Which version to run.
WHY IT MATTERS
Each version brings performance improvements, new features, and the removal of old behaviour.
WHAT TO RUN
A currently supported version.
WHY
Unsupported versions receive no security fixes.
WHAT THAT MEANS PRACTICALLY
Running an old version is a standing vulnerability, regardless of your code.
WHAT TO CHECK
Which version your account uses Which versions your application supports Whether your dependencies support the version you want
WHERE TO CHANGE IT
cPanel provides a selector for the PHP version used by your account.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE CHANGING
Check your application's requirements Test, ideally on a copy Be ready to revert
WHAT BREAKS ON AN UPGRADE
Code using behaviour that has been removed Extensions not available on the new version
WHAT TO CHECK AFTER
That the site loads That the error log is clean That administrative functions work
WHAT NOT TO DO
Remain on an unsupported version because upgrading seems risky.