WP Retro Version Manager – Retro Themes and Plugins

Description

WP Retro Version Manager – Retro Themes and Plugins simplifies managing WordPress plugin and theme versions. Whether you need to downgrade a plugin like wordpress-seo or a theme like twentytwenty due to compatibility issues, this tool lets you search, download, or install specific versions directly from the WordPress.org repository.

Key Features:

  • Search Plugin and Theme Versions: Enter a plugin or theme slug (e.g., wordpress-seo, twentytwenty) to view all available versions. The installed version (if any) is shown at the top.
  • Install Older Versions: Install any version with one click, provided it is not already installed.
  • Download ZIP Files: Save plugin or theme ZIPs for manual installation or backups.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Clean, modern design with clear instructions.
  • Safe and Secure: Uses WordPress core APIs for reliable downloads and installations.

Important Note:
If a plugin or theme is already installed, you must manually deactivate and delete it from the Plugins or Themes page before installing a different version. Some themes like bundled ones (e.g., twentytwenty) may have limited version history.

External Services

This plugin uses official WordPress APIs to fetch plugin and theme data.

WordPress.org Plugin API
– Purpose: Fetch plugin version info.
– Data sent: Plugin slug (e.g., wordpress-seo).
– When: On user request during version search.
– Terms: https://wordpress.org/about/terms/
– Privacy: https://wordpress.org/about/privacy/

WordPress.org Theme API
– Purpose: Fetch theme version info.
– Data sent: Theme slug (e.g., twentytwenty).
– When: On user request during version search.
– Terms: https://wordpress.org/about/terms/
– Privacy: https://wordpress.org/about/privacy/

Support

If you find this plugin helpful, Buy Me a Coffee to support development, or report issues via the WordPress.org support forum.

Screenshots

  • Admin Interface – Search plugin or theme versions with a clean design.
  • Version List – View available versions with options to install or download.
  • Success Notice – Confirmation after installing a version with activation instructions.

Installation

  1. Upload the retro-version-manager folder to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
  2. Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress.
  3. Navigate to Tools > Retro Version Manager in your dashboard.
  4. Select whether to search for a plugin or theme, enter the slug (e.g., wordpress-seo, twentytwenty), and search versions.
  5. Install or download as needed.
  6. If the plugin or theme is already installed, deactivate and delete it before installing a different version.

FAQ

Can I downgrade any WordPress plugin or theme?

Yes, as long as it’s hosted on WordPress.org and has older versions available. Some themes (like twentytwenty) may have limited version history. Older versions may be available in the WordPress core SVN: https://core.svn.wordpress.org/tags/

Will installing a new version replace the old one?

No. You must manually deactivate and delete the existing plugin or theme before installing another version.

Is it safe to downgrade plugins or themes?

It can solve compatibility issues but may introduce vulnerabilities. Always back up your site first.

Can I download plugin or theme versions without installing?

Yes! Use the “Download ZIP” option to save a version for manual installation or backup.

How do I know which version is installed?

The currently installed version appears at the top when you search for a plugin or theme.

Reviews

There are no reviews for this plugin.

Contributors & Developers

“WP Retro Version Manager – Retro Themes and Plugins” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.

Contributors

Changelog

1.0.4

  • Added theme version management.
  • UI toggle for plugin/theme selection.
  • Secure theme installation logic added.
  • Improved handling of bundled themes.
  • Enhanced error messages and download timeout handling.
  • Caching added for faster performance.
  • Improved error logging.

1.0.3

  • Addressed WordPress.org review feedback.
  • All outputs properly escaped.
  • JavaScript URL and dialog visibility fixed.

1.0.2

  • Removed usage of WP_PLUGIN_DIR/WP_CONTENT_DIR, used plugin_dir_path().
  • Removed automatic plugin deactivation/deletion – manual action required.
  • Removed debug logging.
  • Added nonce and permission checks.
  • UI updated for clarity.

1.0.1

  • Fixed security issues.
  • Improved nonce and input validation.
  • Removed unused translation loading.
  • Updated internal prefixes for uniqueness.

1.0.0

  • Initial release.
  • Plugin version search, install, and download support.
  • Currently installed version shown at top.