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To remove WooCommerce’s plugin files, deactivate it and delete it from WordPress. That does not normally erase store data. To permanently remove WooCommerce data such as products, orders, and coupons, first add WooCommerce’s removal constant to wp-config.php, then deactivate and delete the plugin. Choose carefully: the full-data option is destructive and permanent.

Choose what “completely delete” means

Goal What to do Data outcome
Remove WooCommerce plugin files Deactivate and delete it in WordPress WooCommerce database data is normally retained.
Remove plugin files and WooCommerce data Set WC_REMOVE_ALL_DATA in wp-config.php before deactivating and deleting WooCommerce says this removes data including products, order data, and coupons. This is permanent.
Also remove Action Scheduler tables Set the separate WC_REMOVE_ACTION_SCHEDULER constant only if no other plugin uses Action Scheduler These shared tables are left in place by default because another plugin may depend on them.

Remove WooCommerce files but keep store data

Use this route if you are troubleshooting, planning to reinstall WooCommerce, or simply want to remove the plugin without intentionally erasing its database data. WordPress’s normal process is to deactivate the plugin and then delete it.

  1. In WordPress administration, open Plugins.
  2. Find WooCommerce and select Deactivate.
  3. After it is deactivated, select Delete and confirm if prompted.

Deleting through the dashboard removes the plugin files; it should not be treated as a full store-data wipe. WordPress also documents manually deleting a plugin folder from wp-content/plugins when dashboard deletion is unavailable. Use a remote file manager with access to the site files, and remove only the WooCommerce plugin folder. See WordPress’s Manage Plugins documentation for the dashboard and manual procedures.

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Permanently remove WooCommerce data too

WooCommerce documents a configuration constant that triggers full data removal when the plugin is deactivated and deleted. This action is destructive and permanent. Before proceeding, make a backup of the site and database and confirm that the backup is usable. Do not use this procedure if you intend to reinstall WooCommerce and keep the store’s data.

  1. Open the site’s wp-config.php file.
  2. Add this line on its own, above the comment /* That's all, stop editing! */:
    define( 'WC_REMOVE_ALL_DATA', true );
  3. Save the file.
  4. Return to WordPress administration, deactivate WooCommerce, then delete it from the Plugins screen.

WooCommerce says this removes its data, including products, order data, and coupons. The constant must be in place before deactivation and deletion; adding it after the plugin has already been deleted does not retroactively run the cleanup. Follow the official WooCommerce uninstall and data-removal instructions for the current procedure.

Should you remove Action Scheduler tables?

Usually, no. WooCommerce leaves Action Scheduler’s shared tables in place because other plugins may use them. Removing them can affect scheduled tasks belonging to another plugin.

Only if you are certain no other plugin uses Action Scheduler does WooCommerce document adding this additional line to wp-config.php:

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define( 'WC_REMOVE_ACTION_SCHEDULER', true );

Use it alongside the full-data-removal process and before deactivating and deleting WooCommerce. If you cannot establish whether another plugin depends on Action Scheduler, leave the shared tables alone.

Check extensions, theme code, and connected services

Removing WooCommerce does not guarantee that every extension, custom integration, theme modification, or external service connection is cleaned up. WordPress advises checking a plugin’s own uninstall instructions and removing plugin-added code from a theme where applicable. Review the uninstall guidance for each WooCommerce extension and inspect any custom theme code or connected services separately; their cleanup behavior is not established by WooCommerce’s core uninstall instructions. See WordPress’s housekeeping guidance.

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What to do if deletion or cleanup fails

  • Dashboard deletion is unavailable: WordPress documents manually deleting the WooCommerce folder from wp-content/plugins through a remote file manager.
  • You deleted the plugin but still see store data: Plugin-file deletion normally leaves database data behind. The documented full-data cleanup requires the constant to be set before deactivation and deletion.
  • You are unsure whether another plugin uses Action Scheduler: Do not enable its removal constant; WooCommerce leaves those shared tables by default.
  • You need a table-by-table database cleanup: WooCommerce’s cited general instructions do not establish a complete manual SQL procedure. Avoid guessing at database tables or deleting them by hand.

WooCommerce states that its support team cannot help with the full-data-removal process or its consequences, so confirm your intended data outcome and backup before triggering it.

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