If you are running a WordPress site, you might have come across the wlwmanifest.xml file in the source code of your web pages. This file is related to the Windows Live Writer application, which is no longer supported by Microsoft. In this documentation, we will take a deep dive into understanding the wlwmanifest.xml file, its purpose, and how to fix any issues related to it for a seamless WordPress experience.
Table of Contents
- What is wlwmanifest.xml?
- Why should you remove wlwmanifest.xml?
- How to remove wlwmanifest.xml from WordPress
- FAQs
What is wlwmanifest.xml?
wlwmanifest.xml is a file that was used by the Windows Live Writer application to communicate with your WordPress blog. It allowed users to write and edit blog posts offline and then publish them directly to their WordPress sites. The wlwmanifest.xml file is automatically added to your WordPress site when you install it, and it can be found in the wp-includes directory.
Why should you remove wlwmanifest.xml?
There are several reasons why you should consider removing the wlwmanifest.xml file from your WordPress site:
- Security: The presence of the
wlwmanifest.xmlfile exposes information about your site's structure, potentially making it easier for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities. - Performance: Removing unnecessary files, like
wlwmanifest.xml, can help reduce the overall size of your site, leading to faster loading times and improved performance. - Cleanliness: Since Windows Live Writer is no longer supported or maintained, there is no need to keep the file on your site, as it serves no purpose.
How to remove wlwmanifest.xml from WordPress
There are two methods to remove the wlwmanifest.xml file from your WordPress site. Both are easy to implement and require minimal technical knowledge.
Method 1: Using functions.php
- Access your WordPress site's files using an FTP client or your hosting control panel's file manager.
- Navigate to the
wp-content/themes/your-active-theme/directory, where "your-active-theme" should be replaced with the name of the currently active theme on your site. - Open the
functions.phpfile in a text editor. - Add the following code snippet to the end of the file:
remove_action('wp_head', 'wlwmanifest_link');
- Save the changes to the
functions.phpfile and upload it back to your server if necessary.
Method 2: Using a plugin
- Install and activate the Remove wlwmanifest & RSD link plugin from the WordPress plugin repository.
- Navigate to
Settings > Remove wlwmanifest & RSD linkfrom your WordPress admin dashboard. - Check the box labeled "Remove wlwmanifest link," and click "Save Changes."
That's it! The wlwmanifest.xml file should now be removed from your WordPress site.
FAQs
1. What is Windows Live Writer?
Windows Live Writer was a desktop application by Microsoft that allowed users to create and edit blog posts offline and publish them directly to their WordPress sites. The application was discontinued in 2012, and its successor, Open Live Writer, was released as an open-source project in 2015.
2. How does removing wlwmanifest.xml improve security?
By removing the wlwmanifest.xml file from your site, you are eliminating a potential information leak that could be exploited by hackers. The file reveals information about your site's structure, which can make it easier for malicious users to find vulnerabilities and exploit them.
3. Is there any downside to removing wlwmanifest.xml?
There is no downside to removing the wlwmanifest.xml file, as it serves no purpose on modern WordPress sites. Windows Live Writer is no longer supported or maintained, so the file is unnecessary and can be safely removed.
4. Can I use Open Live Writer with WordPress without wlwmanifest.xml?
Yes, you can use Open Live Writer with your WordPress site without the wlwmanifest.xml file. The file was only necessary for the now-defunct Windows Live Writer application.
5. Can I remove other unnecessary files from my WordPress site to improve performance?
Yes, you can remove other unnecessary files and code snippets from your WordPress site to improve performance. Some examples include removing the RSD link, emoji support, and XML-RPC functionality (if not needed). Always backup your site before making any changes to the files or code.