How to Download and Test WordPress 6.9 Beta 3

You have several convenient methods to test this pre-release version:

• Plugin:
  • Install and activate the WordPress Beta Tester plugin.
  • Select the “Bleeding edge” channel and the “Beta/RC Only” stream.
• Direct Download:
  • Download the Beta 3 version (zip) directly and install it on your test WordPress website.
• Command Line (WP-CLI):
  • Use the following command: wp core update --version=6.9-beta3
• WordPress Playground:
  • Use the 6.9 Beta 3 WordPress Playground instance. This requires no setup – just click and test directly in your browser!

Release Schedule and Next Steps

The final release of WordPress 6.9 is scheduled for December 2, 2025. You can review the full release schedule here.

Your help in testing Beta and RC versions is vital to ensuring this release is as stable and powerful as possible.

• Stay Informed: Continue checking the Make WordPress Core blog for the latest 6.9-related posts.
• Feature Overview: Read the Beta 1 announcement for initial details and highlights on what’s new in 6.9.

Guide to Testing This Release ⚝️

Your feedback is crucial! Testing the upgrade process is essential, but trying out new features is equally important.

• Refer to this detailed guide for a walkthrough on how to test the features in WordPress 6.9.

Reporting Issues

If you encounter an issue during your testing:

1. Report it in the Alpha/Beta area of the support forums.
2. Alternatively, report directly to WordPress Trac if you are comfortable writing a reproducible bug report.
3. Check your issue against the list of known bugs first.

For those interested in testing initiatives generally, follow along in Make Core and join the \#core-test channel on Making WordPress Slack.

What’s New in Beta 3?

WordPress 6.9 Beta 3 includes over 80 updates and fixes implemented since the Beta 2 release. Each beta cycle focuses heavily on polishing out bugs.

You can browse the technical details of all addressed issues since October 28, 2025, via these links:

• Gutenberg commits for 6.9 since October 28, 2025
• Closed Core Trac tickets for 6.9 since October 28, 2025
• Comparing commit changes in Core for 6.9 since October 28, 2025