When you want to run a website on WordPress.org, you have two options to get started: choose one-click installation from your host or install WordPress manually. There are advantages to both, so it’s well worth knowing how to install WordPress manually so you can make an educated decision.
Should You Install WordPress Manually?
Whatever host you choose, they likely offer one-click installation so you can easily get WordPress.org installed and ready to use. Some popular scripts include Fantastico, SimpleScripts, and Softaculous.
These groups make it easy for you to get going without having to manually install WordPress. However, there are some times when you may decide to install WordPress manually instead of using one of these services.
Regardless of whether you choose to install manually or use a script, it’s straightforward to install WordPress with the help of a wordpress installation guide. That said, here are some reasons that you may want to install WordPress manually:
- Security. The database prefix is the same for all WordPress installations, which means that the pattern used to create it when using these scripts is easy to guess, making your site vulnerable to hackers.
- WordPress version. One-click installers often install an outdated version of WordPress. If you want the most up-to-date version as soon as you install, it may be best to install manually.
- Plug-ins. Sometimes, when you have WordPress automatically installed, you’ll find that you have some issues with some plugins. Issues certainly don’t occur with all plugins, but if you know that there are certain plugins you want to use, it may be worth checking to see if they recommend manual installation.
- Unwanted scripts. Some automatic installers also install scripts, files, and plugins that you may or may not want. If you want total control over what is installed along with WordPress, you may want to install WordPress manually.
- Do it yourself from the beginning. One thing that probably attracted you to WordPress.org is the ability to have total control over your website. You may not want to sacrifice any of that control, even when just getting started with the installation. If this describes you, you may choose to install WordPress manually just for the experience.
How to Manually Install WordPress
If you decide that manual installation is the right option for you, you’ll be glad to find that it isn’t too complicated at all. In fact, some new users of WordPress may want to handle the installation themselves to get a feel for WordPress from the very beginning.
- Download a package by following the link offered by WordPress.
- Upload the WordPress package to your hosting account using a file transfer protocol, file manager, or secure socket shell.
- Create a database using the Cpanel on your hosting account. You’ll need to create a username, password, and select the privileges you want.
- Add all of the essential information that WordPress asks for, including a database name, username, host, etc. Make sure to use a different prefix besides “wp” to increase security.
- Run the installation by executing the installation script on the installation page. Use either http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php or http://yourdomain.com/blog/wp-admin/install.php, with “your domain” replaced by your real domain link.
What About Installing WordPress.com?
If you choose WordPress.com instead of WordPress.org, you won’t have to worry about installing it at all. All you have to do is sign up for the software, and you’ll be able to get started without having to worry about finding your own hosting or downloading anything.
Install WordPress.org Your Way
Whether you choose a one-click installation from your hosting service or you choose to install WordPress manually, you’ll be up and running in no time. Although one-click installation is certainly much easier, there are definite advantages to choosing to install WordPress manually.
If increased security and complete control over plugins and scripts are important to you, manual installation may be worth the additional time and effort.
