Deactivating & Removing Plugins

Stop an extension from loading, or permanently remove its plugin files when it is no longer required.

TruCMS Plugin Manager showing installed plugins

Use the Plugin Manager when a plugin needs to be disabled or when a supported removal action is available.

Deactivate and Delete are not the same

ActionWhat happensWhen to use it
DeactivateThe plugin stops loading. Its plugin files and stored data remain.Use this when you want to stop the feature without removing the installed package.
DeleteThe inactive plugin’s files are permanently removed. Database tables or data created by the plugin are not automatically removed.Use this only when you no longer need the installed plugin package and have already checked dependencies and backups.

Check dependencies first

TruCMS protects dependency relationships. You cannot deactivate a plugin while another active plugin depends on it, and you cannot delete a plugin while another installed plugin depends on it. The Plugin Manager lists dependent plugins so you know what must be dealt with first.

For example, a payment gateway add-on relies on TruPayments. If a connected Booking or TruCommerce workflow depends on that payment method, disabling the payment layer changes what customers can use at checkout.

Deactivate a plugin

  1. Open Appearance → Plugins.
  2. Find the active plugin and review its dependent plugins.
  3. Choose Deactivate and confirm.
  4. Check the affected module and public workflow afterward. Menus or features contributed by the plugin will no longer be available while it is inactive.

Delete an installed plugin

Deletion is available only when the plugin is inactive, is not protected, and has no installed dependents. Choose Delete and confirm the permanent removal.

Deletion is not a data-cleanup tool

Deleting a plugin removes its plugin files, but data created by that plugin is not automatically removed. Back up the site before deletion and do not assume that deleting and reinstalling a plugin is equivalent to resetting its data.

Protected plugins

A plugin marked Protected cannot be deleted through the Plugin Manager. This prevents removal of extensions that TruCMS has designated as protected.

Permissions

Activation/deactivation and deletion use separate plugin permissions. If an action is missing for your account, review Roles & Permissions.