Plugin replacer

Maintained by Melvyn Gomez

Plugin Replacer allows administrators to upload a Moodle plugin ZIP file and either: - Install it (if not currently installed), or - Replace the existing installed version. This plugin works in specific scenarios where you don't have enough control to keep updating or installing plugins, for example if the Moodle provider/partner don't allow on Production environments to install or update plugins.

Free

Download for free

Supports Moodle 4.2-5.1 See all versions

Latest release: 5 months ago

Installations: 2

Downloads (last 90 days): 70

Frankenstyle name: local_pluginreplace

Local plugins

Current version

1.0 (2026020100)

Moodle 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0, 5.1

Uploaded on Thursday, 12 February 2026 at 03:55 (GMT+0)

Plugin type: Local plugins

Frankenstyle component name: local_pluginreplace

Version build number: 2026020100

Version release name: 1.0

Maturity: Stable

Supported Moodle versions: 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0, 5.1

Repository URL (Git):

Repository branch:

Repository tag:

Issue/bug tracker URL: https://github.com/melvyng/pluginreplace/issues

Plugin Replacer

Component: local_pluginreplace

Type: Local plugin

Moodle versions: 4.5.x (and compatible future minor releases)

License: GNU GPL v3 or later

Overview

Plugin Replacer allows administrators to upload a Moodle plugin ZIP file and either:

Install it (if not currently installed), or

Replace the existing installed version.

The plugin extracts the ZIP to a temporary directory, validates the plugin metadata (version.php), shows a file difference preview, and then copies the plugin into the correct Moodle directory. After replacement or installation, it redirects to Moodle's standard upgrade page to complete the process.

This tool is intended for controlled administrative environments where the default Moodle plugin installer is unavailable or restricted.

Features

Upload plugin ZIP file

Automatic detection of plugin type and component

Supports:
- New plugin installation
- Existing plugin replacement

File difference preview:
- NEW
- MODIFIED
- REMOVED

Backup of existing plugin before replacement

Redirects to Moodle upgrade process

Admin capability restricted

Installation

To install this plugin, you must be an administrator of your Moodle site.

Downlod an appropriate version from here based on your installed Moodle version.

Go to Moodle Site administration > Plugins > Install plugins

Upload the downloaded zip file to the provided box.

Click Show more... and select Local plugin (local) under plugin type.

Click Install plugin from ZIP file

Provide your reminders settings once asked.

That's it!

Copy the plugin folder to your ~moodle/local/ and unzip the file in that location.

Visit: Site administration > Notifications

Complete installation.

Usage

Go to: Site administration > Tools > Plugin Replacer

Upload a valid Moodle plugin ZIP file.

Review the file difference preview.

Confirm replacement.

You will be redirected to the Moodle upgrade page.

Security Considerations

Only users with capability local/pluginreplace:replace may use this tool.

Uploaded ZIP files must be trusted.

This tool writes into Moodle’s code directory.

It should only be used by experienced administrators.

Limitations

Does not enforce maintenance mode automatically.

Does not prevent version downgrades.

Should not be used to replace Moodle core components.

Author

Melvyn Gomez
melvyng@openranger.com
OpenRanger S. A. de C.V.

https://openranger.com/

License

This plugin is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3 or later.

Plugin replacer

Versions

1.0 (2026020100)