WP Speed Guide 2026
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Server 8 min Updated 2026

Upgrading PHP Versions Safely

Boost performance and security by running the latest supported PHP version.

Upgrading PHP Versions Safely

WordPress runs on PHP. Like any software, PHP has versions. Newer versions are faster and more secure. Running an old version of PHP (like 7.4 or 8.0) is like running Windows 7 in 2026—dangerous and slow.

Why Upgrade to PHP 8.3+?

  • Performance: PHP 8.3 can handle up to 3x more requests per second than PHP 5.6, and 15% more than PHP 8.1.
  • Security: Older versions no longer receive security patches.
  • Compatibility: Modern plugins require modern PHP.

Step 1: Check Your Current Version

  1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
  2. Tools > Site Health.
  3. Click on the Info tab.
  4. Expand the Server section.
  5. Look for PHP version.

If it says anything lower than 8.2, you need to upgrade.

Step 2: Backup Your Site

Upgrading PHP can break your site if you have old, incompatible plugins.

ALWAYS BACKUP FIRST.

Step 3: Update Everything Else

Before touching the server, ensure your WordPress core, themes, and plugins are all updated to their latest versions. Developers release updates to make their code compatible with new PHP versions.

Step 4: Changing the Version in Hosting

This varies by host, but the process is generally similar.

cPanel

  1. Log in to cPanel.
  2. Search for MultiPHP Manager or Select PHP Version.
  3. Select your domain.
  4. Choose PHP 8.3 (or the latest stable version available) from the dropdown.
  5. Click Apply.

Managed Hosting (Kinsta/WP Engine/Flywheel)

  1. Go to your site dashboard.
  2. Look for PHP Version in the settings.
  3. Click Edit or Change.
  4. Select the new version.

Step 5: Testing

  1. Visit your site.
  2. Click around. Does the homepage load? Do posts load?
  3. Check your contact forms.
  4. Log in to the admin area.

If the site breaks:

  1. Don't panic.
  2. Go back to your hosting panel.
  3. Downgrade back to the previous PHP version.
  4. Your site will come back online instantly.
  5. Check your error logs to see which plugin caused the crash.

Conclusion

Keeping PHP updated is one of the easiest "set it and forget it" performance wins. Do this once a year, and your site will stay fast and secure.

Next, we will look at Plugin Auditing, removing the heavyweights that drag your site down.