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.

Jeff Sherk

DEPRECATED: As of WP v5.5 this plugins functionality is included in WP Core and this plugin is not required anymore. If you are running WP v5.5 or greater, you can de-activate and delete/remove this plugin. This plugin will still continue work fine with versions of WordPress less than v5.5.
WordPress will let you install a NEW plugin or theme from a zip file, but it does NOT allow you to upgrade them from a zip file. If you try to upgrade from a zip file, you will get an error message that says “destination already exists” and the upgrade will fail. WordPress will not allow you to upgrade from a zip file.
Update Theme and Plugins from Zip File will allow you to easily upgrade from a zip file, avoiding the “destination already exists” error message.
There is also an option to create a backup copy of the old plugin or theme, in case there is a problem with the new version.

Update Theme and Plugins from Zip File

Thanks, works great!

DEPRECATED: As of WP v5.5 this plugins functionality is included in WP Core and this plugin is not required anymore. Quickly and easily upgrade plugin …

Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades vs Update Theme and Plugins from Zip File