How to Install Popular WordPress Plugins During Sparkforge Site Setup

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

When you create a new WordPress site in Sparkforge, the setup wizard offers a curated list of popular plugins. Check the ones you want and Sparkforge installs and activates them automatically — you can still add or remove plugins later from the WordPress dashboard.

The Sparkforge WordPress site wizard includes a step that lets you pick from a curated list of popular plugins. Selected plugins install and activate automatically when the site provisions, so you skip the post-launch plugin hunt.

What the plugin selection step does

Lists popular plugins curated from real Sparkforge-hosted WordPress sites
Auto-installs and auto-activates everything you check
Never forces a plugin — selection is opt-in
Leaves you full control through the WordPress Plugins dashboard after launch
Optional step: skip it for a clean install

Use plugin selection during site setup

Go to Sites → WordPress Dashboard in your Sparkforge account.
Click Create Site, or Complete Setup on a site already in progress.
Step through the wizard until you reach Popular Plugins.
Check the plugins you want included.
Click Continue or Finish Setup.

When provisioning finishes, the selected plugins are already installed and activated.

Manage plugins after setup

You stay in full control of the plugin list once the site is live:

Click Open WordPress Dashboard on the Sparkforge Sites page.
In WP admin, go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
From there you can deactivate, delete, or install plugins as usual.

Default plugins

New WordPress sites provisioned through Sparkforge Hosting always get the Sparkforge (LC) plugin installed during setup. Everything else in the Popular Plugins list is optional and only installs when you select it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any plugins installed by default?

Yes. New WordPress sites on Sparkforge Hosting always get the Sparkforge (LC) plugin during setup. Every other plugin in the Popular Plugins step is optional.

Can I change my plugin selection after the site is created?

Yes. Add, remove, or update plugins anytime from the WordPress Plugins dashboard — the wizard step is just a head start.

How is the popular plugin list chosen?

The list is curated from usage trends across WordPress sites hosted on Sparkforge, so it reflects what real builders install most often.

What if the plugin I want isn’t on the list?

Install it manually after setup. The standard WordPress plugin search and upload tools work the same as on any WP install.

Is the plugin selection step required?

No. You can skip it entirely and finish setup with a clean install.