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

1. Log in to **Plesk**.
2. Click **Extensions** in the left navigation pane.
3. 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.).
4. 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:

1. Go to **Extensions**.
2. Find the extension you want.
3. 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](https://www.allanuxweb.com/submitticket.php).

### Related Guides

- [Reseller-side extension management](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-manage-plesk-extensions-as-a-reseller)
- [Dashboard overview](/hc/help/en/articles/plesk-dashboard-overview-and-navigation)
- [Search & help](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-use-the-plesk-search-and-help-features)