=== Restore and Enable Classic Widgets No Expiration ===

Plugin Name: Restore and Enable Classic Widgets No Expiration
Plugin URI: https://BillMinozzi.com/support/
Description: Restore and enable the previous classic widgets settings screens and disables the Gutenberg block editor from managing widgets.
Tags: classic widgets, enable classic widgets, oldMiss the old widgets, Miss the old widgets, Appearance Widgets Customizer
Author: Bill Minozzi
Author URI: https://BillMinozzi.com/
Contributors: sminozzi
Requires at least: 6.2  
Requires PHP: 5.6.20   
Tested up to: 6.9
Stable tag: 4.86
Version: 4.86

License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Miss the old widgets? Activate this plugin to restore and enable the previous classic widgets settings screens. No expiration date.
 
== Description ==
**Enable Classic Widgets**
★★★★★<br>

### **🚀 In a Hurry? Restore the previous WordPress classic widgets**
>Bring back the classic widgets screens in Appearance – Widgets and the Customizer. Once activated and when using a classic (non-block) theme, restore and enable the previous WordPress classic widgets settings screens and disables the Gutenberg block editor from managing widgets. No expiration!

### **🔎 Want All the Details? Read the Full Explanation Below**

WordPress 5.8 brought a significant change by turning the classic widget screen into a block-based widget screen. This means that Widgets are now blocks, immediately available to all users. While this update introduces new possibilities, it also creates compatibility issues for many websites.

== Our plugin, WordPress Classic Widgets Plugin, becomes essential in several scenarios: ==

Broken themes or quirky output that may not display widgets correctly with the new block-based system.
Users who prefer the old system and are looking to maintain the familiar interface they are comfortable with.
Restore WordPress classic widget interface with our plugin. It offers a simple solution to bring back old WordPress widget settings with just one click. The plugin effectively enables previous widget system configurations, reverting WordPress to classic widget dashboard without the need for complex setup.

By undoing WordPress widget block editor update, our plugin ensures that users can disable WordPress block-based widget management and reinstall WordPress traditional widget controls seamlessly. It effectively reverses WordPress 5.8 widget changes, restoring the WordPress widget area classic view for those who rely on the legacy system.

Whether your issue is legacy widget missing or you're wondering how to find an old widget in WordPress, our plugin provides the answers. It resolves common problems like why are my widgets not showing up in WordPress and offers straightforward steps to restore classic widgets to WordPress. For those asking how do I restore a widget in WordPress or facing widgets not showing up, our plugin ensures a quick and reliable solution.

In summary, our WordPress plugin to switch back to classic widgets addresses the needs of users who value simplicity, compatibility, and reliability in managing their WordPress widgets. Install it today to get old WordPress widget interface back and maintain the functionality you prefer.

<a href="https://classicwidgets.com">Classic Widgets Plugin Site</a> 

Thes feature (restore classic widget) is available also in our WP Tools free plugin with 47 other useful tools:

<a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/wptools/">WP Tools Free Plugin</a> 

== Important ==
If you start using the new block-based widgets system, you will lose all of your widget blocks upon activating our plugin. 
There is no going back, so be sure this is what you want. The former blocks will not reappear if you change your mind and deactivate our plugin.


== This plugin, also from the same author, blocks spam and hackers! ==
Upgrade your site's security with Cloudflare Turnstile or reCAPTCHA. Enjoy insightful analytics charts and safeguard all or specific pages from spam and bot attacks. Completely free!"
<a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/recaptcha-for-all/>Download it here for free from WordPress</a> 


== Screenshots ==
1. Classic Widgets Screen

== Demo Video ==
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rul3UlJy2B8]

== Useful Links ==
<a href="https://classicwidgets.com/share/">Share</a> :)
<a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/wptools/">One FREE pugin, 47 tools included</a> 
<a href="https://billminozzi.com/support/">Support Site</a>
<a href="https://classicwidgets.com/">Plugin Site</a>
<a href="https://siterightaway.net/troubleshooting/">Troubleshooting Page</a>






**Privacy**

This plugin does not collect or store any user data. It does not set any cookies, and it does not connect to any third-party locations. Thus, this plugin does not affect user privacy in any way.




== Installation ==

1) Install via wordpress.org

2) Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress

or

Extract the zip file and just drop the contents in the wp-content/plugins/ directory of your WordPress installation and then activate the Plugin from Plugins page.


**Uninstalling**

To uninstall/remove the plugin, visit the Plugins screen, deactivate and delete the plugin. This plugin makes no changes to the WP database.


== Frequently Asked Questions ==

**What does the "Restore Classic Widgets" plugin do?**
The "Restore Classic Widgets" plugin reverts the WordPress widgets interface to the classic settings screen and disables the Gutenberg block editor for widgets.

**Is there an "Undo" to reverse the disable?**
Yes just deactivate the plugin. When the plugin is not active, WordPress will return to its default widgets behavior.
If you start using the new block-based widgets system, you will lose all of your widget blocks upon activating our plugin. 
There is no going back, so be sure this is what you want. The former blocks will not reappear if you change your mind and deactivate our plugin.

**How do I retrieve my widgets?**
To switch to classic widgets, install and activate our plugin. This will restore the old widget settings screen.

**My classic widgets not working, After install this plugin, is there any configuration required?**
No additional configuration is required. The classic widgets settings screen is enabled or disabled simply by activating or deactivating the plugin.

**Is this feature "switch to classic widgets" available in any other plugins?**
Yes, the feature to restore classic widgets is also available in our <a href="https://wptoolsplugin.com/">WP Tools free plugin</a>, which includes 47 other useful tools.

**How does the plugin ensure my site is compatible?**
During installation, the plugin performs a checkup of your site, verifying available WordPress memory, logged errors, and other factors to ensure compatibility.

**Can I skip the checkup steps during installation?**
Yes, you can skip the three checkup steps by clicking "Next" and then "Finished." However, this is at your own risk.

**Will I be notified of any issues after installation?**
Yes, after installation, our plugins will notify you of any abnormalities or errors to help ensure your site functions smoothly and your legacy widget is not missing.

**Is there free support available?**
Yes, we offer free support. If you encounter any issues, please consider requesting <a href="https://billminozzi.com/support/">support</a> before leaving feedback.

**Does this plugin have an expiration date?**
No, the plugin does not have an expiration date. It can be updated as needed, ensuring that your classic widgets will continue working.

** How do I restore a widget to my home screen? **
To restore a widget to your home screen in WordPress, navigate to the Widgets screen in your WordPress admin area. Use the **WordPress Classic Widgets Plugin** to enable the classic widget settings screens, allowing you to manage and place widgets as you did before the recent updates.

** How do I switch to classic widgets in WordPress? **
To switch to classic widgets in WordPress, simply install and activate the **WordPress Classic Widgets Plugin**. This plugin will disable the block-based widget editor introduced in WordPress 5.8 and restore the familiar interface of classic widgets.

** Legacy widget is missing in WordPress. How do I find it? **
If a legacy widget is missing in WordPress after updates, use the **WordPress Classic Widgets Plugin** to revert to the classic widget dashboard. This plugin ensures that all legacy widgets are restored and accessible as they were before the recent WordPress updates.

** Why are my widgets not showing up in WordPress? **
Widgets may not appear in WordPress due to compatibility issues with new updates. Install the **WordPress Classic Widgets Plugin** to restore classic widgets to your site and resolve any issues where widgets are not showing up.

** How do I restore classic widgets to WordPress? **
To restore classic widgets to WordPress, install the **WordPress Classic Widgets Plugin**. This plugin provides a straightforward solution to revert the widget management system to its classic interface, preserving your preferred widget settings.

** WordPress how to restore widget? **
If you need to restore a widget in WordPress after an update, use the **WordPress Classic Widgets Plugin**. This plugin simplifies the process by allowing you to manage and restore widgets easily through the classic widget interface.

**How do I restore disappeared WordPress widgets?**
If your widget disappeared WordPress or missing WordPress widgets, don't worry! 
You can get back WordPress widgets and recover deleted WordPress widgets easily. 
This plugin helps you disable Gutenberg widgets and use old widget editor WordPress to 
fix widgets not showing WordPress. 
For troubleshooting WordPress widgets and learning how do I restore my widgets, 
just installand activate our plugin.

= How do I restore classic widgets in WordPress? =

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To restore classic widgets in WordPress, install and activate the "Restore Classic Widgets" plugin. This will revert your widget settings to the classic interface and disable the Gutenberg block editor for widgets.

= How can I disable the Gutenberg widget editor? =

This question also addresses the following questions: disable gutenberg widget editor, how to disable block editor for widgets, manage wordpress widgets without gutenberg, block editor alternative, gutenberg alternative wordpress, avoid gutenberg complexity for widgets.  
To disable the Gutenberg widget editor, you can use the "Restore Classic Widgets" plugin, which will replace the Gutenberg editor with the classic widgets screen, making widget management simpler.

= How do I manage my WordPress widgets effectively? =

This question also addresses the following questions: widget settings wordpress, personalizar widgets wordpress, widget configuration wordpress, manage wordpress widgets, easy widget management, wordpress dashboard widgets, widget area missing wordpress, lost wordpress widgets, customize wordpress widgets, simple wordpress customization, wordpress widgets not working, arrange wordpress widgets, add wordpress widgets, widgets ui management.  
For effective widget management, the "Restore Classic Widgets" plugin is recommended. It restores the traditional widget settings, providing a more intuitive and straightforward interface.

= How can I ensure compatibility and performance with my widgets? =

This question also addresses the following questions: compatibility issues widgets wordpress, ensure compatibility with older themes, preserve website functionality with classic widget, theme conflict widgets wordpress, improved site performance with classic widgets.  
To ensure compatibility and performance with your widgets, especially with older themes, the "Restore Classic Widgets" plugin is the ideal solution. It maintains the classic widget functionality, preventing conflicts and improving site performance.

= What should I do if I encounter issues with WordPress widgets? =

This question also addresses the following questions: troubleshoot wordpress widgets, wordpress widget troubleshooting, widget errors wordpress, how do i retrieve a widget, how do i find an old widget in wordpress, reinstall wordpress widgets, restore wordpress widgets, restore wordpress widget settings.  
If you encounter issues with WordPress widgets, the "Restore Classic Widgets" plugin can help resolve them by restoring the previous, more stable widget settings interface.

= How do I revert to the classic widgets editor in WordPress? =

This question also addresses the following questions: classic widgets editor, classic interface wordpress, legacy widget editor, legacy widget wordpress, plugin for classic widgets, widgets screen restoration, classic widgets for wordpress themes, better wordpress widget control, familiar widget settings, intuitive widget editing, seamless wordpress experience, classic feel wordpress site.  
To revert to the classic widgets editor in WordPress, simply install the "Restore Classic Widgets" plugin. This will bring back the classic editor, offering a familiar and seamless experience for managing widgets.

= How can I back up or import WordPress widgets? =

This question also addresses the following questions: wordpress widget backup, import wordpress widgets, restore widgets, Switch to classic widgets, enable classic widgets, Old widgets screen, Switch to old widgets UI  
For backing up or importing WordPress widgets, using the "Restore Classic Widgets" plugin ensures that your widget settings remain intact and compatible with classic WordPress interfaces.

= Why are my widgets disappearing or no longer showing up in WordPress? =

This issue often occurs because WordPress, starting with version 5.8 (released in July 2021), replaced the classic widget editor with the Gutenberg block-based widget system. This change can cause widgets to disappear from the admin area or frontend if your theme or plugins are not fully compatible with the block editor. Additionally, widget areas may vanish due to theme conflicts, migration issues, or accidental deletion of widget settings. To fix this, you can install the free plugin Restore Classic Widgets, which reverts to the familiar classic widget interface and restores visibility.

This answer also addresses related questions like: widget disappeared wordpress, widget area missing wordpress, missing wordpress widgets, wordpress widgets not showing, and why did my widgets disappear in WordPress?


= How can I easily manage and customize my WordPress widgets? =

Managing and customizing widgets in WordPress became more complex with the introduction of the Gutenberg block editor in version 5.8, which replaced the intuitive classic widget screen. To simplify this, you can use plugins like Classic Widgets to restore the familiar interface or rely on built-in theme options that support widget areas. For customization, access the Appearance > Widgets section, where you can drag and drop widgets, adjust settings, and arrange them to fit your site’s layout. Backing up your widgets with a plugin like Widget Importer & Exporter ensures you don’t lose configurations during updates or migrations.

This answer also addresses related questions like: widget settings wordpress, manage wordpress widgets, customize wordpress widgets, and easy widget management.


= How do I restore the classic widget editor or recover lost widgets in WordPress? =

Since WordPress 5.8 introduced the Gutenberg block editor for widgets, many users prefer the classic editor for its simplicity. To restore it, install the free Classic Widgets plugin, which disables Gutenberg for widgets and brings back the old interface. For recovering lost widgets—due to theme switches, updates, or deletions—check the Inactive Widgets section in the classic editor or use a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus to revert to a previous state. This approach ensures you can maintain control and recover functionality effortlessly.

This answer also addresses related questions like: restore classic widgets wordpress, disable gutenberg widget editor, how do i switch to classic widgets, and recover deleted wordpress widgets.


= What should I do if my widgets are malfunctioning or showing errors? =

Widget malfunctions in WordPress often stem from plugin or theme conflicts, especially after updates like the shift to Gutenberg in version 5.8. To troubleshoot, deactivate recently added plugins one by one to identify the culprit, or switch to a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to rule out theme issues. Check the widget settings for corruption or data loss, and use the Classic Widgets plugin if the block editor is causing errors. For persistent problems, enable WordPress debug mode (via wp-config.php) to pinpoint the issue.

This answer also addresses related questions like: widget troubleshooting, widget errors wordpress, widget malfunction, and widget functionality broken.


= Why don’t my widgets work properly with my theme or after a migration? =

Compatibility issues arise when themes or plugins aren’t updated to support the Gutenberg widget system introduced in WordPress 5.8, or when older themes lack widget area support. After migrations, widget settings may not transfer correctly if the new site’s theme doesn’t match the previous structure. To resolve this, install Classic Widgets to bypass Gutenberg conflicts, or use a plugin like Widget Importer & Exporter to ensure settings migrate properly. Always test with a compatible theme like Astra or GeneratePress for seamless integration.

This answer also addresses related questions like: widget settings lost, widgets are disappearing, widget restoration.  missing widgets, widgets have disappeared, widgets no longer appearing, widget area disappeared under Appearance, WordPress Widgets Missing after Migration, Your theme does not support widgets, and ensure compatibility with older themes.


== External service (1) ==
When using our chat, only some information about issues, such as your language and data from the Diagnose tab, may be sent to our server. We do not share, publish, or disclose any information with third parties.
domain: https://BillMinozzi.com/chat/api/api.php

== External service (2) ==
The plugin will retrieve tips and news from our site BillMinozzi.com. This information will be displayed in the plugin dashboard, in the right-hand column under the title "Tips and News." No data is sent to our server. 
domain: https://billminozzi.com/API/bill-api.php


== Advanced Site Health ==

WordPresss built-in Site Health feature provides a great baseline for your sites well-being. However, in todays digital landscape, true health goes beyond server configuration. A site can have a perfect score and still be slow, vulnerable, or plagued by critical errors.

Our plugin extends the core Site Health concept to provide a truly holistic analysis of what keeps your site fast, stable, and secure. We dont just check the basics; we diagnose critical issues that directly impact your visitors experience and your sites operational integrity.

Our enhanced checks include:Performance & Memory Analysis, Proactive Error Detection, Modern Security Monitoring.

For a complete overview of all features, our data handling practices, and the full terms governing our software, please visit our official website: 
https://siterightaway.net/terms-of-use-of-our-plugins-and-themes/ 

== Changelog ==
** 4.86 2025-11-01 - Monitor Improvement.
** 4.85 2025-10-21 - Monitor Improvement.
** 4.83 2025-10-04 - Small Improvements.
** 4.81 2025-08-22 - Small Improvements.
** 4.79 2025-08-15 - Small Improvements.
** 4.78 2025-08-12 - Limited the Diagnostics as requested by WordPress team.
** 4.65/66 2025-06-11 - Improvements on chat.
** 4.64 2025-05-08 - Improvements on catch JS errors.
** 4.63 2025-05-04 - Improvements on catch JS errors.
** 4.61 2025-04-23 - Improvements on catch JS errors.
** 4.60 2025-03-31 - Many Improvements.
** 4.56/57 2025-02-28 - Many Improvements.
** 4.55 2025-02-22 - small Improvements.
** 4.53 2025-02-14 - small Improvements.
** 4.50/52 2025-02-13 - small Improvements.
** 4.49 2025-02-09 - small Improvements.
** 4.45/48 2025-02-07 - added chat with IA Improved.
** 4.40/43 2025-01-08 - added chat with IA Improved.
** 4.36/39 2025-01-06 - added chat with IA Improved.
** 4.35 2024-12-20 - added chat with IA to help with issues.
** 4.33/34 2024-12-19 - added chat with IA to help with issues.
** 4.32 2024-10-23 - Small Improvements on error handling.
** 4.31 2024-08-12 - Small Improvements.
** 4.30 2024-08-02 - Small Improvements.
** 4.27/28 2024-07-31 - Small Improvements.
** 4.25 2024-07-30 - Small Improvements.
** 4.23/24 2024-06-27 - Small Improvements.
** 4.22 2024-06-23 - Small Improvements.
** 4.16/21 2024-06-22 - Installed all new framework...
** 4.15 2024-06-20 - Fixed warning foreach() argument...
** 4.13/14 2024-06-19 - Fixed warning Undefined array key wp_limit.
** 4.12 2024-06-18 - Fixed error Undefined variable $plugin_slug.
** 4.09/4.11 2024-06-16 - Small Improvements.
** 4.08 2024-06-13 - Small Improvements.
** 4.07 2024-05-20 - Small Improvements at readme file
** 4.03/4.06 2024-05-18 - Small Improvements
** 4.01/4.02 2024-05-17 - Small Improvements
** 3.7 2024-03-13 -  Removed warning about dinamic property
** 3.6 2023-12-04 -  Improved Error Management
** 3.5 2023-10-17 -  Improved Error Management
** 3.4 2023-09-05 -  Improved Help and try to prevent is_plugin_active() not loaded from WordPress
** 3.2/3.3 2023-09-02 -  Improved Help and try to prevent is_plugin_active() not loaded from WordPress
** 3.0 2023-08-30 -  Prevent error on is_plugin_active() if WP function is not available
** 2.3/2.6 2023-08-28 -  Minor Improvements on help
** 2.2 2023-03-06 -  Minor Improvements on help
** 1.8/2.1 2022-11-29 -  Minor Improvements
** 1.6/1.7  2022-06-10 -  Small bug fixed
** 1.5 2022-05-06 -  Minor Improvements
** 1.4 2021-11-30 -  Bug Fixed Line 51 old version **
** 1.3 2021-11-14 -  Minor Improvements **
** 1.2 2021-07-30 -  Minor Improvements **
** 1.1 2021-07-17 -  Minor Improvements **
** 1.0 2021-07-14 -  Initial release ** 
