Confirm no update is still running, back up/access site files, then remove the temporary .maintenance file from the WordPress root when appropriate.
Step by Step
- Wait briefly to ensure an update is not still completing.
- Access the WordPress root through the hosting file manager or secure file transfer.
- Back up before making changes.
- Look for the .maintenance file in the WordPress root.
- If the update is no longer running, remove that temporary file.
- Reload the site and inspect the failed update/plugin.
If That Doesn't Work
- Do not delete unrelated hidden files.
- If updates repeatedly fail, investigate permissions, disk space, PHP errors, or plugin conflicts.