How to Force Update or Reinstall a WordPress Plugin Without Errors

Updated: 28 September 2026 · Applies to: WordPress 7.1

Update plugins to get fixes and security patches. If an update fails or a plugin's files are damaged, you can reinstall it without losing its settings.

Update

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard (https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin).
2. Open Dashboard › Updates.
3. Tick the plugins under Plugins and click Update Plugins.

Reinstall (replace the files)

1. Download the plugin .zip again (from WordPress.org or the vendor).
2. Open Plugins › Add Plugin › Upload Plugin and upload it.
3. WordPress shows that the plugin is already installed. Click Replace current with uploaded.

Note: If an update left the site in maintenance mode ("Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance"), delete the .maintenance file in the WordPress folder. Back up before large updates.