How to Proceed When Plugin .zip Files Automatically Unzip Upon Download

Some web browsers, especially Safari on Macs, will un-zip the .zip file automatically upon download. If this happens, you will see a folder in your downloads folder instead of the “.zip” file. You cannot upload and install a plugin on your WordPress site unless it’s a .zip file. It’s just the way WordPress works. You’ll need to disable this setting on your web browser and download the plugin .zip file again.

Quick workaround: right-click

One quick way to get around this problem is to right-click (or Control-click on a laptop) the link or button and choose the option “Download Linked File As…”, which will allow you to download the plugin as the .zip file required for WordPress installation. Note that your browser may default to saving the file wherever the last file was saved, which may not necessarily be your default download location set under your browser settings.

Disabling the Automatic Un-zip in Your Browser

Safari

Another way around this problem is to disable the “Open “safe” files after downloading” setting. Apple often refers to .zip files as ‘archives’ or ‘archive files’.

1. Under the ‘Safari’ menu item click “Settings”
2. Click the General tab
3. Un-check the box next to “Open “safe” files after downloading” option

Chrome

Chrome, by default does not automatically un-zip .zip files. If this is happening, you likely have an extension installed, which you can temporarily disable and then re-download the plugin .zip file. Google Chrome support page

Firefox

Firefox, by default does not automatically un-zip .zip files. If this is happening there is likely an application setting that may have been enabled that you can disable.

1. Go to the settings/preferences (varies between PC and Mac)
2. Search ‘zip’ in the settings search bar under settings
3. Under application settings locate the .zip file settings
4. Make sure it is set to ‘Save file’

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge, by default does not automatically un-zip .zip files. Microsoft Edge support page.