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The WordPress team has officially released WordPress 6.8 Release Candidate 1 (RC1), bringing us closer to the final version of WordPress 6.8! This means WordPress 6.8 is almost ready, but before the final release, the developers need your help in testing it.

Discover What’s New in WordPress 6.8 RC1 and How You Can Help Shape the Final Release

If you’re a WordPress user, website owner, developer, or even someone new to WordPress, this is your chance to try out the new features before they go live.

Testing this version helps make sure that everything runs smoothly when the official update arrives. Whether you manage a blog, an eCommerce store, or a business website, testing ensures that your site is ready for the new version.

What is a Release Candidate?

A Release Candidate (RC) is the final stage of testing before the full release. It includes all the new features and fixes planned for WordPress 6.8, but it still needs feedback from users to catch any last-minute issues.

This stage is crucial because:

  • It allows developers and website owners to test their themes and plugins.
  • It helps find and fix bugs before the final release.
  • It ensures that WordPress 6.8 is stable and ready for millions of users.

What’s New in WordPress 6.8 RC1?

WordPress 6.8 comes with exciting new features and improvements. Let’s take a look at what’s included in this update.

1. Improved Block Editor Experience

The Block Editor (Gutenberg) has received several enhancements to make creating and managing content even easier.

  • Better Layout Options – More flexibility in arranging content blocks.
  • Improved Navigation Block – Makes it easier to customize site menus.
  • New Design Tools – Added styling options for better control over the look of your site.

If you love using the WordPress editor to design pages and posts, you’ll appreciate these updates!

2. Performance Improvements

WordPress 6.8 focuses on making your website faster and more efficient.

  • Optimized Load Times – Your site will load faster, improving user experience.
  • Efficient Database Queries – Improves how WordPress handles data, making sites run smoother.
  • Reduced Server Load – Helps websites perform better, even on shared hosting.

This is great news for site owners who want better speed without needing extra plugins.

3. Accessibility Enhancements

WordPress continues to improve accessibility, making sure that all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate and use websites easily.

  • Better Keyboard Navigation – Improved navigation for users who rely on keyboards.
  • Screen Reader Support – Enhancements to help visually impaired users interact with content.
  • More Readable Design – Small but impactful changes to improve readability and usability.


These updates ensure that WordPress remains inclusive for all users.

4. Developer-Friendly Updates

For developers, WordPress 6.8 introduces new tools and improvements:

  • Updated APIs – More powerful and flexible APIs for custom development.
  • New Hooks & Filters – Provides developers with more ways to customize WordPress.
  • Enhanced Block Theme Support – More options for theme developers to create advanced designs.

If you’re a developer working with WordPress themes and plugins, this update gives you more tools to build with.

5. Security and Bug Fixes

  • Security Patches – Ensures a safer and more reliable WordPress experience.
  • Bug Fixes – Resolves issues reported in previous versions, improving overall stability.

Keeping your site updated with the latest version helps protect it from vulnerabilities.

How to Test WordPress 6.8 RC1

If you want to try out WordPress 6.8 RC1, follow these steps:

Option 1: Use the WordPress Beta Tester Plugin

Install the WordPress Beta Tester plugin from the Plugin Directory.

Go to Tools > Beta Testing and select the “Release Candidate” option.

Click Update to WordPress 6.8 RC1.

Option 2: Download the ZIP File

Visit WordPress.org.

Download the WordPress 6.8 RC1 ZIP file.

Install it on a test site (not your live website).

Option 3: Option 3: Use a Local Testing Environment

If you don’t want to risk testing on a live site, you can use a tool like LocalWP, XAMPP, or DevKinsta to create a test environment on your computer.

Why Should You Test WordPress 6.8 RC1?

Testing helps ensure that the final release is stable, compatible, and free of major issues. Here’s why you should test:

  • Check Plugin & Theme Compatibility – Ensure your website runs smoothly with WordPress 6.8.
  • Give Feedback to Improve WordPress – Help developers find and fix issues.
  • Prepare for the Official Release – Be ready for the update before it goes live.

When Will WordPress 6.8 Be Officially Released?

If no critical issues are found, the final version of WordPress 6.8 will be released on July 16, 2024. That means you have a few weeks to test it and report any issues.

What to Do If You Find a Bug?

If you encounter any issues while testing, here’s how you can report them:

  • Post your findings on the WordPress Support Forums – https://wordpress.org/support/
  • Submit a bug report to WordPress Core Trac – https://core.trac.wordpress.org/
  • Share feedback in the WordPress Slack Community if you’re a developer.

Every report helps improve WordPress for millions of users worldwide!

Final Thoughts

WordPress 6.8 Release Candidate 1 is a big step toward the next major update. With improvements in performance, accessibility, and security, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic release.

  • If you’re a website owner, test it to ensure your plugins and themes work correctly.
  • If you’re a developer, explore the new features and make sure your projects are compatible.
  • If you love WordPress, this is your chance to contribute and make it even better!

Don’t wait—download WordPress 6.8 RC1 today and be part of the journey toward the final release!

Download WordPress 6.8 RC1 Now

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