Installing WordPress on your hosting account is straightforward. Follow this step-by-step guide to get your website up and running.

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Step 1: Download WordPress

1. Visit wordpress.org

1. and download the latest version of WordPress.

2. Extract the ZIP file on your computer. You will get a folder named wordpress containing files like wp-admin/, wp-content/, wp-includes/, and wp-config-sample.php.

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Step 2: Create a Database

WordPress requires a MySQL (or MariaDB) database to store website content.

Using cPanel:

1. Log in to your hosting cPanel.

2. Go to MySQL® Databases.

3. Create a new database (example: wp_db).

4. Create a new database user (example: wp_user) and assign a strong password.

5. Add the user to the database with ALL PRIVILEGES.

6. Note down the following details — you will need them during installation:

   • Database Name

   • Database Username

   • Password

   • Database Host (usually localhost)

Using phpMyAdmin:

1. Log in to phpMyAdmin.

2. Click Databases → Create new database.

3. Create a user with full privileges and note the credentials.

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Step 3: Upload WordPress Files to Your Server

1. Install FileZilla or use your hosting File Manager.

2. Connect to your hosting account via FTP/SFTP:

   • Host: your domain or server IP

   • Username / Password: provided by hosting

   • Port: 21 (FTP) or 22 (SFTP)

3. Navigate to your web root folder:

   • Usually public_html/ or www/

   • If installing in a subdirectory (e.g., /blog/), navigate there

4. Upload all files inside the extracted wordpress/ folder to the server root.

5. Wait until all files are fully uploaded.

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Step 4: Remove the Default index.html File

Many hosting accounts include a default index.html in the root folder, such as a “Coming Soon” or “Welcome” page.

Why this matters:

• Servers prioritize index.html over index.php.

• If index.html exists, WordPress cannot run, and the setup wizard won’t appear.

How to fix it:

1. Check the root folder (public_html/) for index.html.

2. Delete it or rename it (e.g., index-old.html).

3. Refresh your browser. Now WordPress’s index.php will load.

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Step 5: Run the WordPress Installation Wizard

1. Open your browser and visit your domain:

   • Root: https://yourdomain.com/

   • Subfolder: https://yourdomain.com/subfolder/

2. WordPress will automatically detect that wp-config.php does not exist and start the setup wizard.

3. Select your language and click Let’s go.

4. Enter your database details:

   • Database Name

   • Database Username

   • Database Password

   • Database Host (localhost in most cases)

   • Table Prefix (wp_ by default; can be customized for security)

5. Click Submit, then Run the installation.

6. Fill in the site information:

   • Site Title

   • Admin Username (avoid admin)

   • Strong Password

   • Admin Email

   • Privacy / Search Engine visibility

7. Click Install WordPress.

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Step 6: Log In and Configure Your Website

1. After installation, log in at:
   https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/

2. Recommended initial steps:

   • Change Permalinks to Post name (Settings → Permalinks)

   • Delete default plugins like Hello Dolly or Akismet (if unused)

   • Install security plugins (e.g., Wordfence, Sucuri)

   • Set up backups (e.g., UpdraftPlus)

   • Enable HTTPS if SSL is available

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Tips & Notes

• Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.

• Use a strong admin password and unique username.

• Avoid leaving default files in the root folder to prevent conflicts.

• Consider disabling file editing from the Dashboard for security by adding to wp-config.php:

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✅ Congratulations!
Your WordPress website is now installed and ready to use. You can start customizing your theme, adding plugins, and creating content.

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2. A Beginner’s Guide to Using FileZilla for File Transfers
3. An Introduction to open source Linux Mint
4. Introduction to WordPress: The World’s Most Popular Open-Source CMS