Guide: How to change the PHP interpreter version in the Plesk panel?
How to change the PHP version in Plesk?
- Log in to the Plesk panel.
- Go to Websites & Domains and select the domain.
- Click PHP Settings.
- From the PHP version list, select the new version (DoSieci.pl hosting supports 7.4–8.5).
- Click OK / Apply — the change takes effect immediately, with no service restart.
This setting applies only to the selected domain — other sites on your account keep their own PHP version, so you can test the new version on one site without any risk to the others.
Why does the PHP version matter?
Newer PHP versions usually bring better performance and security fixes, but your application, theme, or plugin has to be compatible with them. Switching without testing first can cause a critical error or break a feature.
Before making the change, back up your site, update the CMS and its extensions, and check the vendor requirements. For an older application, plan a proper upgrade rather than staying on an unsupported version indefinitely.
- back up the files and database
- update the application
- check plugin requirements
- test the site after saving the settings
What to test after the change?
Open the homepage, key subpages, the contact form, and the admin panel. On a store, check products, the cart, and checkout. Review the PHP error log, even if the site looks fine at first glance.
If an error appears, switch back to the previous version while you diagnose the issue and identify the incompatible element. Don't ignore warnings just because visitors can't see them.
Choosing the right PHP version for WordPress, WooCommerce, and PrestaShop
The PHP version affects both performance and your site's compatibility with themes, plugins, and store modules. Too old a version can weaken security, while too new a version can trigger errors in outdated code.
Before changing the PHP version, it's worth making a backup, checking the error logs, and testing the site after switching. In Plesk, you can make the change for a single domain without affecting the whole server.