How to Fix the Destination Folder Already Exists Error in WordPress

If you’re trying to install a plugin or theme in WordPress and see the error Destination folder already exists, don’t panic. This is a common issue that can easily be fixed with a few simple steps.

Why Does This Error Happen?

When you install a plugin or theme in WordPress, it gets extracted into the /wp-content/plugins/ or /wp-content/themes/ directory. If a folder with the same name already exists, WordPress won’t overwrite it, which leads to the “Destination folder already exists” error.

The folder might already exist because:

  • You previously installed (and maybe deleted) the same plugin or theme.
  • The plugin/theme installation failed halfway, leaving behind an incomplete folder.
  • You manually uploaded files via FTP or File Manager.

How to Fix It

1. Delete the Existing Folder Manually

The most straightforward solution is to remove the conflicting folder.

Steps:

  1. Connect to your site via FTP (using a client like FileZilla) or use your hosting’s File Manager.
  2. Navigate to wp-content/plugins/ for plugins or wp-content/themes/ for themes
  3. Find the folder with the same name as the plugin or theme you’re trying to install.
  4. Delete that folder.
  5. Return to WordPress and re-install the plugin or theme.

2. Use the Replace Existing Plugin/Theme Option (If Available)

Some managed WordPress hosts or advanced plugin managers give you the option to overwrite existing files during upload. If you see this option, you can safely use it to avoid the error.

3. Check for a Corrupted or Partial Installation

Sometimes the folder is left behind because an earlier installation was interrupted. After deleting the folder, make sure to:

  • Clear your browser cache.
  • Refresh the Installed Plugins or Themes page in WordPress to confirm it’s gone.

4. Rename the Folder (Advanced Option)

If you want to preserve the old version of the plugin or theme, you can rename the folder instead of deleting it.

  • Example: change plugin-name to plugin-name-old.
  • Then install the new version.
  • Later, you can decide if you want to keep or remove the old one.

How to Prevent This Error in the Future

  • Always delete plugins or themes from the WordPress dashboard instead of just removing their files.
  • Use the latest version of WordPress to minimize installation bugs.
  • Avoid uploading large themes/plugins via the dashboard. If your connection is slow, use FTP to upload instead.

Conclusion

In most cases, simply deleting the old folder solves the problem. Once you reinstall the plugin or theme, everything should work normally.

Have you faced this error before? What solution worked best for you? Let us know in the comments.

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