The plugin Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades address the following issue.
WordPress has a built-in feature to install themes and plugins by supplying a zip file. Unfortunately, you can not 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 Plugin
The plugin Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades in WordPress overcomes this restriction by updating the theme or plugin automatically if it existed previously.
A backup copy is initially generated for the upgrade of the old plugin. In case of difficulties with the new version, you may therefore install the previous version.
Functionality Changes in ver. 2.0.0
Please note: the plugin’s features have changed since version 2.0.0. You no longer have to choose “Yes” from a drop-down before upgrading the topic or plugin. The upgrade need is now automatically identified. Thus, if you are accustomed to the previous plugin functionality, do not worry that the topic and plugin upload pages do not include upgrading information. Just submit the theme or plugin as if you had installed it, and the plugin will upgrade automatically as required.
Installation Guide
- Download and unzip the latest release zip file
- Upload the entire easy-theme-and-plugin-upgrades directory to your
/wp-content/plugins/
directory - Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress
Video Review
Video review by: White Hat Blogging
Summary and Wrap Up
WordPress now has an auto-update mechanism, but that doesn’t apply to premium plugins. For example, when you have a subscription to Envato Elements, you still need to update the premium plugins manually or via FTP. So the Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades plugin is still useful in some cases.
The Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades plugin is a must when you want to update a plugin or a theme and the WP automatic update is not available.
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