Allow-reinstalls

Use the Allow-reinstalls plugin to allow you to install a new version of a plugin or theme without having to delete the existing plugin or theme.

The problem

Destination folder already exists. Plugin install failed.

• You have a plugin installed on your WordPress server
• You have a .zip file containing a different version
• You want to replace the existing version with the .zip file
• When you attempt to use Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin you get the following messages

Installing Plugin from uploaded file: your-plugin vw.x.y.zip
Unpacking the package…

Installing the plugin…

Destination folder already exists. /path-to/wp-content/plugins/your-plugin/

Plugin install failed.

Destination folder already exists. Theme install failed.

• You have a theme installed on your WordPress server
• You have a .zip file containing a different version
• You want to replace the existing version with the .zip file
• When you attempt to use Appearance > Themes > Add New > Upload Theme you get the following messages

Installing Theme from uploaded file: your-theme vw.x.y.zip
Unpacking the package…

Installing the theme…

Destination folder already exists. /path-to/wp-content/themes/your-theme/

Theme install failed.

The solution

• Install the allow-reinstalls WordPress plugin
• Activate the allow-reinstalls WordPress plugin
• Try performing your upload again
• This time your server will not fail because the Destination folder already exists
• So your plugin or theme should be updated

Features

• Very simple solution
• Allows upgrade and downgrade
• Uses standard WordPress upload process
• Requires WordPress 4.3.0 or above
• Tested with WordPress 4.4.1 and WordPress MultiSite

For more information read the FAQs.