# How to Find Your WordPress and WooCommerce Versions: A Beginner’s Guide
Knowing your WordPress and WooCommerce versions is crucial for security updates, plugin compatibility, and troubleshooting. Outdated software leaves your website vulnerable to hacks and malfunctions. This simple guide shows you exactly how to find this information, even if you’re a complete newbie.
Why Knowing Your Versions Matters
Imagine this: you’ve found a fantastic new plugin to boost your online store. You excitedly install it, only to find your website crashes. Why? The plugin might not be compatible with your outdated WooCommerce version. Knowing your versions helps you avoid these headaches.
Similarly, security vulnerabilities are constantly discovered in older versions of WordPress and WooCommerce. Regular updates patch these holes, protecting your website and customer data. Knowing your versions allows you to proactively address these vulnerabilities.
Finding Your WordPress Version
There are several ways to find your WordPress version:
Method 1: The WordPress Admin Dashboard
This is the easiest and fastest method:
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Look at the bottom-left corner of your dashboard. You should see the WordPress version number clearly displayed, something like “WordPress 6.3”.
This is usually the most reliable way to check. If you don’t see it, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, then reloading the page.
Method 2: Using the `wp-admin/` directory
If you have direct access to your website’s files (via FTP or your hosting control panel), you can also find your version in a file:
1. Access your website’s files.
2. Navigate to the `/wp-includes/` directory.
3. Open the `version.php` file. This file contains your WordPress version number in a line that looks like this:
<?php /**
- WordPress version
- * @package WordPress
/
* Version number of WordPress
*/
$wp_version = ‘6.3’; //this is an example, your version will be different
This method works even if your WordPress dashboard is inaccessible.
Finding Your WooCommerce Version
Similarly, there are several ways to locate your WooCommerce version:
Method 1: The WooCommerce Admin Page
This is the most straightforward method:
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to WooCommerce > Status.
3. Under the “WooCommerce” section, you’ll find your WooCommerce version displayed. This will look similar to “WooCommerce 7.0.0”.
Method 2: Checking the Plugin Page
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins.
3. Locate the WooCommerce plugin in the list. Hover over it to see the version number – it’s usually displayed as a small text under the plugin name.
Method 3: Using the Database (Advanced Users Only)
For advanced users comfortable with databases, you can find the WooCommerce version within the database. This method is less user-friendly and generally not necessary.
Important Note: Always back up your website before making any significant changes, including updates. This protects your website from potential data loss during the update process.
Keeping Your WordPress and WooCommerce Up-to-Date
Regularly checking and updating your WordPress and WooCommerce versions is vital for maintaining a secure and functional website. Use the methods above to easily track your versions and ensure you are always running the latest releases. Remember to always back up your site before updating. This simple preventative measure can save you from potential disaster.
