WordPress prompts that the target directory already exists? Solution to the failure of installing the theme/plugin

currently using Wordpress When installing a theme or plugin, many of you may encounter a maddening error: "The target directory already exists."

What’s even more strange is that when you open the folder in confusion, you can’t find the so-called “existing” directory at all.

This is actually because WordPress detects that there is already a folder with the same name in the path - usually a "ghost directory" left over from when you installed or updated a plugin before.

🎯 How to solve the problem when WordPress prompts that the target directory already exists?

🛠 Method 1: One-click replacement, solved in seconds

The easiest way is to just click the "Replace the current version with the uploaded version" button when the prompt pops up ▼

WordPress will immediately overwrite the old files and complete the installation in one go. You don’t have to deal with folders at all. It’s so convenient.

🔧 Method 2: Manual operation, more reliable

If you are more concerned about "clean and tidy", you can also choose to process it manually.

First, connect to your web server using an FTP tool or the file manager that comes with your host.

thenPositioningTo /public_html/wp-content/themes(If it is a plug-in, it is /plugins）This directory ▼

Then find the problematic plugin or theme folder. Right-click it and select "Delete", "Rename" or "Move". Clean up the folder that is in the way and re-upload the plugin or theme package. The problem will disappear immediately!

Both of these methods can easily fix the annoying error "Destination directory already exists". Choose one according to your operating habits, and WordPress's little problems will never bother you again! 😎💻