Head-to-head · October 2026
Filesystem Unlocker vs If File Exists
If File Exists comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Filesystem Unlocker.
Filesystem Unlocker
I created this plugin because I am tired of having my WordPress sites being hacked. It is used to completely…
If File Exists
This plugin provides the functions c2c_if_file_exists(), c2c_if_theme_file_exists()…
| Metric | Filesystem Unlocker | If File Exists |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10+ | 30+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 48 | 202 |
| Download trend | +29.7% | +8.6% |
| Rating | — | 5/5 |
| Reviews | 0 | 1 |
| Health score | 23/100 | 40/100 |
| Last updated | 11 years ago | 2 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 4.4.34 | WP 6.8.11 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Mar 2016 | Jun 2009 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Filesystem UnlockerIf File Exists
Choose Filesystem Unlocker if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 10 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.4 (latest is 7.1)
Choose If File Exists if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Small user base (30+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in over a year
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.8 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: filesystem
FAQ
Filesystem Unlocker vs If File Exists: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 22, 2026
Which is better, Filesystem Unlocker or If File Exists?
If File Exists comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Filesystem Unlocker. Choose Filesystem Unlocker if you care most about download trend. Choose If File Exists if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
Is Filesystem Unlocker more popular than If File Exists?
If File Exists is the more popular of the two with 30+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Filesystem Unlocker.
Can I use Filesystem Unlocker and If File Exists together?
Both plugins cover filesystem, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are Filesystem Unlocker and If File Exists free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
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