since WordPress 3.7, minor releases with fixes and security updates install themselves in the background on most sites. Major releases with new features need a click in the dashboard, unless automatic updates for them are switched on. The most common reason for an outdated version is a site where nobody takes that step, or where automatic updates were turned off.

Server: Updates need write access to the WordPress files. Some hosting providers manage updates themselves and roll them out on their own schedule. New WordPress releases can also require a newer PHP version or database than the server has.

In Permo

Section titled “In Permo”

The WordPress version card is in System info, tab WordPress. It shows the version your site runs.

  • Yellow when WordPress knows of a newer release. The card names it, with a link to the updates screen.
  • Green with Up to date when WordPress has checked and found nothing newer.
  • No color with WordPress hasn’t checked for updates yet.

The information comes from WordPress’s own update check. Under Changes, System info records each update.

Reference values

Section titled “Reference values”

WordPress.org lists only the most recent release in the current branch as safe to use and actively maintained; which release that is, is listed on its releases page (source: wordpress.org, Releases, accessed October 16, 2026).

Section titled “Related”

Sources