Update Visual Composer & Essential Grid plugins

Hi Guys,

I’m getting the following prompt in my site dashboard:

The following plugins need to be updated to their latest version to ensure maximum compatibility with this theme: Essential Grid and Visual Composer – Live Drag & Drop Page Builder.

I am not getting update prompts like I do for other plugins. I’ve seen your other posts about this issue, but the process is not clear. There is no “install plugin” menu item under the “Appearance” menu in the most current version of WordPress.

Also, if I search for these plugins under “Add Plugin” they do not come up, so I am reluctant to delete the version of the plugin (which now needs updating) that came with the theme purchase.

This tells me these plugins do not come free. Are the plugin updates not included with the theme? Do I have to purchase my own copy of these plugins to get the most recent version? If so, although I love the theme and your customer service so far has been excellent, this would be somewhat disappointing and misleading in your advertising.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Alex