How to update a WordPress Plugin that is not hosted in the WP plugin directory

I’ve written this blog post and create a video tutorial on how to install and update a new WordPress plugin that is not hosted in the WordPress Plugin Directory, specifically for the latest version of Clifton’s Lightbox Plugin (v2.2).

Many free WordPress plugins are available inside the WordPress Plugins Directory and you can easily update them using your WP Dashboard. However, you may have purchased a plugin or downloaded a plugin that doesn’t support the one-click update function. Don’t worry because typically updating is a fairly simple process and I have put together a short video tutorial to help you along. I will use my free lightbox plugin for WordPress as an example.

Instructions

1. Backup your entire WordPress blog & database.
2. Click on Plugins in your WP Dashboard.
3. Find the plugin you want to update. If the plugin is active, deactivate it.
4. Click the Delete link for the plugin & confirm.
5. Download the new version of the plugin to your desktop.
6. Click the Add New button to add the new plugin.
7. Click on the Upload link.
8. Click Browse to find the downloaded plugin on your desktop.
9. Click the Install Now button.
10. Click on Active Plugin link.
11. Visit Plugins settings page to be sure everything is still configured correctly.

Video Tutorial

About Clifton Hatfield

I am a family man. My wife and I are both web developers and parents to our beautiful boys. I have been working with social networks since 2004 and blogging even longer. After building niche networks of over 400,000 members, I have genuinely gained knowledge of how they have grown over the years and have influenced the way people interact on the internet. My hobbies include writing Facebook Applications and Wordpress Plugins. In my free time, I love a glass of wine with my wife or playing in the yard our boys. Nothing means more to me than my family.

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