How To Add Or Remove A Plugin
Adding a Plugin
Accessing the WordPress Dashboard
- Log in to your WordPress website by visiting yoursite.com/wp-admin and entering your login credentials.
- Upon successful login, you’ll land on the WordPress dashboard, your control center for website management.
Navigating to the Plugins Section
- On the left-hand menu, locate and click on “Plugins.”
- From the submenu options, select “Add New” to proceed to the Plugin Directory.
Exploring and Installing Plugins
- In the Plugin Directory, explore the vast collection of free and premium plugins using the search bar or browse through featured and popular selections.
- Click on the “Install Now” button next to the desired plugin to initiate the installation process.
- Once installation completes, click “Activate” to enable the plugin on your website.
Configuring Plugin Settings (if applicable)
- Navigate to the plugin’s settings page, accessible from the left-hand menu under “Settings” or within the plugin’s interface.
- Configure plugin settings according to your preferences and website requirements.
Updating a Plugin
Accessing the Plugins Section
- Navigate to the “Plugins” section in the WordPress dashboard as outlined in the “Adding a Plugin” section.
Checking for Plugin Updates
- In the list of installed plugins, look for plugins with available updates.
- You’ll notice an update notification below the plugin name indicating the availability of a new version.
Updating Plugins
- To update individual plugins, click the “Update Now” link below the plugin name.
- Alternatively, to update multiple plugins simultaneously, select the checkboxes next to the plugins you wish to update, then choose “Update” from the “Bulk Actions” dropdown menu and click “Apply.”
- WordPress will automatically download and install the latest plugin versions.
Image: deactivating, enabling auto-updates, and manually updating a WordPress plugin
Removing a Plugin
Accessing the Plugins Section
- Follow Steps 1 and 2 from the “Adding a Plugin” section to navigate to the Plugins section.
Deactivating and Deleting Plugins
- Locate the plugin you want to remove from the list of installed plugins.
- If the plugin is active, click “Deactivate” to disable it.
- Once deactivated, click “Delete” to remove the plugin from your website.
- Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Conclusion
Effective plugin management is essential for maintaining a secure and optimized WordPress website. By mastering the processes of adding, updating, and removing plugins, you can harness the full potential of WordPress’s robust plugin ecosystem while ensuring your website remains secure and up-to-date.