How to Fix Could Not Copy File Error When Updating Plugin in WordPress

Keeping WordPress up-to-date with the latest version of core files, theme, and plugin updates is one of the best ways to improve the security of your site. However, there are times when completing these simple chores can be maddening. Especially when you run into an error when trying to install an update.

One error I run into every once in awhile is the following:

http://downloads.wordpress.org/plugin/plugin_name.zip

Unpacking the update.

Could not copy file /public_html/wp-content/upgrade/nameofplugin/name/…

Deleting the plugin and trying to completely reinstall sometimes will work, but in most cases it won’t. I have spent lots of time running in circles trying to solve an error.

You have to remember to not overlook the obvious and always start with the basics. One of the most common solutions to the “could not copy file” error when updating in WordPress is the lack of space available. Most sites are given a quota or fixed amount of disk space to save all their files. When this quota is reached, errors such as the “could not copy file” error will occur.

Please log into your Cpanel or contact your host to see if you have exceeded your disk space quota. In WordPress, this quota may have been exceeded by the amount of plugins or the size of your MySQL database.  Either increase your disk space quota, remove some unused plugins, or optimize your MySQL database to help free up disk space and allow the WordPress updates, plugin updates, and theme updates to install correctly.

If these suggestions don’t work, please review my other article on could not copy file fixes.

 

Tagged with: error • security

Filed under: Errors

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