#64305: Regression: Hidden async-upload input marked required in WP 6.9 RC3
prevents post publish
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Reporter: yagniksangani | Owner: (none)
Type: defect (bug) | Status: new
Priority: normal | Milestone: Awaiting
| Review
Component: Posts, Post Types | Version:
Severity: major | Keywords: needs-patch
Focuses: ui, accessibility, administration |
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### Issue Summary
In WordPress 6.9 RC3, the hidden file input field used for media uploads
(`<input type="file" name="async-upload" id="async-upload">`)
now contains a `required` attribute. Since this input is hidden in the
post
editor UI, browsers block form submission and display an error:
**"An invalid form control with name='async-upload' is not focusable."**
This prevents publishing or updating posts, pages, and custom post types.
### Steps to Reproduce
1. Install WordPress 6.9 RC3 (clean installation or update from previous
version)
2. Edit or create a new post or custom post type
3. Attempt to click Publish
4. Observe browser console and publish failure
### Expected Behavior
Publish should work normally, as in WP 6.8.x, where the `async-upload`
input
does **not** have a `required` attribute.
### Actual Behavior
The `async-upload` input is hidden but marked required → HTML5 validation
blocks publish.
### Comparison
| Version | `async-upload` required attribute | Publish status |
|---------|----------------------------------|----------------|
| WP 6.8.3 | No `required` | Works |
| WP 6.9 RC3 | `required="required"` | ❌ Publish fails |
### Environment
- WP 6.9 RC3
- Tested with default theme (Twenty Twenty-Five) and no plugins
- Chrome / Firefox both affected
### Console Error
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Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/64305>
WordPress Trac <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/>
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