WordPress 6.6.2 has arrived, and it’s packed with 26 bug fixes to make our WordPress journey even better!

This minor release aims to improve both the core platform and the block editor. These updates will play a vital role in running your website smoothly.

In this release, you’ll find 15 fixes in WordPress core and 11 in the block editor. These updates tackle issues ranging from layout problems to improving the editor’s functionality.

Let’s dive in and see what’s new!

Core Bug Fixes in WordPress 6.6.2

WordPress 6.6.2 release addresses various core issues, especially those that were causing frustration for many WordPress lovers like us.

Here are some of the key fixes you should know about:

• CSS Specificity Fixes: Many users noticed that after upgrading to WordPress 6.6, some frontend layouts weren’t displaying as intended. This was due to CSS specificity issues. If you were one of those who reverted back to version 6.5, this update should resolve that.

• Button Block Outline Style: There was an issue where setting the Button block to outline style caused conflicts in the CSS output order. WordPress 6.6.2 has fixed this, ensuring your buttons look just the way they should.

• Global Styles Improvements: Another important fix addresses empty CSS rules and malformed selectors in custom CSS for blocks. This will help prevent styling issues across your site.

• Template Renaming Bug: If you’ve experienced template content being wiped out when renaming, this bug has now been resolved. You can rename templates without losing any data.

• Search Functionality in Themes: The search functionality in the installed themes section was broken, but that’s now fixed. You’ll be able to search for your themes without any hiccups.

• Site Health Tool Fix: The directory sizes in the Site Health Tool were stuck in a loading state. It was difficult for users to check the health of their sites. WordPress 6.6.2 has resolved this issue, and now the Site Health Tool can correctly load and display directory sizes.

Block Editor Fixes in WordPress 6.6.2

The block editor also received some much-needed attention in WordPress 6.6.2. With 11 fixes in this release. The editor’s performance and layout behavior have been greatly improved.

Here are the key block editor fixes:

• Fixed issues with CSS specificity for blocks like the Featured Image block.

• Fixes custom CSS pseudo-element selectors conflict, particularly ::before and ::after.

• Fixed canvas height issues and prevented popovers from being hidden by metaboxes.

• Fixed the accidental duplication of template parts.

Notable Issues Addressed in WordPress 6.6.2

Several critical issues have been resolved with this release:

• Fixed problems with the :where(body) selector in Global Styles caused unexpected layout changes.

• Fixed the “renaming templates would erase their contents” issue.

• Fixed issues with searching within the “Installed Themes” section.

These updates address some common frustrations and help ensure a more stable WordPress experience overall.

How to Test WordPress 6.6.2 Release Candidate 1 (RC1)

If you’re eager to test WordPress 6.6.2 before it officially drops, you’re in luck. The Release Candidate 1 (RC1) is available for testing, and here’s how you can get started:

• Use the WordPress Beta Tester Plugin: If you have the WordPress Beta Tester plugin installed, select the “Point Release” channel and opt for the “Nightlies” stream. This will give you access to the latest build of 6.6.2 RC1. If you don’t have the plugin, install it first and then follow the process.

• Using WP-CLI: If you prefer using the WordPress command-line interface, just run this command: wp core update https://wordpress.org/wordpress-6.6.2-RC1.zip. This is also a simple and effective way to get the latest release candidate directly.

• Direct Download: You can also download the Beta/RC zip file directly to test it on your site.

Remember to test this update on your staging site first to avoid any surprises on your live site!

How This Update Enhances User Experience

This release is all about improving stability and ensuring a better experience for users. WordPress 6.6.2 reduces common issues that many site owners and developers have encountered since the previous release.

Here’s how this update enhances the user experience:

• Better Front-End Display: Fixes related to CSS specificity mean that your site should look the way you expect it to on the front end. No more broken layouts or unexpected styling changes.

• Smoother Editor Performance: With multiple fixes in the block editor, especially related to layout and spacing, editing your posts and pages will feel smoother.

• Improved Template Handling: The template renaming bug fix ensures that you can manage templates without accidentally losing data, which is a big win for developers working on theme projects.

Wrapping Up

WordPress 6.6.2, released on September 10, 2024, delivers significant improvements by fixing 26 bugs. This release is part of a short-cycle maintenance plan ahead of the upcoming WordPress 6.7, which is scheduled for November 12, 2024.

So make sure you are familiar with the latest hotfixes for your site early.