What is the update_plugins permission in WordPress? #
The update_plugins permission allows update WordPress plugins to a more recent release.
The update_plugins permission gives access to the Dashboard > Updates menu link. A user with this permission will also see a red update icon in the left menu and a grey icon in the top menu.
Users with the update_plugins permission will be able to see select plugins and click the “Update Plugins” button:
If the user has the activate_plugins permission, they will also be able to update plugins via the “Plugins” link shown below.
Who has the update_plugins permission? #
The update_plugins permission is available on single WordPress sites and on multisite networks.
By default, the update_plugins permission is only given to Super Admins, and Administrators.
Users not in these roles are not allowed to update plugins.
How can you control who has the update_plugins permission? #
You can control who has the update_plugins permission by installing the PublishPress Capabilities plugin.
- Install the PublishPress Capabilities plugin.
- Go to “Capabilities” in your WordPress 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 “activate plugins” box.
