WordPress 7.1.1 RC1 is now available for testing ahead of the planned final release on 17 September 2026.
Treat it as a testing build. Use staging if you want to check compatibility before the final release.
The release candidate is a bug-fix maintenance build rather than a feature release. WordPress says it targets regressions introduced during the 7.1 cycle and issues that were deliberately deferred at the end of that release.
Fatal-error fix
A hook callback change can cause fatal errors where code expects string keys.
Multisite fix
A regression affecting content reassignment when deleting a user is included.
Mobile admin fix
The build also addresses a mobile admin layout problem during plugin updates.
The official WordPress 7.1.1 RC1 announcement also lists editor, media and gallery fixes.
RC1 testing
Bug scrub
7.1.1 planned
For businesses running plugin-heavy WordPress sites, bespoke integrations or important ecommerce and lead-generation journeys, the real question is not whether RC1 installs successfully. It is whether the functions customers actually use still work afterwards.
FormsSend a real test enquiry
Mobile layoutsCheck page-builder views
LoginsTest account access
CheckoutRun the full payment journey
Our guide on how often to update WordPress explains why routine maintenance, security fixes and higher-risk releases should not all be treated the same way.
WordPress has scheduled the general release of 7.1.1 for Thursday 17 September at 15:00 UTC, although timings can change if testing uncovers further issues. The published 7.1.1 release schedule includes another bug scrub on 15 September before the final build.
Wait for the final build before considering a live rollout, then verify the journeys that generate enquiries, bookings or sales.
If you manage updates in-house, document what changed and keep a current recoverable backup. For businesses that prefer controlled deployment, backups and ongoing checks, Core Web UK’s website maintenance service covers WordPress, Elementor and WooCommerce sites.