Installing plugins in WordPress is a straightforward process that can greatly expand the functionality and features of your website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install plugins, whether you’re using the WordPress Admin Dashboard or uploading a plugin manually.

Installing Plugins from the WordPress Admin Dashboard

  1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
    • You can do this by adding /wp-admin to the end of your website’s URL (e.g., yourwebsite.com/wp-admin) and entering your username and password.
  2. Navigate to the Plugins Section.
    • Once logged in, find the “Plugins” menu on the left sidebar. Click on “Add New” to go to the plugin installation page.
  3. Search for the Plugin.
    • Use the search field to find the plugin you want to install. You can search by the plugin’s name or functionality (e.g., SEO, contact forms, e-commerce).
  4. Install the Plugin.
    • Once you’ve found the plugin you want to install, click the “Install Now” button next to it. WordPress will download and install the plugin for you.
  5. Activate the Plugin.
    • After the plugin is installed, you’ll need to activate it. Click the “Activate” button that appears in place of the “Install Now” button.

Installing Plugins Manually

Sometimes, you might need to install a plugin that’s not available in the WordPress plugin directory. In that case, you’ll install it manually.

  1. Download the Plugin.
    • Download the plugin from its source as a ZIP file. Make sure to download it from a reputable source to avoid security risks.
  2. Go to the Plugin Installation Page.
    • Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard and navigate to “Plugins” > “Add New”.
  3. Upload the Plugin.
    • Click the “Upload Plugin” button at the top of the page. Then, click “Choose File” and select the ZIP file you downloaded. After selecting it, click “Install Now”.
  4. Activate the Plugin.
    • Once the plugin is uploaded and installed, you’ll need to activate it. Click the “Activate Plugin” link to complete the process.

Important Considerations

  • Compatibility: Before installing, check that the plugin is compatible with your version of WordPress to avoid potential issues.
  • Updates: Keep your plugins updated to maintain website security and functionality.
  • Backup: It’s a good practice to back up your website before installing new plugins.

This process allows you to enhance your WordPress site with various features, from simple site enhancements to complex e-commerce solutions. If you encounter any issues during installation, most plugin developers offer documentation or support forums to help resolve common problems.


WordPress Plugins

Install Plugins are like apps for your WordPress site. They allow you to add additional features like contact forms, photo galleries, advanced searches, shopping and e-commerce etc… to your website.

To install plugins, first, you need to visit Plugins » Add New page in the WordPress admin area. Next, you need to search for the plugin you are looking for by typing in keywords (like photo gallery, contact form, etc).

If you know the name of the plugin that you want to install, then you can just enter the name of the plugin.

In the search results, click on the install button next to the plugin that you want to install and WordPress will install it for you.

Next, you will need to click on the activate button to start using the plugin.

You can also install plugins sold by third-party developers. Those plugins come as a zip file.

Simply head over to Plugins » Add New page and then click on the upload button.

Next, you need to click on the choose file button to select the plugin zip file from your computer and then click on ‘Install now’.


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About the Author: Bernard Aybout

In the land of bytes and bits, a father of three sits,With a heart for tech and coding kits, in IT he never quits.At Magna's door, he took his stance, in Canada's wide expanse,At Karmax Heavy Stamping - Cosma's dance, he gave his career a chance.With a passion deep for teaching code, to the young minds he showed,The path where digital seeds are sowed, in critical thinking mode.But alas, not all was bright and fair, at Magna's lair, oh despair,Harassment, intimidation, a chilling air, made the workplace hard to bear.Management's maze and morale's dip, made our hero's spirit flip,In a demoralizing grip, his well-being began to slip. So he bid adieu to Magna's scene, from the division not so serene,Yet in tech, his interest keen, continues to inspire and convene.