You can install WordPress two ways: by hand, or with a one-click installer such as Softaculous. Both give you the same WordPress site. This guide shows the steps for each, so you can pick the one that fits your skills. Both start with WordPress hosting that gives you a control panel.
Key Takeaways
- A manual install takes six steps and gives you full control.
- An installer such as Softaculous does the same job in a few clicks.
- Both methods produce the same WordPress website.
- Pick manual if you know FTP and databases. Pick the installer if you do not.
- Back up your site and keep WordPress updated either way.
Installing WordPress by Hand
The Six Manual Steps
Here is the manual method:
- Download WordPress. Get the latest zip file from wordpress.org and extract it on your computer.
- Upload the files. Use an FTP client or your control panel’s file manager to copy the files to the public_html folder, or to the folder your host names.
- Create a database. In the control panel that comes with your cPanel hosting, open MySQL Databases and create a database and a user. Add that account to the database with all privileges. Write down the name, user and password.
- Edit wp-config.php. Rename wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php. Enter the database name, user and password. The host is usually localhost.
- Run the installer. Open your website address in a browser. WordPress shows a setup screen that asks for a site title, an admin username, a strong password and an email address.
- Log in. Go to /wp-admin and sign in with the account you just made.
Why Some People Install by Hand
A manual install on your WordPress hosting account lets you choose the database name and the table prefix yourself. Nothing is added to the site unless you add it. It also teaches you how WordPress connects to its database, which helps when you fix problems later.
Where It Goes Wrong
Most manual problems come from three places: wrong file permissions, a typo in wp-config.php and a database user without privileges. A wrong database detail causes the “Error Establishing a Database Connection” message. See our guide to fixing that error.
Installing With Softaculous
The Installer Steps
Most hosts include an installer such as Softaculous with their cPanel hosting plans. The steps are short:
- Log in to your cPanel.
- Click the Softaculous Apps Installer icon.
- Select WordPress from the list and click Install.
- Choose your domain, leave the folder blank for the main site, and enter a site name, admin username, password and email.
- Click Install and wait for the confirmation.
Our hosting includes a one-click WordPress installer, and we also install WordPress for you for free. Our guide to using the one-click installer has screenshots.
What the Installer Does for You
The installer uploads the files, creates the database and fills in wp-config.php. Your new WordPress website is ready without the steps where most mistakes happen. Many installers can also update WordPress for you.
Limits of an Installer
You need a host that offers the installer. You also see fewer choices during setup, such as the table prefix. You can change most settings in WordPress after the install. If you move to another host later, you move the site like any other WordPress site.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Side by Side
| Manual install | Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Skill needed | FTP, MySQL, file editing | Clicking through a form |
| Time | Longer, more steps | A few minutes |
| Control at setup | Full | Fewer choices |
| Risk of setup errors | Higher | Lower |
| Finished site | Standard WordPress | Standard WordPress |
The method does not change how fast your finished WordPress website runs. Hosting, theme, plugins and images decide that.
Your Skill Level
If you are comfortable with FTP and databases, a manual install is fine. If those words are new, use the installer. You can always learn the manual steps later.
Your Needs
Do you want your site online today? Use the installer. Do you need a custom database name or prefix from day one? Install by hand. Either way, run a backup before you change anything.
After the Install
Keep Your Site Safe
Update WordPress, your theme and your plugins regularly. Use a strong, unique password. Switch your site to HTTPS with a free SSL certificate. Choose WordPress hosting that keeps daily backups, so you can restore the site after a mistake. If you ever lose access, read what to do if you are locked out of WordPress.
Set Up the Basics for Search
Give each page its own title and meta description. Add alt text to images. Keep pages fast and easy to use on a phone. These steps apply to any WordPress site.
Hosting That Fits
What We Offer
Hosting with us costs $149 a year for WordPress. We set up and install WordPress for free, even if your domain is with another host. We also move a normal-size WordPress site to our hosting for free; other transfers are $199 one time. A domain plus hosting is $24.99 plus $149, or $173.99 in all.
Every account on our cPanel hosting includes free SSL, daily backups, 24/7 monitoring and 99.999% uptime. Our support desk is open every day from 7 am to 10 pm. Call 402-813-4034.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a manual WordPress install?
It means you download WordPress, upload the files, create the database and edit wp-config.php yourself, then run the setup screen.
How does Softaculous make installing easier?
It uploads the files, creates the database and writes the settings for you. You fill in one form and click Install.
Which method is faster?
The installer is faster for most people. A manual install takes longer unless you have done it many times.
Can I change settings after using an installer?
Yes. You can change almost every setting in the WordPress dashboard after the install.
Does every host offer an installer?
No. Many hosts include one, but you should ask about their WordPress hosting plans before you buy. Our hosting includes a one-click installer, and we will install WordPress for you for free.
Is a manual install more secure?
Not by itself. Security depends on updates, strong passwords, HTTPS and backups, whichever method you used to install.
