Automatic installation
Automatic installation is the easiest option as WordPress handles the file transfers itself and you don’t need to leave your web browser. To do an automatic plugin install, log in to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the Plugins menu and click Add New.
In the search field type the plugin name you are looking for and click Search Plugins. Once you’ve found your plugin, you can view details about it such as the the point release, rating and description. You can install it by simply clicking Install Now.
Manual installation
The manual installation method involves downloading your plugin and uploading it to your webserver via your favourite FTP application.
- Download the plugin file to your computer and unzip it.
- Using an FTP program, or your hosting control panel, upload the unzipped plugin folder to your WordPress installation’s
wp-content/plugins/directory. - Activate the plugin from the Plugins menu within the WordPress admin.
The WordPress codex also contains instructions on how to do this.
Updating
Automatic updates should work like a charm; as always though, ensure you backup your site just in case.