Skip to content
Ruachost Help Center

Installing WordPress manually

WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system (CMS). While Softaculous can automate installation, you may sometimes need to install it manually, for example, if you want a specific version or are working on an unmanaged server.

Why Install WordPress Manually?

Section titled “Why Install WordPress Manually?”
  • Greater control over version selection.
  • Works on unmanaged servers without cPanel/Softaculous.
  • Useful for developers who want custom setups.

Steps to Install WordPress Manually

Section titled “Steps to Install WordPress Manually”

  1. Download WordPress.

    • Visit wordpress.org/download.
    • Download the latest .zip file to your computer.

  2. Extract Files.

    • Unzip the downloaded package locally.
    • The extracted folder will be named wordpress.

  3. Upload Files to Your Hosting Account.

    • Use FTP or File Manager in cPanel to upload the contents of the wordpress folder.
    • Place them in the public_html directory if you want WordPress at the root (e.g., example.com).
    • Alternatively, upload to a subdirectory (e.g., example.com/blog).

  4. Create a MySQL Database and User.

    • In cPanel at ruachost.com, use the MySQL Database Wizard.
    • Create a database and user, then assign full privileges.
    • Note the database name, username, and password — you’ll need them during installation.

  5. Run the Installer.

    • In your browser, go to the installation URL:

      • If installed in root → http://example.com
      • If installed in a subdirectory → http://example.com/blog

    • The WordPress installation page will appear.

  6. Create Configuration File.

    • Click Create a Configuration File → Let’s go!

    • Enter the database details:

      • Database Name → the name you created
      • Username → the database user you created
      • Password → the database password
      • Database Host → localhost
      • Table Prefix → wp_ (or customize if running multiple installs)

  7. Run the Install.

    • Click Submit → Run the Install.
    • If WordPress connects successfully, the installation will continue.

  8. Configure Site Settings.

    • Enter a Site Title.
    • Create an Admin Username and Password.
    • Enter an Admin Email Address.
    • Optionally, uncheck Allow search engines to index this site if you want privacy.
    • Click Install WordPress.

  9. Log In.

    • Once installation completes, click Log In.
    • Use the admin credentials you created to access the WordPress dashboard.