How to Switch Back to Classic WordPress Widgets: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the latest WordPress update, version 5.8, the block editor has been given priority over the classic editor. This change has left many WordPress users feeling lost and confused, especially those who were used to the classic widgets. Thankfully, there is a solution to this problem – the Classic Widgets plugin. In this article, we will walk you through the process of switching back to the classic WordPress widgets using the Classic Widgets plugin.

What are WordPress Widgets?

Before we dive into the process of switching back to the classic WordPress widgets, it’s essential to understand what WordPress widgets are. Widgets are small blocks of content that can be added to your WordPress website’s sidebars or other widget-ready areas. These blocks of content can be used to display various types of information, such as recent posts, categories, tags, and search bars.

What is the Classic Widgets Plugin?

The Classic Widgets plugin is a free plugin developed by WordPress. It allows you to switch back to the classic WordPress widgets that were available before the introduction of the block editor. The Classic Widgets plugin is easy to install and use, and it allows you to keep the classic widgets while still using the latest version of WordPress.

Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Back to Classic WordPress Widgets

Follow these simple steps to switch back to the classic WordPress widgets using the Classic Widgets plugin:

Step 1: Install and Activate the Classic Widgets Plugin

The first step is to install and activate the Classic Widgets plugin. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on ‘Plugins’ from the left-hand menu.
3. Click on ‘Add New.’
4. Search for ‘Classic Widgets.’
5. Click on ‘Install Now’ and then click on ‘Activate.’

Step 2: Go to the Widgets Screen

Once you have activated the Classic Widgets plugin, go to the widgets screen. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on ‘Appearance’ from the left-hand menu.
3. Click on ‘Widgets.’

Step 3: Add the Classic Widgets to Your Sidebar

Now that you’re on the widgets screen, you can add the classic widgets to your sidebar. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on the ‘Classic Widgets’ tab.
2. Click on the widget that you want to add to your sidebar.
3. Select the sidebar where you want to add the widget.
4. Click on ‘Add Widget.’

Step 4: Configure the Classic Widget

After you have added the classic widget to your sidebar, you can configure it to your liking. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on the widget that you added to your sidebar.
2. Configure the settings for the widget.
3. Click on ‘Save.’

Step 5: Preview the Classic Widget

Once you have configured the classic widget, you can preview it to see how it looks on your website. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on ‘Preview’ to see how the widget looks on your website.
2. If you’re happy with the widget, click on ‘Save.’

Congratulations! You have now successfully switched back to the classic WordPress widgets using the Classic Widgets plugin.