---
title: install_plugins
description: "## What is the install_plugins permission in WordPress? The install_plugins permission allows you to install plugins on a WordPress site. However, the install_plugins permission can not be used by itself. Before you can install plugins you also need the [activate_plugins](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/activate-plugins/)…"
url: "https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/install-plugins/"
updated: "2026-10-14"
category: WordPress Permissions / WordPress Permissions
---

# install_plugins

## What is the install_plugins permission in WordPress?

The install_plugins permission allows you to install plugins on a WordPress site.

However, the install_plugins permission can not be used by itself. Before you can install plugins you also need the [activate_plugins](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/activate-plugins/) permission. With both of those permissions, you can go to the "Plugins" screen and use the "Add New" button.

![](https://publishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/add-new-plugin-1024x423.png)

Confusingly, the install_plugins also gives you access the Dashboard > Updates area. You won't see anything useful in this area unless you have the [update_plugins](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/update-plugins/) permission.

![](https://publishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Screen-Shot-2019-04-27-at-2.42.15-PM.png)

---

## Who has the install_plugins permission?

By default, the [delete_plugins](https://publishpress.com/links/delete-plugins) permission is only given to [Super Admins](https://publishpress.com/links/super-admin) and Administrators.

Users not in these roles are not allowed to delete plugins.

---

## How can you control who has the install_plugins permission?

You can control who has the install_plugins permission by installing the [PublishPress Capabilities](https://publishpress.com/links/capabilities) plugin.

- After installing [PublishPress Capabilities](https://publishpress.com/links/capabilities), go to "Capabilities" in your admin menu.
- Using the dropdown in the top-left corner, choose the role you want to edit.
- Click the "Plugins" tab.
- Check or uncheck the “install plugins" box.

![](https://publishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/install-plugins-1024x512.png)

---

## All plugin permissions in WordPress

- [activate_plugins](https://publishpress.com/docs/activate-plugins/)
- [delete_plugins](https://publishpress.com/docs/delete-plugins/)
- [install_plugins](https://publishpress.com/docs/install_plugins/)
- [edit_plugins](https://publishpress.com/docs/edit_plugins/)
- [update_plugins](https://publishpress.com/docs/update-plugins/)