> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.ex2.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to Deactivate and Delete a Plugin in WordPress?

If your [WordPress plugin](https://help.ex2.com/en/article/what-is-a-wordpress-plugin-1h8sbmr/?bust=1783618505843) is not in use or you wish to deactivate it, you can do this from the WordPress [CMS](https://help.ex2.com/en/article/what-is-a-content-management-system-or-cms-1c48kdh/?bust=1784052067814) admin dashboard. You can also delete deactivated plugins.

# Here's how to deactivate  a plugin in WordPress

1. [Login to your WordPress admin dashboard](https://help.ex2.com/en/article/how-to-access-the-wordpress-admin-account-17gaz1d/?bust=1676395591170).

2. Under the dashboard menu, hover your mouse over Plugins and then click on Installed Plugins.

![](https://www.ex2.com/clients/img/wp-plugin-installed-plugin-menu.gif)

3. If you want to deactivate the Hello Dolly plugin, click on Deactivate, which appears at the bottom of the Hello Dolly text.

![](https://www.ex2.com/clients/img/wp-plugin-deactivate-hellodolly.gif)

# How to Delete a Plugin in WordPress?

Once a plugin is deactivated, the delete option will appear.

Go to the Installed Plugins list and click on the Delete link, which shows at the bottom of the deactivated plugins name. It will display a confirmation. Press OK and the plugin will be removed.

![](https://www.ex2.com/clients/img/wp-plugin-delete-hellodolly.gif)