How to Fix the 'Cannot Delete Easy Updates Manager' Problem

If you've found yourself unable to delete the Easy Updates Manager plugin from your WordPress site, you're not alone. This is a known issue that has affected users in the past, particularly with version 8.1 of the plugin. This guide will explain why this happens and provide the steps to completely remove the plugin.

Why Can't I Delete the Plugin?

Based on community reports, the inability to delete the plugin is typically caused by one of two issues:

1. A Past Bug: Version 8.1 of Easy Updates Manager contained a small PHP error in its uninstall script. A typo in the code prevented the normal deletion process from working correctly. The Easy Updates Manager team has since fixed this bug in version 8.1.1.
2. Unrelated Security Issue: In one reported case, a user's inability to delete any plugin, including Easy Updates Manager, was actually caused by a separate site hack that modified their WordPress configuration file. This is a less common but important scenario to be aware of.

How to Completely Uninstall Easy Updates Manager

Follow these methods to remove the plugin. Start with Method 1, which is the standard solution.

Method 1: Update and Delete (Recommended)

If the deletion error is due to the known bug, the simplest fix is to ensure you are running the latest version of the plugin, which contains the fix.

1. Go to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
3. Find Easy Updates Manager and check if an update is available. If it is, update the plugin first.
4. After updating, deactivate the plugin.
5. Once deactivated, the Delete link should appear. Click it to remove the plugin completely.

Method 2: Manual File Correction (For Older Versions)

If you cannot update the plugin for any reason, you can manually correct the file that caused the problem. This will allow the normal deletion process to work.

1. Access your website's files using your hosting provider's file manager or an FTP client (like FileZilla).
2. Navigate to the plugin's directory: /wp-content/plugins/stops-core-theme-and-plugin-updates/
3. Locate and open the file uninstall.php in a code or text editor.
4. Find line 47 (or search for the code snippet).
5. You will likely see the incorrect line: delete_site_optio('easy_updates_manager_dismiss_constant_notices');
6. Correct the typo by changing it to: delete_site_option('easy_updates_manager_dismiss_constant_notices');
7. Save the file and upload it back to your server, overwriting the old one.
8. Return to your WordPress plugins page. You should now be able to deactivate and delete the plugin normally.

Method 3: Check for a Security Compromise

If you still cannot delete any plugins after trying the methods above, your site's configuration may have been compromised by a third party, unrelated to Easy Updates Manager.

1. Scan your website for malware using a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri.
2. Inspect your wp-config.php file for any unfamiliar or malicious code.
3. Consider contacting your web hosting provider's support team for assistance, as they can often help restore file permissions and check for breaches.

Does the Plugin Leave Data Behind?

According to the plugin's developer, Easy Updates Manager includes an uninstall script. When you delete the plugin through the WordPress interface (after it has been successfully deactivated), this script is designed to clean up its data from your database, leaving no traces behind.

If you encounter any other issues during this process, the wider WordPress community on forums like WordPress.org can be a valuable resource for finding solutions.