---
title: "Upgrading from wpDataTables Lite (Free) to the Premium Version"
description: "Keep your existing tables and settings safe while switching to the full version"
url: https://help.wpdatatables.com/en/articles/15-upgrading-from-wpdatatables-lite-free-to-the-premium-version
collection: "FAQ"
updated: 2026-10-30
language: en
---

# Upgrading from wpDataTables Lite (Free) to the Premium Version

Keep your existing tables and settings safe while switching to the full version

### ✅ Step 1: Check the "Prevent deleting tables" setting

Before removing the Lite version, make sure your existing tables and data are protected.

1.  Go to **wpDataTables → Settings**.
    
2.  Ensure the option **“Prevent deleting tables in database”** is **enabled** (checked).
    
    -   This setting is **enabled by default**.
        
    -   It ensures all tables, charts, and plugin settings you've created remain stored safely in your WordPress database.
        
    -   ⚠ **If you disable this option**, deleting the plugin will also delete all of your data.
        

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/bJgHt6bIo89TwjUC3mQyQWyUwZxnv8D3kgADd6MW3Y8GSAAETFZcEU34cNY5QH0ljldQu6ob6zQ.webp)

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### 🧹 Step 2: Remove wpDataTables Lite

To install the premium version, you must first delete the Lite(free) version:

1.  Go to your **WordPress Plugins** section.
    
2.  **Deactivate** the wpDataTables Lite plugin.
    
3.  After the page refreshes, scroll to the plugin again and click **Delete**.
    

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### 💾 Step 3: Download the Premium Version

Depending on where you purchased the plugin:

-   **From the** [TMS store](https://store.tms-plugins.com/login):  
    Log in using the credentials you received after purchase, and download the plugin installation file from your account.
    
-   **From** [CodeCanyon](https://codecanyon.net/downloads) **(Envato)**:  
    Download the plugin installation ZIP file from your Envato account’s Downloads page.
    

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### 📥 Step 4: Install the Premium Plugin

1.  In WordPress, go to **Plugins → Add New**.
    
2.  Click **Upload Plugin**, then upload the ZIP file of the full version you downloaded.
    
3.  Once uploaded, click **Install Now**, then **Activate**.
    

That’s it — your premium version is now installed and ready!

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### 🛠 Optional: Activate Your License for Updates

To receive automatic plugin updates:

1.  Copy your **Purchase Code** from your [TMS Store](https://store.tms-plugins.com/) or Envato profile.
    
2.  Go to **wpDataTables → Settings → Activation**.
    
3.  Paste the code and save.