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Free Plugin by Ian Dunn v1.2.2

Overwrite Uploads

Overwrites files with the same name and folder when uploading, instead of storing multiple copies with unique filenames.

Overwrite Uploads

The facts

Rating
3.4★ from 8
Active installs
1k+
Price
Free
Last updated
4 Aug 2025
Added
Mar 2011
Requires WP
2.9
Tested up to
WP 6.8.8
Downloads
84,974

Our analysis

AI-assisted

Overwrite Uploads is a WordPress plugin that changes the default file upload behaviour. Instead of appending a number to existing files with the same name, it allows new uploads to automatically overwrite the existing files in the same directory.

This plugin is suitable for users who prefer to manage their media library without creating multiple versions of the same file. Once activated, it works automatically without requiring further configuration.

Best for: This plugin is best for users who frequently upload files to the same directory and want to avoid duplicate filenames.

What it does well

  • Automatically overwrites existing files with the same name
  • Eliminates the creation of duplicate file names
  • Easy to use with no additional configuration required

Where it falls short

  • Does not overwrite files in different folders
  • Limited information on support and troubleshooting

Verdict

Overwrite Uploads provides a straightforward solution for managing file uploads in WordPress, though it has limitations regarding folder-specific overwrites.

From the developer

Ian Dunn's own description of Overwrite Uploads, lightly tidied.

By default WordPress doesn’t overwrite an existing file if you upload a new one with the same name and directory. Instead, it appends a number to the end of the filename in order to make it unique, e.g., filename.jpg becomes filename1.jpg.

That isn’t always the desired behavior, so this plugin makes it so that any files uploaded will automatically overwrite existing files in the same folder, rather than creating a second file with a unique name. It will not overwrite files in other folders.

After activating the plugin, you won’t need to do anything else, it’ll start working automatically. If you run into problems, please check the FAQ and existing support forum posts before opening a new support request.

Read the full description on the official page →

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