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Understanding Updates for GPL Plugins and Themes

< 1 min read

How Updates Work in GPL Marketplaces #

GPL software can legally be redistributed, but marketplaces do not connect to the original vendor’s update server. That means:

  • You won’t receive automatic one-click updates
  • You will instead download updated versions from your account
  • Updates are provided as new releases when we receive them

Functionality remains the same — the update process is simply manual.

Why Automatic Updates Aren’t Included #

Automatic updates are part of the commercial support service offered by original developers. Because GPL marketplaces do not sell support services, they don’t include licensed update keys.

This separation is what enables affordable access.

How to Manually Update a GPL Plugin or Theme #

  1. Download the latest version from your account
  2. Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload
  3. Upload the new version ZIP file
  4. WordPress will detect the older version
  5. Click Replace / Update

Your settings and data remain intact in most plugins.

Should I Still Update Regularly? #

Absolutely. Updates often include:

  • Security patches
  • Bug fixes
  • Performance improvements
  • Compatibility fixes with newer WordPress versions

Whether GPL or vendor-licensed, keeping software updated is essential.

Updated on January 7, 2026

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Table of Contents
  • How Updates Work in GPL Marketplaces
  • Why Automatic Updates Aren’t Included
  • How to Manually Update a GPL Plugin or Theme
  • Should I Still Update Regularly?

Disclaimer: All items are released under the GNU General Public License. We do not include product keys, premium support, or automatic updates from original authors. For official vendor support and automatic updates, please purchase directly from the original developers.

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All plugins distributed on this site are GPL-licensed. We redistribute them independently from original developers. We encourage supporting original authors when possible for official support and automatic updates.

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