How to Change PHP Version

Run different PHP versions depending on your site’s needs.

Steps

1. Go to Websites & Domains.

2. Click PHP Settings for the domain.

3. Choose the desired PHP version.

   
4. Click Apply.

5. Legend: PHP Handlers (php-cgi vs php-fpm)

In Plesk, when changing your PHP version, you can also choose how PHP is executed on your server. The two most common handlers are php-cgi and php-fpm. Each has its own advantages depending on your site's traffic and performance needs.

PHP Handlers Comparison

Feature	php-cgi	php-fpm
Performance	Slower under high load	Optimized for high performance
Resource Usage	Uses more memory per request	More efficient with memory
Process Management	Spawns a new process per request	Uses a pool of workers
Stability	May crash under high traffic	More stable and scalable
Configuration	Less customizable	Advanced settings and tuning options
Best For	Low-traffic sites or compatibility	Medium to high-traffic websites

Recommendation

• Use php-fpm for most modern websites that require performance and scalability.

• Use php-cgi only for legacy applications or when php-fpm is not compatible.