How do I install WordPress on my website?

Applies to: WordPress.org (self-hosted)
Last updated: May 2025

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Problem

You want to set up a new WordPress site on your own domain and hosting provider, but aren’t sure how to install it correctly.

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Solution

There are two main ways to install WordPress:

1. Using a one-click installer (most common and easiest)
2. Manually installing it via FTP and database setup

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Option 1: Install WordPress Using a One-Click Installer

Most web hosting providers offer tools like Softaculous, cPanel, or Installatron to install WordPress with minimal setup.

Step-by-Step (Softaculous Example):

1. Log in to your web hosting control panel (such as cPanel)
2. Locate and open the Softaculous Apps Installer or WordPress icon
3. Click “Install” under WordPress
4. Choose your:
   • Domain (e.g., yourdomain.com)
   • Directory: Leave this blank if you want WordPress installed at the root of your domain
5. Fill in site details:
   • Site name and description
   • Admin username, password, and email address
6. Click “Install”
7. Wait for installation to complete, then visit your domain to view the site

To log in to your WordPress admin dashboard, go to:
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

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Option 2: Manual WordPress Installation

If your host doesn’t provide a one-click installer or you prefer manual control, follow these steps.

Step-by-Step:

1. Download WordPress
   • Visit https://wordpress.org/download
   • Download and extract the ZIP file on your computer
2. Upload Files via FTP
   • Use an FTP client like FileZilla
   • Upload all files inside the wordpress folder to your hosting account’s root directory (usually public_html)
3. Create a MySQL Database
   • Access your hosting control panel
   • Use the MySQL Database Wizard to:
     • Create a new database
     • Create a new user and assign it to the database with full privileges
4. Configure wp-config.php
   • Rename wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php
   • Edit the file and enter your database details: phpCopyEditdefine( 'DB_NAME', 'your_database_name' ); define( 'DB_USER', 'your_database_user' ); define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password' ); define( 'DB_HOST', 'localhost' );
   • Save the file and upload it to your server
5. Run the WordPress Installer
   • Go to your domain in a web browser (e.g., https://yourdomain.com)
   • Complete the installation wizard by setting the site title, admin username, password, and email

Once complete, you can log in at https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

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Notes

• This guide is for self-hosted WordPress.org sites. If you are using WordPress.com, no installation is required.
• Always keep your login credentials secure and use strong passwords.
• Be sure your hosting provider meets the minimum WordPress requirements (e.g., PHP and MySQL versions).