For beginners, installing WordPress can be done using an automatic installer on your hosting, a manual installation using WordPress files and a database, or using a local server like XAMPP to learn without publishing a website. The best procedure depends on whether you want your website live or just want to test out templates, plugins, and content structure.
This article updates the 2020 tutorial using CWP and XAMPP to reflect 2026 requirements. WordPress.org now recommends PHP 8.3+, MariaDB 10.11+ or MySQL 8.0+, and HTTPS. Twenty-five screenshots, two YouTube videos, and two sample menus from the old tutorial are retained in the archive for historical reference, not a guarantee of current button positions.
Comparison of three WordPress installation methods
| Method | Suitable for | Advantages and limitations |
|---|---|---|
| One-click installer hosting | Business websites, new blogs | Fast; Check security defaults and PHP version |
| Manual on hosting server | Users who need control | More flexible but requires FTP/SFTP, database, and DNS |
| Localhost XAMPP | Learning or simple staging | Not automatically publicly available on the internet |
Understand WordPress as a CMS and the differences between open source software before purchasing hosting or deciding on an installation type.
1. Preparing for an online WordPress installation
Prepare a domain, hosting with supported PHP/MySQL or MariaDB, and SSL/TLS. Check the official WordPress requirements. Ensure access to the hosting admin panel, domain panel, and backups before starting. For business websites, consider security risks, form requirements, and technical SEO from the start.
DNS and HTTPS Settings
If your nameservers are managed by Cloudflare, check Cloudflare settings for full (strict) SSL and a cache that doesn’t leak user sessions. Do not run the installer if your DNS isn’t pointing to the correct server location. Ensure all URLs are displayed over HTTPS and that redirect loops don’t occur.
2. How to install WordPress via a hosting installer
- Log in to your hosting control panel using authorized access.
- Find the WordPress Installer or installation application provided by your host, such as Softaculous.
- Select your destination domain and directory, preferably root if you want the homepage to be on your main domain.
- Set HTTPS, a website title, a non-default admin username, and a strong, unique password.
- Choose supported PHP and WordPress versions; avoid unnecessary automated plugins.
- Run the installation process, open the admin page, and test HTTPS.
Each host’s interface is different; the CWP menu shown in the original screenshot is not always identical to the modern panel. Before adding a WordPress plugin, check whether the function is handled by the hosting provider or WordPress core.
3. How to manually install WordPress on hosting
Download the software and prepare a database
Download WordPress from the official WordPress.org. Create a database and an authorized account in the control panel. The tutorial membuat database MySQL explains the commands for the environment you’re managing, while phpMyAdmin helps if the panel provides phpMyAdmin. Avoid giving the application root access to the database.
Upload the file and run the installer
Upload the WordPress archive using a file manager or SFTP, extract it to the document root of your domain, and then open the public URL over HTTPS. Enter the database name, username, password, database host, and table prefix as configured. Keep your credentials safe and do not display them in the tutorial screenshots. Follow the WordPress wizard to create an admin account and a site title.
Check the results after logging in
Log in from https://domain-anda.example/wp-admin/, change the permalink, time zone, language, and email address. Make sure the sample page can be deleted after creating your own content. To get started, see creating a WordPress post; for website structure, understand post and page and categories and tags.
4. How to install WordPress locally using XAMPP
Download XAMPP from the official Apache Friends website, start Apache and the database (MariaDB on modern XAMPP servers), then create a local database without any sensitive data. Copy the WordPress files to the htdocs folder and open http://localhost/nama-proyek/. Fill in the database credentials according to your local setup. This method is good for experimentation, but XAMPP development should not be directly exposed to the public internet.
The installation steps install XAMPP Windows cover Windows 11 configuration and note that Windows 10/8 has reached the end of its standard support period. If your website will be online, use secure hosting, not just open the XAMPP port from your personal laptop.
5. WordPress security checklist after installation
| Priority | Steps |
|---|---|
| Admin | Strong password, MFA if available, minimum role |
| Core and plugins | Regular updates, delete unused plugins |
| Backup | Files + database, store off-server, test restore |
| HTTPS | Valid certificate and consistent URL |
| SEO | Indexability, permalink, sitemap, canonical |
| Performance | Images, cache, plugins, and CWV |
Use backup database to understand data backup. After launch, check XML sitemap and canonical URL to ensure pages are indexed correctly. Don’t change the URL structure without a 301 redirect strategy, as it can break shared links.
6. Common WordPress installation issues
Error establishing a database connection
Check the host, user, password, database, MariaDB/MySQL service, and network connection. Don’t upload configuration files containing passwords to public forums. Check the logs and service status before attempting a reinstallation.
403, 404, and 502 errors
Audit the document root, folder permissions, rewrite rules, PHP-FPM, webserver, and firewall. If you encounter a 502 error, there’s likely an upstream issue; it’s not always caused by a WordPress plugin. Avoid mass chmod 777.
Slow website after installation
Don’t immediately install multiple cache plugins. Start with PageSpeed Insights and blog loading, measure LCP, INP, and CLS issues, and then fix bottlenecks. Major changes should be tested on staging.
7. Developing the website after installation
Build a page structure, contact, categories, privacy, and navigation according to business goals. Prepare pillar content, internal links, metadata, and measurement. If you want to move your old website, follow the steps WordPress migration to ensure all URLs and files are preserved. Installation isn’t the end of the project, but rather the beginning of ongoing website management.
WordPress launch checklist before your website receives visitors
After successfully logging into your dashboard, don’t immediately assume your website is ready to use. Test the HTTPS certificate, email configuration, permalinks, navigation, forms, privacy policy, sitemap, and responsiveness on a mobile screen. For businesses using lead forms, send a test form to the recipient’s email address and ensure the inbox doesn’t end up in the spam folder.
Basic SEO configuration
Check Settings → Reading to prevent accidentally blocking indexing on your finished website. Ensure your XML sitemap is readable by search engines, canonicals match permalinks, and internal pages don’t duplicate each other. Choose a category structure that’s easy for readers to understand. Set meta titles and descriptions on your homepage, but don’t assume SEO plugins automatically guarantee rankings.
Configure account security
Give each account manager a separate role, use strong passwords, enable MFA if available, and avoid sharing admin accounts via chat. Plugins and themes should come from trusted sources and be regularly updated. Don’t install nulled themes or plugins that offer premium features without a clear license.
Differences between local, staging, and production installations
| Environment | Functionality | Data that can be used |
|---|---|---|
| Localhost | Learning and experimenting | Dummy or anonymized data |
| Staging | Test changes before going live | Data is sanitized and access is restricted |
| Production | Customer website | Real data with controls Security |
If staging from a public website, remove or anonymize personal data and prevent the staging from being indexed. Before moving changes, check for differences in databases, secrets, URLs, and payment integrations. Not all files from localhost can be simply moved without updating the configuration.
How to assess installation success on day one
Use a list of repeatable tests: the homepage loads without errors, sample pages can be opened over HTTPS, media files display, forms submit, users only see authorized content, and backups can be created. Test from a non-logged-in browser to ensure the website doesn’t just look right when the administrator is active. Keep a log of changes, the administrator’s username, the date, and the hosting contact—don’t write passwords in public documents.
Once all basic functions are stable, start producing content for your intended audience and monitor speed and errors in Search Console or a monitoring tool. This way, installing WordPress becomes the foundation for a thriving website, not just a matter of successfully running the wizard.
Archive of 25 screenshots, two videos, and two example installation menus
The original 2020 material is retained, including demos of the CWP and XAMPP panels. Note that the visual steps and OS/PHP options on older versions are not always 2026 security compliant.
See screenshots and original video tutorial
FAQ: How to Install WordPress for Beginners
1. Is WordPress free?
WordPress.org software is free, but hosting and domains can cost money.
2. What’s the easiest way to install WordPress?
One-click hosting installers are usually the simplest if available.
3. Can WordPress be installed on a local host?
You can use XAMPP or a similar local development environment.
4. What are the WordPress requirements in 2026?
PHP 8.3+, MySQL 8.0+ or MariaDB 10.11+, and HTTPS are the recommended baselines.
5. Does WordPress need a database?
Yes, to store content, settings, and necessary data.
6. Do you have to use cPanel?
No, there are many other control panels and hosting options.
7. What is the difference between automatic and manual installers?
Automatic installers manage several steps; manual installers give more control.
8. Can XAMPP be used as a public server?
XAMPP is designed for local development and is not recommended for exposure without hardening.
9. How to choose an admin username?
Use a unique name and a strong password, and MFA if available.
10. Why does WordPress fail to connect to the database?
There may be a problem with your credentials, database service, or network.
11. When to activate an SEO plugin?
Once your website structure and indexability are correct, choose the plugins you need.
12. What should be backed up?
Website files, databases, configurations, and important documents.
External references
- WordPress.org — Requirements
- WordPress — How to Install
- WordPress — FAQ Installation
- Apache Friends — Windows FAQ
