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Inactive plugins

Inactive plugins are installed on the site but switched off. WordPress doesn’t load them, so they don’t add features or work. Their files stay on the server, and their settings usually stay in the database, ready for when the plugin is switched on again.

Why it matters

Section titled “Why it matters”

An inactive plugin doesn’t slow down your pages. But it’s still there. Its files can be reached on the server, and if one of them has a security flaw, it can be a risk even though the plugin is switched off. Inactive plugins are also easy to forget when it comes to updates.

Deactivating a plugin isn’t the same as deleting it. Deleting removes the files; many plugins also remove their settings and data then, but not all of them do.

What influences it

Section titled “What influences it”

WordPress: The most common reason for inactive plugins is a plugin that was switched off to test something, after a problem, or because it was no longer needed, and then never deleted. On a Multisite network, a plugin can be active on some sites and not on others.

In Permo

Section titled “In Permo”

The number of inactive plugins is in System info, tab WordPress, under Plugins, as the note on the Active plugins card, such as “3 inactive”. Permo doesn’t rate it, because inactive plugins don’t slow down your pages. What they leave in the database can; the Database tab shows it, for example as autoloaded options or tables. Under Changes, System info records when a plugin is activated, deactivated or deleted.

Section titled “Related”

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