How to install WordPress beta versions

The following steps show up to install future release versions of WordPress.

This is usually done for testing purposes and should never be done on a production WordPress site.

If you need a test WordPress site see How to setup a local development environment using Local by Flywheel.

  1. Log into the WordPress administration (wp-admin)
  2. Go to Plugins -> Add new
  3. Search for WordPress Beta Tester
  4. When it appears, install and activate it
  5. Once installed, go to Dashboard -> Updates
  6. The ‘Update Now’ button will be available – click on it to install the latest beta version

How to install bleeding edge updates

By default this plugin will install ‘point release nightlies’ – which are the next future update.

To install the next major version you’ll need to change it to install ‘bleeding edge nightlies’.

  1. Go to Tools -> Beta Testing
  2. Select ‘Bleeding edge nightlies’ and click ‘Save Changes’
  3. Installing updates will now install the next major version.