How to Check Your WordPress Version

Why Your WordPress Version Matters

Understanding which version of WordPress your website runs is fundamental to maintaining a secure and performant site. This guide covers every method available to check your WordPress version, from simple dashboard methods to advanced command-line approaches.

The Security Imperative

Security vulnerabilities in outdated WordPress installations are one of the most common attack vectors for websites. Approximately 49% of hacked WordPress websites were running outdated versions when compromised. WordPress regularly releases updates that patch security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and introduce performance improvements.

Understanding WordPress Versioning

The WordPress versioning system uses a three-part major.minor.patch format. Major releases like 6.0 or 6.8 introduce significant new features and changes to the platform. Minor releases typically include security patches and bug fixes, while patch releases address specific issues discovered after the initial launch.

For site owners looking to maintain optimal performance, working with professional web development services ensures your WordPress installation stays current and secure. According to Kinsta's security research, understanding your version helps you make informed decisions about maintaining site security and ensuring plugin compatibility.

Cloudways provides comprehensive guidance on version management and upgrade procedures for WordPress installations.

Check Your WordPress Version from the Dashboard

Method 1: Dashboard Footer

The simplest way to check your WordPress version requires no technical expertise. When logged into your WordPress admin area, scroll to the bottom of any dashboard page. The version number appears in the footer, typically displayed as something like "Powered by WordPress [version number]". This method works on virtually all WordPress installations and provides immediate access to version information.

Method 2: At a Glance Widget

Upon logging into the WordPress admin dashboard, the default Home page displays the "At a Glance" widget in the top-left corner. This widget shows site statistics including the number of posts, pages, and comments, along with the currently installed WordPress version. The widget provides a quick overview of your site's status and version in one glance.

Method 3: About WordPress Screen

Navigate to the WordPress logo in the top-left corner of your admin dashboard and hover over it to reveal the dropdown menu. Click "About WordPress" to access information about your current version. This screen provides detailed information about your WordPress installation, including release notes and upgrade prompts if you're not running the latest version.

Method 4: Updates Screen

Visit Dashboard > Updates to see if your WordPress installation is current. If you're running an outdated version, you'll see a prominent notification prompting you to update. Even if you're current, this screen confirms your version status.

Jetpack's dashboard guide covers these methods in detail with screenshots and additional tips for version identification.

Kinsta's WordPress guide provides technical context for why each method works and when to use each approach.

Check WordPress Version Without Dashboard Access

Method 5: View Page Source

When you cannot access the WordPress admin area, viewing the page source reveals version information. Right-click on any page of your website and select "View Page Source" or "View Source" from the browser menu. Press Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) and search for "generator" or "?ver=". The generator meta tag often contains the WordPress version, though some sites hide this information for security purposes.

Method 6: RSS Feed

Access the site's RSS feed by adding "/feed" to the end of any WordPress site URL. View the source of this page and search for the "generator" tag, which typically displays the WordPress version number in the format "https://wordpress.org/?v=x.x.x". This approach works even when other methods fail and provides a reliable alternative for version detection.

Method 7: Readme.html File

Older WordPress installations include version information in the readme.html file accessible at yoursite.com/readme.html. However, modern WordPress versions no longer expose version information through this method. This method primarily works for identifying outdated installations that haven't been updated in some time.

Maintaining visibility into your site's technical health through regular audits is essential for SEO performance. According to Kinsta's version guide, these frontend methods are essential when you need to check a site's version without admin access.

Jetpack's version check documentation provides additional context for when each frontend method is most effective.

Advanced Methods for Developers

Method 8: Access version.php File

The most technically accurate method involves directly accessing the version.php file in your WordPress installation. Navigate to wp-includes/version.php via FTP, cPanel File Manager, or WP-CLI. The file contains a variable $wp_version that defines the exact version number. This approach bypasses any frontend hiding mechanisms and provides the authoritative version as stored in the installation.

// Located in wp-includes/version.php
$wp_version = '6.8'; // Your exact version number

Method 9: WP-CLI Command

For developers comfortable with command-line tools, WordPress Command Line Interface (WP-CLI) provides a straightforward command. After connecting to your server via SSH, navigate to your WordPress directory and run:

wp core version

This returns the version number instantly and works on any WordPress installation with WP-CLI installed. Additional useful commands include:

wp core version --extra # Shows additional version details
wp core check-update # Checks for available updates

For teams managing multiple WordPress sites, implementing AI-powered automation can streamline version tracking and update workflows across your entire portfolio. Kinsta's developer guide provides detailed walkthroughs for these technical methods and explains the advantages of each approach.

According to Kinsta's command-line guide, WP-CLI is the preferred method for developers managing multiple WordPress sites efficiently.

Security Considerations

Why Version Information Matters

Hackers actively scan websites for known vulnerabilities in specific WordPress versions. When a security vulnerability is discovered and patched, the information becomes public, making outdated sites immediate targets. Understanding your version enables proactive security management and helps you respond quickly when critical updates are released.

Hiding Version Information

While not a substitute for keeping WordPress updated, hiding version information adds a layer of security through obscurity. Webmasters can remove version details from the page source, RSS feeds, and generator meta tags using code snippets in functions.php or security plugins:

// Remove WordPress version from head
remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');

// Remove version from RSS feeds
add_filter('the_generator', '__return_empty_string');

// Remove version from script and style URLs
function remove_version_from_resources($src) {
 if (strpos($src, 'ver=')) {
 $src = remove_query_arg('ver', $src);
 }
 return $src;
}
add_filter('style_loader_src', 'remove_version_from_resources');
add_filter('script_loader_src', 'remove_version_from_resources');

This prevents casual scanning but determined attackers can still identify the version through other means.

Maintaining Update Awareness

Enable automatic updates for minor releases and security patches to ensure your site stays protected without manual intervention. Major feature releases should be tested in a staging environment before applying to production sites. Regular monitoring of your WordPress version, combined with automated update management, creates a robust security posture.

Kinsta's security overview emphasizes that regular version awareness is a critical component of WordPress security best practices.

Cloudways update recommendations provide guidance on configuring automatic updates for optimal security without manual intervention.

Summary

Checking your WordPress version is straightforward with multiple methods available depending on your access level and technical comfort:

• Dashboard Methods: Best for administrators with backend access - footer, At a Glance widget, About WordPress screen, and Updates screen
• Frontend Methods: Useful when you cannot access the admin - page source, RSS feed, and readme.html
• Developer Methods: Most accurate for technical users - version.php file access and WP-CLI commands

Regular version awareness combined with automated update management forms the foundation of WordPress security best practices. Understanding your version helps you make informed decisions about plugin compatibility, theme updates, and security maintenance.

Sources

1. Jetpack: How to Check Your WordPress Version
2. Cloudways: WordPress Version Guide
3. Kinsta: Check WordPress Version