How & Why You Should Remove Unused WordPress Plugins

Unused WordPress plugins can slow your site down and weaken your security, even when they’re deactivated.

This guide explains why they cause problems and shows you how to safely remove them.

Why You Should Remove Unused Plugins

Leaving inactive or unused plugins on your WordPress installation is a significant liability. Here’s why you should clean them up:

Enhanced Security

Inactive plugins still leave their files on your server. If a vulnerability is found, attackers can target those files directly. Removing unused plugins closes those entry points.

Improved Performance

Many plugins add files and database entries that remain after deactivation. They increase backup sizes and sometimes still load assets. Removing them reduces bloat and can help your site load faster.

Simplified Maintenance

A shorter list of plugins makes your life easier. It simplifies troubleshooting when issues arise and reduces the time you spend on updates. With fewer plugins to manage, you can focus on the ones that are essential for your site’s functionality.

Reduced Bloat

Over time, unused plugins can contribute to database bloat. Even after deactivation, some plugins leave behind tables and rows in your database. This unnecessary data can slow down your database queries and negatively impact your overall site performance.

Why Deactivation Isn’t Enough

Many WordPress site owners believe that if a plugin is deactivated, it’s harmless. While it’s true that deactivating a plugin prevents it from actively running on your site, this is only a half-measure that creates a false sense of security. The reality is that the plugin’s files are still sitting on your server.

Think of it this way: even if the plugin isn’t “on,” its code is still present and accessible. Hackers and malicious bots are constantly scanning the web, not just for active vulnerabilities, but for the mere presence of specific plugin files known to have security flaws. If a known vulnerability exists in a deactivated plugin, its files can still be scanned and exploited. Removing the plugin avoids this risk entirely.

How to Identify and Remove Unused Plugins

Follow these simple steps to clean up your WordPress installation.

Step 1: Identify Unused Plugins

Go to Plugins in the WordPress dashboard and review each installed plugin. For each one, check whether you still use it and whether the functionality is truly needed.

What function does this plugin perform?
Is this functionality still necessary for my website?
Is there a better way to achieve this without a plugin?
When was the last time I used this plugin’s features?

If you’re unsure about a plugin, try deactivating it and checking your website to see if any issues arise. This can help you determine if it’s safe to remove.

Step 2: Deactivate the Plugin

Once you’ve identified a plugin that is no longer needed, click “Deactivate” under its name. This will disable the plugin, but its files will still be on your server.

Step 3: Delete the Plugin

After deactivating the plugin, a “Delete” option will appear. Click on it. WordPress will ask for confirmation before permanently removing the plugin’s files. Confirm the deletion.

By following these steps, you are actively enhancing your website’s security and performance. A clean WordPress installation is a crucial component of a well-maintained website, enabling you to use your hosting resources to their fullest potential.

Suggested Read: How to Easily Change Your WordPress Site URL

Test Plugin Changes Safely with RunCloud

As we’ve seen, keeping your WordPress site free of unused plugins is a powerful step towards a faster, more secure, and easier-to-manage website. By removing unnecessary plugins, you can eliminate security vulnerabilities and reduce performance-draining code.

Cleaning up unused plugins is easier when you can test changes safely and securely.

RunCloud provides a simple and reliable way to manage WordPress sites, featuring one-click staging, automated backups, and performance-focused server setups.

You can test plugin removals in staging, confirm everything works, and deploy changes with confidence.

Take the risk out of managing WordPress. Use RunCloud to create a staging site, test plugin changes safely, and run your site on a fast, secure server setup.

Create your free RunCloud account and start managing WordPress the easy way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Unused Plugins

How does removing unused plugins help my website’s SEO?

Search engines like Google favor websites that are fast and secure. By removing unused plugins, you reduce code bloat and potential security vulnerabilities, which improves your site’s loading speed and overall health. This sends positive signals to search engines that can boost your rankings.

Is deactivating a plugin the same as deleting it?

No, they are not the same. Deactivating a plugin simply turns it off, but its files remain on your server, posing a potential security risk. Deleting the plugin completely removes its files, which is the recommended practice for better security and performance.

How often should I perform a plugin cleanup?

It’s a good practice to review your installed plugins every three to six months. This regular audit helps ensure that you are only keeping the plugins that are necessary, up to date, and beneficial for your site’s functionality.

Could I break my site by deleting a plugin?

Yes, if the plugin provides essential functionality. To avoid this, always deactivate the plugin first and thoroughly test your website’s key features to ensure everything still works as expected before proceeding with deletion.

What if I need a deleted plugin in the future?

If you think you might need a plugin again, you can simply reinstall it from the WordPress plugin repository. However, for plugins you are certain you won’t use, complete removal is the best way to keep your site lean and secure.