How to Test WordPress 7.1 RC1 Before Updating a Production Site
WordPress 7.1 reached Release Candidate 1 on August 5, making this the right stage to test themes, plugins, editing workflows, and custom code in staging before final release.
How to Test WordPress 7.1 RC1 Before Updating a Production Site
WordPress 7.1 reached Release Candidate 1 on August 5, 2026, with the final release still planned for August 19. An RC is a good stage for compatibility testing, but it is not a reason to install the build directly on a critical production website.
1. Create a staging copy
Clone the site into a separate environment that matches the production theme, plugins, PHP version, and server configuration as closely as possible. Take a backup first.
2. Test critical workflows
Check login, publishing, media uploads, forms, search, and payment flows if applicable. For stores or membership sites, test a complete user journey.
3. Watch theme and plugin compatibility
Enable appropriate error logging and review the browser console for PHP or JavaScript warnings. If something fails, record the reproduction steps and exact versions.
The purpose of RC1 testing is to discover compatibility problems early so the eventual production upgrade is safer.