---
title: "Why wpDataTables Downgrades to Lite or Shows \"Unknown Table Type\" Error"
description: "Learn how to fix issues caused by auto-update tools or missing premium files"
url: https://help.wpdatatables.com/en/articles/33-why-wpdatatables-downgrades-to-lite-or-shows-unknown-table-type-error
collection: "Technical issues"
updated: 2026-10-26
language: en
---

# Why wpDataTables Downgrades to Lite or Shows "Unknown Table Type" Error

Learn how to fix issues caused by auto-update tools or missing premium files

If you’re seeing “**Upgrade to Premium**” or the error “**You are trying to load a table of an unknown type**,” it likely means your site is now running the Lite/free version of wpDataTables—even if you previously had the Premium plugin installed and active.

### Why this happens

These issues typically occur after a plugin update, if you're using an **_auto-update manager_**. Since both the Lite (free) and Premium versions of wpDataTables use the same plugin slug (`wpdatatables`), update tools often can’t tell the difference and may overwrite your Premium plugin with the Lite one.

As a result:

-   Your premium features will disappear
    
-   Add-ons like Powerful Filters, Master-Detail, etc. may stop working
    
-   You might see the error:  
    **“You are trying to load a table of an unknown type”**
    

This specific error means the plugin can't load a table that was created with a Premium feature or add-on that is no longer available—because the Lite version is active.

* * *

### How to check if you’re using the Lite version

-   Go to the **wpDataTables settings → Activation** tab
    
-   If the **TMS Store Purchase Code** field is _greyed out_ and cannot be edited, the Lite version is currently active
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/FVmA7Kwt5xjv5BpGIHrIcmaUramhroIsrcw7AIvStYt3geJHoquLJOsRkNXfPYlZa4SdAGPRyAN.webp)

* * *

### How to fix it

You’ll need to remove/uninstall the Lite version and reinstall the Premium one. Don’t worry—your tables and data will stay safe.

Follow this full step-by-step guide:  
👉 [Upgrading from wpDataTables Lite (Free) to the Premium Version](https://help.wpdatatables.com/en/articles/15-upgrading-from-wpdatatables-lite-free-to-the-premium-version.md)

* * *

### After reinstalling Premium:

-   Re-activate your license via the **Activation** screen
    
-   Ensure that any required add-ons (Powerful Filters, Master-Detail, etc.) are also installed and activated
    
-   We recommend excluding wpDataTables from any auto-update manager to prevent this from happening again
    

* * *

### Stay up to date

You can always check the latest versions and compatibility on our:  
👉 [ChangeLog](https://wpdatatables.com/help/whats-new-changelog/)  
And subscribe to our [newsletter](https://wpdatatables.com/newsletter/) to stay informed about future updates and new features.