Understanding how to remove WordPress from your website

WordPress is a powerful content management system that dominates nearly one-third of the web. With its user-friendly interface, anyone can build a powerful, responsive website. However, there are times when you may need to uninstall or remove WordPress from your site. Whether you’re switching to a new CMS, upgrading your platform, or simply changing your website entirely, it’s crucial to understand how to properly uninstall WordPress from your website.

Step 1: Back Up Your Website

The first step in removing WordPress from your website is to create a complete backup of all files and databases. This is crucial since any mistakes made during the uninstallation process could lead to data loss. Make sure you have a full backup of your website before proceeding.

Step 2: Export Website Content

Once you’ve created a backup of your site, the next step is to export your website content from the WordPress dashboard. This step ensures that you don’t lose any valuable information stored on your website. Navigate to the “Tools” section and click on “Export.” Select either “All Content” or specific content types you want to export, and then export your content to your local machine.

Step 3: Deactivate All Plugins

Before moving on to the actual uninstallation process, it’s important to deactivate all plugins running on your WordPress site. This is because active plugins can impact the uninstallation process and even cause it to fail. Deactivate all plugins by visiting the “Plugins” section of your WordPress dashboard and clicking “Deactivate” for each plugin or “Deactivate All” to disable them all at once.

Step 4: Clean Up Your Website

Now that your plugins are deactivated, the next step is to clean up your website by removing all WordPress-related files and databases. Using FTP or cPanel file manager, navigate to the root directory of your website where your WordPress files are stored. Select all WordPress files and delete them, including core files, plugins, themes, and other files. Don’t forget to delete all MySQL databases used by your WordPress site.

Step 5: Update Your DNS

If you have a domain name connected to your website, update its DNS to redirect it to a new website, or you may point the DNS to a holding page. Visit your domain registrar to change the DNS settings and point it to your new website or replacement holding page.

Step 6: Verify The Deinstallation

After completing all the above steps, it’s crucial to verify that WordPress has been entirely removed from your website. Attempt to open your website’s URL on a new browser tab. If you see any WordPress-related content or pages, repeat all the above steps until the website’s URL shows a ‘Not Found’ page.

Final note:

When removing WordPress from your website, follow each step with utmost caution. Ensure you have a complete backup of your site, export your site content, and remove WordPress files and databases carefully. After uninstalling WordPress entirely from your website, secure your website with a new CMS or platform. Remember always to back up your website regularly, change passwords frequently, and use secured protocols like HTTPS.