WordPress 7.0 Beta 5 released for testing

WordPress 7.0 Beta 5 is now available for download and testing. As this version is still in development, it is important to note that it should not be installed on production or mission-critical websites. Instead, users are encouraged to test Beta 5 on a separate test server or site.

There are several methods to test WordPress 7.0 Beta 5:

• Plugin: Install and activate the WordPress Beta Tester plugin on your WordPress site. Be sure to select the “Bleeding edge” channel and the “Beta/RC Only” stream.
• Direct Download: Download the Beta 5 version as a zip file and install it on your WordPress website.
• Command Line: Utilize the WP-CLI command: wp core update --version=7.0-beta5.
• WordPress Playground: Test the software directly in your browser using the WordPress Playground, which requires no setup.

The final release of WordPress 7.0 is scheduled for April 9, 2026. You can find the complete release schedule on the official website. Community input is crucial for testing Beta and Release Candidate (RC) versions, ensuring that the final release is stable and robust. Thank you to all who contribute to the testing process!

For ongoing updates related to WordPress 7.0, please visit the Make WordPress Core blog. You can also refer to the announcements for Beta 1, Beta 2, Beta 3, and Beta 4 for additional details and features.

Testing the WordPress 7.0 Beta 5 version is essential for refining the release. While evaluating the upgrade process is vital, exploring new features is equally important. A comprehensive guide is available to assist with testing the features in this version.

If you come across any issues, report them in the Alpha/Beta section of the support forums or directly on WordPress Trac if you can provide a reproducible bug report. You can also check your issues against a list of known bugs. For those interested in testing releases, follow the initiatives in Make Core and join the #core-test channel on the Making WordPress Slack.

WordPress 7.0 Beta 5 includes over 101 updates and fixes since the Beta 3 release. Each beta cycle primarily focuses on addressing bugs, and further fixes will continue to roll out with community assistance.

One of the notable new features in Beta 5 is the Command Palette shortcut in the Omnibar, which allows users to access all necessary tools with a single click. Logged-in editors will notice a field with a ⌘K or Ctrl+K symbol in the upper admin bar, which opens the command palette for easier navigation and customization across the site.