Quick answer
- The easiest way to install WordPress is your host’s one-click installer. Most hosts can set it up in a few minutes, and some install it for you when you sign up.
- You can also install WordPress manually: download it from WordPress.org, upload it, create a database and run the installer.
- WordPress recommends PHP 8.3 or greater, MySQL 8.0+ or MariaDB 10.11+, and HTTPS.
- After installing, set your site title, permalinks, a theme and a few essential plugins.
Installing WordPress sounds technical, but most people never touch a line of code. Almost every good host has a one-click installer, and the manual method only takes a little longer.
This guide covers both methods. The requirements come from WordPress.org, checked on November 7, 2026.
What you need before you start
- A domain name, such as yourblog.com.
- Web hosting that meets WordPress’s requirements. See our Hostinger review or Bluehost review.
- WordPress’s recommended setup: PHP 8.3 or greater, MySQL 8.0+ or MariaDB 10.11+, and HTTPS support. Older versions can still run WordPress, but they’re end-of-life and less secure.
Method 1: Install WordPress with your host’s one-click installer
- Log in to your hosting dashboard (cPanel, hPanel or your host’s own panel).
- Find the WordPress installer, often called “WordPress”, “Auto Installer”, “Softaculous” or “Website Builder”.
- Choose your domain and, if asked, leave the directory field empty so WordPress installs at your main address.
- Enter your site name, an admin username, a strong password and your email.
- Click Install, then log in at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
Some hosts install WordPress for you during signup, so check your hosting dashboard first. You may already have it.
Method 2: Install WordPress manually
- Download the latest WordPress from wordpress.org/download and unzip it.
- Create a MySQL or MariaDB database and a database user in your hosting panel, and give the user full access to the database.
- Upload the WordPress files to your site’s root folder (often public_html) using your host’s File Manager or an FTP/SFTP app.
- Visit your domain in a browser. The installer will ask for your database name, username, password and database host (often “localhost”).
- Enter your site title, admin username, password and email, then click Install WordPress.
What to do after installing WordPress
- Set your site title and tagline under Settings → General.
- Choose a permalink structure such as “Post name” under Settings → Permalinks.
- Install a theme. See how to install a WordPress theme and our best WordPress themes.
- Add essential plugins for SEO, backups, security and forms. See how to install WordPress plugins.
- Make sure HTTPS is working, so your site shows the padlock.
- Delete the sample post and page and write your first real content.
Starting a blog from scratch? Our step-by-step guide to starting a WordPress blog covers the whole process, from choosing a niche to your first post.
How to install WordPress FAQs
A few minutes with a one-click installer. A manual install usually takes a little longer.
Yes. The software is free. You pay for hosting and a domain.
WordPress recommends PHP 8.3 or greater, with MySQL 8.0+ or MariaDB 10.11+.
You can install it on your own computer for testing with a local tool, but a live site needs hosting.
Go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin and use the admin username and password you created.
Set permalinks, choose a theme, install key plugins and check HTTPS.
Requirements from WordPress.org, checked on November 7, 2026.
There is good reason why about half of all sites on the Internet are using WordPress. Do a bit of research and you will find out why.