Plesk extensions are add-on modules that bring extra features to your control panel — from SSL management and WordPress tools to SEO analysis and malware scanning. This guide explains how to find, install, and use extensions as a hosting customer.
Step 1: Browse available extensions
- Log in to Plesk.
- Click Extensions in the left navigation pane.
- The Extensions Catalog shows extensions organised by:
- Featured — highlighted extensions.
- Most Popular — highest-rated by the community.
- New & Updated — recently published or updated.
- Categories — grouped by type (Security, Web Development, etc.).
- Use the search bar to find a specific extension by name.
Step 2: Install a free extension
If your hosting provider allows customer-level extension installation:
- Go to Extensions.
- Find the extension you want.
- Click Get it free to install it.
If you see a Buy button instead, the extension requires a paid licence. If the Get it free button is not available, your provider has restricted installation to administrators only — contact them to request the extension.
Step 3: Use installed extensions
How you access an extension depends on its type:
- Some add controls directly to your Websites & Domains page (e.g. Node.js, Ruby).
- Some appear under Extensions > My Extensions — click Go To Extension to open them.
- Some work automatically in the background after installation.
To see all installed extensions, go to Extensions > My Extensions.
Popular extensions for website owners
- Let’s Encrypt — free SSL certificate management and auto-renewal.
- WP Toolkit — WordPress installation, updates, security hardening, and staging.
- Advisor — security, performance, and SEO recommendations.
- ImunifyAV — malware scanning for your website files.
- SEO Toolkit — on-page SEO analysis.
Important notes
- Extension availability depends on your hosting provider. They control which extensions are installed and visible to customers.
- Some extensions only appear in the administrator panel and are not visible to customers.
- Installing or removing extensions does not affect your website files or databases.
- If you rely on an extension like Let’s Encrypt, do not remove it — your certificates will stop auto-renewing.
Troubleshooting
Extension is not visible in the panel:
- It may not be installed on the server, or your provider has restricted it to administrators. Contact your hosting provider.
- Check Extensions > My Extensions — it may be installed but disabled.
Extension shows an error or is not working:
- Check for updates under Extensions > Updates.
- The extension may require a paid licence to function.
- Try a different browser or clear your cache.
Cannot install an extension:
- On shared hosting, installation is usually restricted to the server administrator. Contact your hosting provider to request the extension.
If you need an extension installed, contact our support team.
