# Installing and Managing WordPress Plugins

Source: https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-nz/wordpress-plugins

Plugins extend what WordPress can do, from contact forms and SEO tools to online stores and performance optimisation. This guide covers how to manage plugins effectively and safely on your KapsuleHost website.

### Installing a Plugin

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard (usually at `yourdomain.com/wp-admin`)
2. Go to **Plugins > Add New Plugin**
3. Search for the plugin by name or browse featured and popular options
4. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**

For premium plugins you have purchased:

1. Download the plugin `.zip` file from the developer's website
2. In WordPress admin, go to **Plugins > Add New Plugin > Upload Plugin**
3. Choose the `.zip` file and click **Install Now**, then **Activate**

### Best Practices

**Only install plugins you need.**
Every plugin adds code that runs on your site. Plugins that are not actively maintained or simply unused can slow your site down or introduce security vulnerabilities.

**Use reputable sources.**
Only install plugins from the official WordPress.org repository or trusted premium marketplaces. Avoid downloading plugins from unofficial sites, as these can contain malware.

**Check compatibility.**
Before installing, verify that the plugin supports your current version of WordPress.

> **Tip:** Before installing a new plugin on your live site, try it on a staging environment first. See [Using Staging Environments](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-nz/staging-environments).

### Keeping Plugins Updated

Outdated plugins are one of the most common causes of hacked WordPress sites. To update:

1. Go to **Dashboard > Updates** in WordPress admin
2. Check the plugins that have updates available
3. Click **Update Plugins**

> **Warning:** Always take a backup before running plugin updates, especially for major version changes. See [Taking a Backup](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-nz/taking-a-backup).

### Deactivating vs Deleting a Plugin

**Deactivating** a plugin disables it but leaves its files and data in place. This is useful if you need to troubleshoot an issue.

**Deleting** a plugin removes its files. If you are removing a plugin permanently, delete rather than just deactivate.

To delete: go to **Plugins > Installed Plugins**, deactivate the plugin first, then click **Delete**.

### Troubleshooting Plugin Conflicts

If your site breaks after activating a plugin:

1. Deactivate the new plugin immediately
2. If you cannot access WordPress admin, connect via SFTP and rename the plugin folder in `wp-content/plugins/` (this deactivates it)
3. Test the site without the plugin

See [SFTP Access](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-nz/sftp-access) for instructions on connecting to your files.