# How to Forcefully Update or Reinstall a WordPress Plugin

If a WordPress plugin is not working correctly, you can reinstall it without losing data or removing it. This method works for both active and inactive plugins.

* Log in to the **WordPress dashboard**.
* From the Dashboard menu, go to **Plugins** and click on **Plugin File Editor**.

<figure><img src="https://3645136414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIcJwwORgqOz8NHr15WEz%2Fuploads%2FFDOopE0pSduDdk5UVQht%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=48bcb3cd-9899-4bce-b1fc-0d1e3bbd34d6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* In the **Select plugin to edit** dropdown menu, choose the plugin and click on **Select**.

<figure><img src="https://3645136414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIcJwwORgqOz8NHr15WEz%2Fuploads%2F42M3pwqgPwWsoT0kKXI6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d817c8e4-7119-43fe-898f-e257691c7006" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* In the file editor, locate the version line:

<mark style="color:blue;">`Version: 1.7.2`</mark>\ <mark style="color:blue;">`Change it to:`</mark>\ <mark style="color:blue;">`Version: 1.7.1`</mark>

**Info:** Only change the version from a higher to a lower number to ensure compatibility.

<figure><img src="https://3645136414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIcJwwORgqOz8NHr15WEz%2Fuploads%2FyIKuXJymtzlskrRwGj2Z%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=87149317-dc8f-4210-a801-75184d5c7a72" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Scroll down and click on **Update File**. Then go back to the **Installed Plugins** list. There should be an update for the plugin you edited. Click on **Update Now**.

<figure><img src="https://3645136414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIcJwwORgqOz8NHr15WEz%2Fuploads%2Fog9bSFZ0IkwhpYALCdkv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6c4d7501-f15f-444a-9895-489b4989b267" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Be cautious when changing plugin versions. Downgrading can lead to compatibility issues.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
You have successfully forcefully updated or reinstalled the plugin without losing data!
{% endhint %}