---
title: Duplicate HomeRunner plugin causes fatal error
description: "You see two HomeRunner plugins in your WordPress plugins list, and activating the second one causes a fatal error. **Why this happens.** An uploaded ZIP…"
url: "https://homerunner.io/docs/why-do-i-see-two-homerunner-plugins-in-my-wordpress-plugins-list-and-why-does-ac/"
updated: "2026-10-26"
category: Setup and plugins
---

# Duplicate HomeRunner plugin causes fatal error

You see two HomeRunner plugins in your WordPress plugins list, and activating the second one causes a fatal error.

**Why this happens.** An uploaded ZIP extracted to a different folder name than the installed plugin, so WordPress treats it as a separate plugin instead of an update. Activating the second copy while the original is active causes the fatal error because the same plugin cannot load twice.

**How to fix it.**

1. Leave the active HomeRunner row alone. Your settings and data are stored in the database and are not affected.
2. On the inactive duplicate row, click **Delete** to remove the extra copy.
3. Update the real plugin normally using the update notice under the active HomeRunner row, or download the official homerunner.v<version>.zip and go to **Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin**. When WordPress detects the plugin is already installed, choose **Replace current with uploaded**.
4. Confirm the active HomeRunner row now shows the new version number.

The official plugin ZIP always extracts to a folder named homerunner. If a ZIP creates a folder with any other name, do not use it. Request the official download instead.

Still stuck? [Contact the HomeRunner team](https://homerunner.io/contact/) with your site address and what you tried, and we take it from there.