How to Install a Plugin in Moodle

Moodle version: 4.5 Estimated time: 8–10 minutes Difficulty: Intermediate

Why you'd use this

You install a plugin to add features Moodle doesn’t include by default, such as new activity types, reports, or authentication methods. The outcome is a site-wide enhancement that all relevant courses or users can access, depending on the plugin type.

Before you start

Permissions required:

• Site administrator role

You'll need:

• The plugin’s ZIP file downloaded from moodle.org/plugins, or the ability to install directly from the Moodle plugins directory.

Note for Moodle 4.5: You’ll find plugin installation at Site administration > Plugins > Install plugins.

Not sure if you have the right permissions? Go to Site administration and look for the Plugins tab. If you can open Plugins > Install plugins, you have the access you need. If not, ask your Moodle administrator.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Open Site administration

Sign in as a Site administrator. From the navigation, click Site administration to open the admin area.

Step 2: Go to the Install plugins page

Click the Plugins tab, then click Install plugins.

Tip: You can also use the admin search box for “Install plugins” to jump straight to the page.

Step 3: Choose your installation method

Decide whether to: - Install directly from the Moodle plugins directory (web install), or - Upload a ZIP file

Warning: Installing a plugin affects the whole site. Do this when activity is low.

Step 4: Install from the Moodle plugins directory (web install)

• Click the Install plugins from the Moodle plugins directory link at the top of the page.
• Find your plugin, click Install.
• When prompted, select your site and confirm to return to Moodle.

If you don’t see this link, web install is disabled on your site use the ZIP upload method in Step 5.

Step 5: Install from a ZIP file (upload method)

• On the Install plugins page, drag and drop the plugin’s ZIP file into the file area (or click Choose a file… to upload it).
• Click the Install plugin from ZIP file button.
• Moodle will validate the ZIP and show the plugin name, version, and type.

Step 6: Review validation and continue

Check the validation results. If you see “Validation successful,” click Continue.

If there are errors (e.g., wrong folder name, missing dependency, or incompatible version), note the message and fix it before continuing.

Step 7: Run the database upgrade

• On the Plugins check page, review the list of new or updated plugins.
• Click Upgrade Moodle database now.

Tip: This step may take a minute. Keep the page open until it finishes.

Step 8: Complete any plugin settings

If the plugin has settings, a configuration page opens. Adjust as needed and click Save changes (or Continue if no settings are required).

Step 9: Verify the plugin is enabled

Go to the Plugins Overview and make sure the plugin shows as enabled.

Step 10: Check it appears where you expect

• For activity plugins: Open a course, turn on Edit mode, click Add an activity or resource, and look for the new activity in the Activity chooser.
• For blocks: Turn on Edit mode in a course or the dashboard and add the new block.
• For themes: Go to Site administration > Appearance > Themes > Theme selector and switch to the new theme if required.