Fixing WordPress Category Selection Issue in Version 6.7.1

If you’ve recently updated your WordPress to version 6.7.1 and are experiencing a strange issue where selecting one category for a post or product automatically selects other categories you didn’t choose, you’re not alone. This seems to be a common bug with the latest update, but don’t worry—there are ways to resolve it!

In this guide, we’ll explore why this issue occurs and how to fix it using a plugin.

The Issue

When publishing a product or blog post, you select a specific category. However, after saving or publishing, WordPress automatically adds other categories to the post. This issue is absent in version 6.6.2 but appears after upgrading to 6.7.1.

Possible Causes

1. Bug in the WordPress Core: A recent update might have introduced a conflict in the category management system.
2. Plugin Conflicts: Some plugins may not be fully compatible with WordPress 6.7.1.
3. Theme Compatibility Issues: Your theme might be using outdated code affecting how categories are assigned.

The Solution

We’ll address the problem using a plugin that ensures only the selected categories are assigned to posts or products. Here’s how you can fix the issue:

Step 1: Use the Fix Plugin

Download and install the plugin we’ve created to resolve this issue. This plugin ensures that WordPress respects your category selection without interference.

Download the Fix Category Selection Plugin

1. Upload the Plugin:
   • Go to your WordPress dashboard.
   • Navigate to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.
   • Select the plugin file and click “Install Now.”
2. Activate the Plugin:
   • After installation, click “Activate Plugin.”

Step 2: Test the Fix

1. Upgrade your WordPress to version 6.7.1 if you haven’t already.
2. Create a new post or product.
3. Select a category and publish it.
4. Check if only the selected category remains assigned.

Step 3: Check for Plugin and Theme Conflicts

If the issue persists, deactivate all plugins except the custom one you downloaded and switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three. Test again to see if the problem is resolved. Gradually reactivate plugins and switch back to your theme to identify the source of the conflict.

Step 4: Report the Bug

If this workaround solves your problem, it’s still a good idea to report the issue to the WordPress development team. Visit WordPress Trac to submit a detailed bug report, including the steps to reproduce the problem.

Downgrading as a Temporary Measure

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue immediately and you need a quick fix, downgrading WordPress to version 6.6.2 is a viable temporary solution. However, this isn’t recommended for the long term due to potential security vulnerabilities in older versions.

How to Downgrade:

1. Backup your website.
2. Download the WordPress 6.6.2 version from the WordPress release archive.
3. Replace the core files, except for wp-content and wp-config.php.

Conclusion

The category selection bug in WordPress 6.7.1 can be frustrating, but with the plugin solution provided here, you can regain control over your categories. While WordPress developers work on a permanent fix, this workaround ensures your website remains functional and user-friendly.

Have you tried this solution? Share your experience or any other fixes you’ve discovered in the comments below!