Content Guard Pro uses a two-plugin architecture: a free Core plugin from WordPress.org (handles the scanning engine) and an optional Pro add-on (unlocks premium features). The free Core works on its own; the Pro add-on requires the Core to be active.
System Requirements #
- WordPress 6.1+
- PHP 8.0+
- MySQL 5.7+ / MariaDB 10.2+
- 64MB memory minimum (128MB recommended)
Installing the Free Core Plugin #
Method 1: From WordPress Admin (recommended)
- Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin
- Search for “Content Guard Pro”
- Click Install Now → Activate
Method 2: Manual Upload
- Download from wordpress.org/plugins/content-guard-pro/
- Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin
- Choose the ZIP → Install Now → Activate
Installing the Pro Add-on (Paid Plans) #
Prerequisites: The free Content Guard Pro Core plugin must be installed and active.
- Download the Pro add-on ZIP from your purchase confirmation email or your Lemon Squeezy customer portal
- Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin
- Choose the Pro add-on ZIP → Install Now → Activate
- Go to Content Guard Pro → Settings → License tab
- Paste your license key and click Activate License
Important: Keep Both Plugins Active #
The free Core plugin is the scanning engine. The Pro add-on extends it with premium features like scheduled scans, quarantine, and full database coverage. Both must remain active for Pro features to work.
If you accidentally deactivate the Core, the Pro add-on will display an admin notice with a link to reactivate it.
Think of it like WooCommerce (free core) and a WooCommerce extension (paid) — the extension needs the core to run.
After Activation #
When you activate Content Guard Pro for the first time, you’ll be automatically redirected to the Setup Wizard. This wizard helps you configure:
- Scan mode (Quick or Standard)
- Real-time on-save scanning
- Email alert preferences
- Scheduled scan settings
You can skip the wizard and use default settings, or complete it for optimal configuration.
Verifying Installation #
After activation, you should see:
1. Content Guard Pro menu in the WordPress admin sidebar
2. A dashboard widget showing scan status
3. An admin bar indicator (when findings exist)
Next Steps #
- Complete the Setup Wizard
- Run your first scan
- Configure notification settings
