How to Add or Remove Options from the Posts Menu in WordPress

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Customizing the Posts menu in WordPress helps you control what appears in your dashboard and keep it clean, simple, or tailored to your workflow. Depending on what you want to achieve, you can hide certain menu items, add new ones, or modify how the Posts section behaves using built-in settings or plugins.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to add or remove options from the Posts menu in WordPress step by step.

Why Customize the Posts Menu in WordPress?

Adjusting the Posts menu can help you:

  • Simplify your admin dashboard
  • Remove distractions for clients or team members
  • Add useful custom post types or features
  • Improve workflow efficiency
  • Restrict access for specific users

How to Remove Options from the Posts Menu in WordPress

There are different ways to remove or hide options depending on your needs.

Method 1: Using Screen Options (Basic Hiding)

This method only hides elements temporarily for your user account.

Step 1: Open Posts Menu

Go to your dashboard and click:

Posts > All Posts

Step 2: Click Screen Options

At the top-right corner, click:

Screen Options

Step 3: Uncheck Items

Uncheck options like:

  • Author
  • Categories
  • Tags
  • Date

These will be hidden from view but not deleted.

Method 2: Using a Plugin (Recommended for Full Control)

If you want deeper customization, use a plugin.

Step 1: Install a Plugin

Go to:

Plugins > Add New

Search for plugins like:

  • Admin Menu Editor
  • WP Admin UI Customize

Install and activate one.

Step 2: Open Plugin Settings

Go to the plugin settings from your dashboard menu.

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Step 3: Edit the Posts Menu

You can now:

  • Remove menu items
  • Rename labels
  • Rearrange options
  • Hide submenus

Step 4: Save Changes

Apply and save your settings.

Method 3: Using Code (Advanced Users)

If you are comfortable with code, you can remove menu items using a function in your theme.

Example:

Add this to your theme’s functions.php file:

function remove_posts_menu_items() {
    remove_menu_page('edit.php'); // Removes Posts menu
}
add_action('admin_menu', 'remove_posts_menu_items');

This will remove the entire Posts menu from the dashboard.

How to Add Options to the Posts Menu

You can also extend the Posts menu using plugins or custom code.

Method 1: Add Custom Post Types

Go to:

Plugins > Add New

Install a plugin like:

  • Custom Post Type UI

This allows you to add new menu items like:

  • News
  • Portfolio
  • Testimonials

These will appear under or alongside Posts.

Method 2: Using Code

You can register custom post types like this:

function create_custom_post_type() {
    register_post_type('news',
        array(
            'labels' => array(
                'name' => __('News')
            ),
            'public' => true,
            'menu_position' => 5,
        )
    );
}
add_action('init', 'create_custom_post_type');

This adds a new item to your admin menu.

Tips for Managing the Posts Menu

Keep It Simple

Only show options you actually use.

Use Plugins for Safety

Avoid editing code unless you’re confident.

Restrict Access for Users

Use role management plugins if multiple users manage your site.

Backup Before Changes

Always back up your site before modifying admin settings or code.

Test Changes First

Check changes in a staging environment if possible.

Common Issues and Fixes

Menu Items Not Disappearing

Clear cache or check if another plugin is overriding settings.

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Changes Only Affect My Account

Screen Options only apply per user.

Plugin Conflicts

Disable plugins one by one to identify conflicts.

Code Not Working

Check for syntax errors in your theme file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I permanently remove Posts from WordPress?

Yes, using code or admin menu plugins, but be careful as it affects site functionality.

Will removing menu items delete my posts?

No, it only hides the menu—not your content.

Can I restore removed items?

Yes, by reversing plugin settings or removing code changes.

Do changes affect all users?

Only plugin or code changes affect all users. Screen Options are user-specific.

Is it safe to edit functions.php?

Yes, but only if you know what you’re doing. Always back up first.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to add or remove options from the Posts menu in WordPress gives you more control over your dashboard and helps create a cleaner, more focused workspace. Whether you’re simplifying the interface for clients or building a custom admin experience, WordPress gives you flexible tools to achieve it.

Start with simple Screen Options, then move to plugins or code if you need more advanced customization.

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