Destination folder already exists 📝 WordPress

WordPress: Destination folder already exists. Plugin installation failed

A folder with the plugin/theme’s name already exists in wp-content, usually from a failed or partial previous install.

Seen on: WordPress

Meaning

WordPress won’t overwrite an existing folder during install. Delete or rename the leftover folder (via SFTP/file manager) and install again — or use “Replace current with uploaded” when uploading a zip (WordPress 5.5+).

Common causes

  • Leftover folder from a failed install/update
  • Plugin deleted from the database but files remain
  • Installing a zip with the same folder name

⚡ Quick fix

  1. Delete the leftover folder in wp-content/plugins or themes
  2. Use Upload Plugin → Replace current with uploaded

Detailed fix by platform

Linux

  1. bash
    ls /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/
rm -rf /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/plugin-slug

How to diagnose

  1. Folder — Exists and is it complete?
  2. Plugin — Listed in Plugins screen?

🔧 Still not fixed?

Many errors look alike. If the steps above didn’t solve it, one of these is probably what you’re facing:

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