---
title: Reinstall WordPress core
canonical: https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/errors-and-debugging/reinstall-wordpress/
---
Reinstalling WordPress core replaces core files without wiping your content or settings. It is useful after malware that touched core files, or when core files were edited by hand.

1. Take a backup first.
2. Go to **Dashboard → Updates**.
3. Click **Re-install WordPress** (wording may vary slightly by version).

![Re-install WordPress](https://wpsecurityninja.com/media/2020/12/re-install-wordpress.webp)

> Custom changes inside WordPress **core** files will be lost. Theme/plugin customizations are not removed by a core reinstall, but anything edited under `wp-admin` / `wp-includes` / root core PHP will be overwritten.

Also run the [Core Scanner](https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/core-scanner/core-scanner/) afterward to confirm core files match official checksums.