> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Restricting users from deactivating specific plugins in WordPress

> Prevent deactivation of key WordPress plugins with a simple PHP method, ideal for customized client solutions.

You can prevent the deactivation of one or more plugins installed on your [WordPress](https://hosting.com/hosting/platforms/wordpress-hosting/managed-wordpress-hosting/) site, especially if you have customised mandatory plugins for your client sites. This article will show you how to add a simple PHP function to your [WordPress](https://hosting.com/hosting/platforms/wordpress-hosting/managed-wordpress-hosting/) site to prevent users from deactivating important plugins.

## Restricting users from deactivating specific plugins in WordPress

<Warning>
  **Important**

  Always perform a backup before you make any changes to the theme files. If you break any codes, it will be easier to revert your site to its last good known state. Alternatively, you could also create a child theme. Read this link on how to create a child theme: [https://www.hosting.com/blog/wordpress-child-theme/](https://www.hosting.com/blog/wordpress-child-theme/)
</Warning>

Follow the steps below to edit your Theme setting file to restricting users from deactivating specific plugins:

1. Log in to your [WordPress](https://hosting.com/hosting/platforms/wordpress-hosting/managed-wordpress-hosting/) site with an administrator account.

2. On the **Dashboard** in the left sidebar, click **Appearance**, and then click **Theme Editor**:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wp-themeeditor.png)

3. On the **Theme Editor**, select the **Theme** you want to edit from the dropdown:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wp-themefiles-selecttheme.png)

4. The files for this selected theme are listed on the right column under **Theme Files**. Click on the file named "functions.php":\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wp-themefiles-function.png)

5. The code below deactivates both*wpforms* and *woocommerce* installed in their respective folders:

* 'wpforms/wpforms.php',

* 'woocommerce/woocommerce.php'

6. Insert the following code to the end of functions.php file and click **Update File Button** to save the changes:

```javascript theme={null}
add_filter( 'plugin_action_links', 'disable_plugin_deactivation', 10, 4 );

function disable_plugin_deactivation( $actions, $plugin_file, $plugin_data, $context ) {

    if ( array_key_exists( 'deactivate', $actions ) && in_array( $plugin_file, array(

       'wpforms/wpforms.php',

        'woocommerce/woocommerce.php' 

    )))

        unset( $actions['deactivate'] );

    return $actions;

}
```

## Related articles

* [Disabling plugin updates](/docs/disabling-plugin-updates)

* [Disabling plugins in WordPress](/docs/disabling-plugins-in-wordpress)

* [Enabling automatic updates for WordPress plugins](/docs/enabling-automatic-updates-for-wordpress-plugins)