# Configuring a WordPress multisite network

> Turn a WordPress installation into a multisite network so you can run several sites from one dashboard.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/configuring-a-wordpress-multisite-network/

A **WordPress multisite network** allows you to manage multiple WordPress sites from a single installation. Instead of maintaining separate installs for each site, you can run them all under one dashboard. On **ruachost.com**, this is ideal for managing blogs, online stores, or sub‑sites under one domain.

## Why Use Multisite?

- Manage multiple sites from one WordPress installation.
- Install themes and plugins once, then activate them per site.
- Simplify updates and improve security.
- Useful for organizations, schools, or businesses with multiple sub‑sites.

## Steps to Configure a Multisite Network

### 1. Enable Multisite in wp-config.php

1. Log in to your hosting panel or use FTP to access your WordPress files.
2. Open the **wp-config.php** file in the root directory.
3. Just above the line:

   ```
   /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */
   ```

   add:

   ```
   define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);
   ```
4. Save changes.

### 2. Deactivate Plugins

- Log in to WordPress as administrator.
- Go to **Plugins → Installed Plugins**.
- Select all plugins → Choose **Deactivate** → Click **Apply**.

### 3. Set Up the Network

1. In the dashboard, go to **Tools → Network Setup**.
2. Choose between:

   - **Sub‑domains** (e.g., site1.example.com, site2.example.com).
   - **Sub‑directories** (e.g., example.com/site1, example.com/site2). ⚠️ You cannot change this later.
3. Enter a **Network Title** and **Admin Email**.
4. Click **Install**.

### 4. Update wp-config.php and .htaccess

- WordPress will generate custom code.
- Copy the code into **wp-config.php** (above the “stop editing” line).
- Replace existing rules in **.htaccess** with the new code.
- Save both files.

### 5. Log Back In

- Log out and log back in as administrator.
- A new **My Sites** menu will appear in the top bar.
- From here, you can manage all sites in the network.

## ⚙️ Network Admin Options

- **Dashboard** → Overview of the network.
- **Sites** → Add and manage sites.
- **Users** → Manage users across the network.
- **Themes** → Install once, activate per site.
- **Plugins** → Install once, activate per site.
- **Settings** → General network settings.

## Important Notes

- Always back up **wp-config.php** and **.htaccess** before editing.
- Re‑enable plugins after network setup.
- Sub‑domain networks require wildcard DNS configuration.
- To disable multisite, remove the code from **wp-config.php** and restore your original **.htaccess**.