

Uploading Files to the wp-content Directory Any methods for resolving the “Installation failed: could not create directory” error listed below should also work for a stalled update.

Since the cause of these two issues is the same, the solutions are identical as well. If your permissions settings are incorrect or there is not enough free space, the process will not be able to access the right files or upload new ones. When you update a WordPress plugin or theme, WordPress needs to rewrite its files on your website’s server. This problem occurs for the same reasons as the “Installation failed could not create directory.” error. This one will typically read, “Update failed: could not create directory.” Sometimes, when attempting to upgrade a WordPress theme or plugin that’s already installed on your site, you may see an error very similar to the one we’ve described above.

Kinsta provides a Disk space add-on in 20 GB increments. In the latter case, you’ll want to look into upgrading to another hosting package that provides more storage. This may be due to old backup files not being deleted, or it may happen because your hosting plan is too small for your site. Read this guide to check disk usage in WordPress. If your server is running out of disk space to store your site’s files, it may show this same message because it has no room for the new plugin or theme. It’s important to note that there is a similar, less common cause for this error. In general, this is a problem that usually occurs on new WordPress sites. This error is your server’s way of saying that you’re not allowed to make changes to your site’s files by adding the plugin or theme in question. That’s when you’ll see an error such as “Installation failed: could not create directory.” However, if the plugin or theme you’re attempting to install does not have permission to write in your website’s root directory, it won’t be able to complete this task. Your WordPress site is made up of two components: a database and various files that are stored on a server in ‘directories.’ When you use WordPress admin to add a theme or plugin to your site, it has to create a new directory in which to save its files. Get fast and secure WordPress hosting, complete with CDN, edge caching, 35 data centers, and enterprise-level features included in all plans.įor Less Installing a New Theme or Plugin on Your Site
