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Free Plugin by Chris Jean v2.0.2

Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades

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

Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades

The facts

Rating
4.7★ from 117
Active installs
60k+
Price
Free
Last updated
20 Apr 2022
Added
Jul 2011
Requires WP
4.4
Tested up to
WP 5.7.17
Downloads
1,441,379

Our analysis

AI-assisted

Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades is a WordPress plugin that addresses the limitation of upgrading themes and plugins via zip files. Normally, WordPress does not allow this and displays an error message if you attempt to do so. This plugin automates the upgrade process by detecting existing themes or plugins and upgrading them accordingly.

The plugin creates a backup of the old version before proceeding with the upgrade, allowing you to revert to the previous version if necessary. It is suitable for users who frequently update their themes and plugins and want a straightforward method to manage upgrades without manual intervention.

Best for: This plugin is best for WordPress users who regularly update themes and plugins and prefer a simplified upgrade process.

What it does well

  • Automatically upgrades existing themes and plugins
  • Creates a backup of the old version before upgrading
  • No need to manually select upgrade options

Where it falls short

  • Functionality changed in version 2.0.0 may confuse some users
  • Limited information on additional features

Verdict

Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades provides a useful solution for managing theme and plugin updates in WordPress. It is particularly beneficial for users looking for an automated upgrade process.

From the developer

Chris Jean's own description of Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades, lightly tidied.

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.

Read the full description on the official page →

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