How to Install WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites, and one reason for its popularity is how easy it is to install. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced user, you can set up WordPress in just a few steps. This guide walks you through different methods for installing WordPress.

Method 1: Installing WordPress with One-Click Installer

Most hosting providers (like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator) offer one-click WordPress installation via tools such as cPanel, Softaculous, or QuickInstall.

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel or similar).
2. Find the WordPress Installer (often under “Website” or “Scripts”).
3. Click Install and fill in site details (site name, admin username, password, email).
4. Choose your domain and directory (leave directory blank if installing on the main domain).
5. Click Install and wait for the process to complete.
6. Access your site at https://yourdomain.com and login at https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

Method 2: Manual Installation via cPanel or FTP

If your host doesn’t provide one-click installation, you can install WordPress manually.

Step 1: Download WordPress

• Go to the official WordPress.org download page.
• Download and extract the ZIP file to your computer.

Step 2: Upload WordPress Files

• Log in to your hosting cPanel → File Manager, or use an FTP client like FileZilla.
• Upload the extracted WordPress files to your domain’s root directory (usually public_html).

Step 3: Create a Database

• In cPanel, go to MySQL Databases.
• Create a new database and user, then assign the user to the database with All Privileges.
• Note the database name, username, and password.

Step 4: Configure wp-config.php

• Locate the wp-config-sample.php file in your WordPress files.
• Rename it to wp-config.php.
• Edit it and enter your database details:

define( 'DB_NAME', 'your_database_name' );
define( 'DB_USER', 'your_database_user' );
define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'your_password' );
define( 'DB_HOST', 'localhost' );

Step 5: Run the Installation

• Visit https://yourdomain.com in your browser.
• You’ll see the WordPress setup wizard.
• Enter your site title, admin username, password, and email.
• Click Install WordPress.
• Log in at https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

Method 3: Local Installation (For Testing)

You can also install WordPress on your local computer using tools like XAMPP, MAMP, or Local by Flywheel.

1. Install XAMPP or MAMP (depending on your OS).
2. Create a new database using phpMyAdmin.
3. Download and extract WordPress into the htdocs folder (XAMPP) or equivalent.
4. Run the installer at http://localhost/wordpress.
5. Follow the same setup process as manual installation.

After Installation: Next Steps

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard at /wp-admin.
• Choose a theme from Appearance → Themes.
• Install essential plugins (SEO, security, backups).
• Create your first post or page.

Summary

There are three main ways to install WordPress:

• One-Click Installer: Fastest and easiest for beginners.
• Manual Installation: Offers full control over setup.
• Local Installation: Great for testing and development.

Once installed, you can log in to the dashboard, customize your site, and start publishing content right away.

🚀 New to WordPress? Start with our WordPress Beginner Hub for step-by-step guides and easy tutorials.