# Disabling plugins in WordPress

> Disable WordPress plugins one at a time or all at once, from the dashboard or by renaming folders when you cannot log in.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/disabling-plugins-in-wordpress/

WordPress offers thousands of plugins to extend functionality. However, some plugins may cause conflicts, slow down your site, or need to be disabled for troubleshooting. On **ruachost.com**, you can disable plugins individually or all at once.

## Why Disable Plugins?

- Troubleshoot errors or blank pages.
- Improve site performance by removing unused plugins.
- Prevent conflicts between plugins and themes.
- Temporarily turn off features you don’t need.

## Disabling Individual Plugins

1. **Log in to WordPress** as the administrator.
2. In the left‑hand menu, click **Plugins → Installed Plugins**.
3. Locate the plugin you want to disable.
4. Click **Deactivate**.

✅ The plugin is now disabled but remains installed. To re‑enable, click **Activate**.

## Disabling All Plugins at Once

If you cannot access the WordPress admin interface:

1. **Log in to cPanel.**

   - In the **Files** section, click **File Manager**.
2. **Navigate to WordPress Directory.**

   - Typically located in `public_html`.
   - If installed in a subdirectory, go there instead.
3. **Open wp-content Directory.**

   - Locate the `plugins` folder.
4. **Rename the Folder.**

   - Right‑click `plugins` → **Rename**.
   - Change the name to something like `plugins-disabled`.
5. **Confirm.**

   - All plugins are now disabled.

✅ To re‑enable, rename the folder back to `plugins`.

> **Note:**
- Disabling plugins does not delete them, they remain available for reactivation.
- If a plugin is causing a fatal error, renaming the `plugins` directory is the fastest fix.
- Always back up your site before making changes.