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infoWordPress Core•webwordpresserrorerroradmin_panel_settingspermissionsfolderfilesystemcloud_uploadupload_error•labelCommon•check_circleEasy

Error: Could not create the uploads directory

The error appears when WordPress tries to write a file to wp-content/uploads but fails. It indicates the system cannot create the required folder.

The failure usually stems from file‑system permissions, ownership, missing folder, insufficient disk space, or server restrictions which block write operations.

Symptoms

[dashicons-warning]
Plugin or theme install stops
Installation aborts with a message about unable to create a directory
[dashicons-media-default]
Media upload fails
Media Library rejects new images and shows an error
[dashicons-admin-tools]
Core update error
WordPress admin toolbar displays a directory creation error during core upgrade

Common Causes

Incorrect permissions
Folders are not writable, typical permission is 755 for directories
Wrong ownership
Web server user does not own wp-content/uploads
Mis‑configured upload path
Settings → Media or UPLOADS constant points to a non‑existent location
Insufficient disk space
Hosting account runs out of storage, preventing new folders
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