Chris Jean

WordPress has a built-in feature to install themes and plugins by supplying a zip file. Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade a theme or plugin using the same process. Instead, WordPress will say “destination already exists” when trying to upgrade using a zip file and will fail to upgrade the theme or plugin.
Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades fixes this limitation in WordPress by automatically upgrading the theme or plugin if it already exists.
While upgrading, a backup copy of the old theme or plugin is first created. This allows you to install the old version in case of problems with the new version.
Attention: Version 2.0.0 changed the functionality of the plugin. You are no longer required to select “Yes” from a drop down before the theme or plugin can be upgraded. The need for an upgrade is now detected automatically. So, if you are used to the old functionality of the plugin, do not be concerned about the absence of upgrade details on the theme and plugin upload pages. Simply upload the theme or plugin as if you were installing it, and the plugin will automatically handle upgrading as needed.

Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades

This is a great plugin, and works exactly as intended.

Works great!


This was a GREAT plugin and I used it for years, but WordPress core does this now, so the plugin is no longer needed.  Thank you for your great work all these years.


No longer needed

Easily upgrade your themes and plugins using zip files without removing the theme or plugin first.

John Ford

Some server configurations running Pure-FTPd have trouble updating WordPress via FTP. Common error messages when trying to update WordPress or update/install a plugin look like this:
<ul>
<li>Could not copy file.: /wp-admin/css/theme-editor.dev.css</li>
<li>Could not copy file.: /public_html/wp-admin/css/theme-editor.dev.css</li>
<li>Could not copy file.: /…/…/wp-admin/css/theme-editor.dev.css </li>
<li>Could not create file.: /public_html/</li>
</ul>
Each of these cases seem to be related. There is a patch going into WordPress 3.2 that should take care of the issues and the plugin will be obsolete after updating to that version (https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/10913). In the meantime, install and activate this plugin. Updates should work as expected.

FTP Upgrade Fix

Fixes problems that prevent installing or updating WordPress, themes, and plugins on some FTP server configurations (typically Pure-FTPd).

Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades vs FTP Upgrade Fix