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Troubleshooting WordPress Error: Unable to Create Directory

Below are examples of the "Unable to create directory" error in WordPress:

  • Unable to create directory /wp-content/uploads/2010/mydir/winter/ Is its parent directory writable by the server?
  • Unable to create directory wp-content/uploads
  • Unable to create directory wp-content/uploads/2009/02

How to Fix "Cannot Create Directory" Error in WordPress

Update the Uploads Folder Directory

Occasionally, the error message arises because WordPress cannot identify the uploads folder's location. This issue might occur when you migrate your site to a new hosting provider. To resolve this problem, you must modify your WordPress configuration file.

Access your file manager and search for the wp-config.php file, usually in /publich_html. Edit the wp.config.php file and add the code below before the "require_once(ABSPATH . 'wp-settings.php');" code. For detailed instructions on how to edit files in your File Manager, check out "Editing a File" in the article: File Manager - How to Create, Remove, and Edit Files.

define( 'UPLOADS', 'wp-content/uploads' );

uploads folder code

Fix Directory Permission Problems in WordPress

If the error still shows after following the troubleshooting steps above, consider resetting your uploads folder's permissions. To fix WordPress directory permission issues, follow these steps:

  1. Access your File Manager and look for the wp-content folder in your WordPress directory (typically found in /public_html).
  2. Change the file permission of your uploads folder to 755.
    Fields to update File Permission

See How to Change File Permissions in cPanel for step-by-step instructions on changing file permissions.

A 755 permission allows you to read, write, and execute the file, which is important to make the directory writable.

Note: You can also try using FTP to fix directory permission problems in WordPress. Look for your wp-content folder and update the uploads folder permission to 755. Please see our FTP Client Recommendations.

Summary

Fix the "Cannot Create Directory" error in WordPress. You can update the uploads folder directory by modifying the WordPress configuration file. If that does not work, reset the uploads folder's permissions by changing the file permission to 755.

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:

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You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.

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