Display Active Plugins First

Improve plugin management UX by listing active plugins at the top of the Plugins screen, with deactivated plugins below.

Overview

This module makes the Plugins screen easier to use. Instead of a long mixed list, your plugins are grouped into clear sections: Drop-ins first, then Active plugins, then Inactive plugins. You can quickly find what you need without scrolling. No setup required—just enable it and it works.

When you visit Plugins → Installed Plugins, you’ll see section headings (Active Plugins, Inactive Plugins, Drop-ins) with count badges. Click the arrow next to any heading to collapse or expand that section. Your preferences are remembered.

Who is this for?

Site administrators and multi-site managers who manage many plugins, or anyone who wants to quickly see which plugins are active vs. inactive without scrolling through a long list.

Features

Grouped Plugin List

Plugins are automatically sorted into Drop-ins, Active, and Inactive sections. Each section has a clear heading so you know what you're looking at.

Section Count Badges

Each section shows how many plugins it contains. No need to count manually.

Collapsible Sections

Click the arrow next to a section heading to hide or show that group. Handy when you have many inactive plugins and want to focus on what's active.

Remembered Preferences

Your collapse choices are saved in your browser. When you return to the Plugins screen, sections stay as you left them.

Filter Compatible

Works with the All / Active / Inactive filter tabs at the top. Only shows sections that match your current filter.

Zero Configuration

No settings page. Enable the module and it works immediately.

How It Works

Open the Plugins Screen

Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins in your WordPress admin.

Automatic Grouping

The module sorts your plugins into three groups: Drop-ins (if any), Active plugins, and Inactive plugins. Active plugins appear first so you see what's running on your site right away.

Collapse or Expand

Use the arrow next to each section heading to hide or show that group. The Inactive section starts collapsed by default to reduce clutter.

Your Choices Are Saved

Which sections are open or closed is remembered in your browser. Next time you visit, the layout matches your preferences.

Performance Note

Lightweight. The module runs only on the Plugins screen and has minimal impact on page load. No background processes or database queries.

Installation & Activation

Install WP PowerSuite

Make sure the WP PowerSuite plugin is installed and activated on your site.

Open the Module List

Go to the WP PowerSuite menu in your WordPress admin sidebar.

Enable the Module

Find "Display Active Plugins First" in the module list and click the Enable button.

View the Result

Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins. You'll see the new grouped layout.

Requirements

PHP 8.1 or higher WordPress 6.0 or higher Permission to manage plugins (to see the reordered layout)

Use Cases

Managing Many Plugins
When you have dozens of plugins, finding active ones quickly saves time.

Reducing Clutter
Collapse the Inactive section to focus only on what's running on your site.

Multi-Site Maintenance
Clearer organization when managing plugins across a network of sites.

Quick Audits
See at a glance which plugins are active vs. inactive for security or performance checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this change Must-Use plugins?
No. It only affects the regular Plugins screen. Must-Use plugins are not modified.
Does it work on multisite?
Yes. It works on the Network Admin plugins screen too.
Will my collapse preferences sync to my phone or another computer?
No. Preferences are saved per device and per browser. Each device remembers its own layout.
Can other users see the reordered list?
Only users who can manage plugins will see it. Others see the normal list.
Will it conflict with other plugins?
Usually no. If you notice problems, try turning off other plugins that change the Plugins screen.

Troubleshooting

Plugins list is blank or won't load
Make sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser. Try turning off the module temporarily to see if it's the cause. Clear your browser cache or try a different browser.

Sections won't collapse or expand
If you're in private/incognito mode, try normal browsing. Some strict privacy settings can block this—try a different browser.

Wrong plugins in Active vs Inactive
This is rare. If it happens, please report it so we can fix it.

I don't see the reordered list
Check that the module is enabled in PowerSuite. Make sure you're on Plugins → Installed Plugins (not Add New). You need permission to manage plugins to see it.

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