How to Download WordPress for Free (Step by Step)

WordPress, an open-source content management system (CMS), has become the go-to platform for individuals and businesses looking to create stunning websites and blogs. With its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options, it’s no wonder that millions of people choose WordPress for their online presence.

In this article, I will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to download WordPress for free, whether you prefer a manual installation or a quick setup through a web hosting provider. Let’s get started on your WordPress journey!

Key Takeaways:

• WordPress powers over 43% of websites worldwide.
• WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that is free to download.
• You can choose to download and install WordPress manually or opt for web hosting providers with pre-installed WordPress options.
• cPanel and autoinstallers provide an easy and quick way to install WordPress.
• Installing WordPress on your local computer allows you to create a development environment for testing and customization purposes.

Downloading WordPress and Installing Manually

In this section, I will guide you through the process of downloading WordPress manually and installing it on your web server. Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up your WordPress website from scratch.

Step 1: Downloading WordPress

To start, visit the WordPress.org download page on your web browser. You can find the download page by typing “WordPress.org/download” in your browser’s address bar. Once you’re on the download page, click on the “Download WordPress” button to get the latest version of WordPress. The download will be in the form of a zip file.

Step 2: Unzipping the File

After the download is completed, navigate to the folder where the WordPress zip file was saved. Right-click on the file and select “Extract All” or “Unzip” to extract the contents. This will create a new folder with all the necessary WordPress files.

Step 3: Uploading Files to your Web Server

Now, you need to upload the extracted WordPress files to your web server. There are two common methods for doing this:

• If you have access to FTP (File Transfer Protocol), you can use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your web server and upload the files to the desired location.
• If your web hosting provider offers a web-based file manager, you can log in to your hosting account and use the file manager to upload the files directly.

Step 4: Creating a Database

Before you can proceed with the WordPress installation, you need to create a database. Most web hosting providers offer a database management tool like phpMyAdmin to facilitate this process. Access your hosting control panel and look for the database management tool. Create a new database and take note of the database name, username, and password for future reference.

Step 5: Configuring the wp-config.php File

Inside the folder where you extracted the WordPress files, locate the file named “wp-config-sample.php” and rename it to “wp-config.php”. Open this file in a text editor and locate the section where it says “MySQL settings”. Enter your database name, username, and password in the appropriate fields. Save the file.

Step 6: Running the Installation Wizard

Now, open your web browser and enter the URL of your website. You should see the WordPress installation wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You will need to provide some basic information, such as the site title, admin username, and password. Once you’ve filled in all the required details, click on the “Install WordPress” button.

Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded WordPress manually and installed it on your web server. You can now log in to your WordPress dashboard and start customizing your website.

Choosing a Host with Pre-installed WordPress

If you’re looking for a hassle-free and efficient way to set up your WordPress website, consider choosing a web hosting provider that offers pre-installed WordPress. With hosts that provide automatic WordPress installation, you can save time and skip the manual download and installation process.

Some popular web hosting providers, like Bluehost and SiteGround, offer one-click installations of WordPress. This means you can get your WordPress site up and running quickly without any technical complications or the need for technical expertise. This option is particularly beneficial for beginners or those who want to streamline the setup process.

Here’s how easy it is to get started:

1. Sign up for a hosting account with a provider that offers pre-installed WordPress.
2. Select the option for pre-installed WordPress during the sign-up process.
3. Complete the necessary account setup information.
4. Once your hosting account is set up, you’ll have a fully functional WordPress website ready to go.

With pre-installed WordPress hosting, you don’t need to worry about configuring servers, downloading files, or manually installing WordPress. The hosting provider takes care of all the technical aspects, allowing you to focus on building and customizing your website.

Benefits of Choosing Hosts with Automatic WordPress Installation

Opting for a hosting provider that offers automatic WordPress installation comes with several advantages:

• Quick setup: With just a few clicks, you can have your WordPress website up and running in minutes.
• No technical knowledge required: You don’t need to have any coding or technical skills to get started. The hosting provider handles the installation process for you.
• Reliable and secure hosting: Reputable hosting providers ensure that their servers are optimized for WordPress, offering high performance and enhanced security features.
• Easy website management: Hosts with pre-installed WordPress often provide user-friendly control panels or dashboards that make managing your website effortless.

Choosing a hosting provider with pre-installed WordPress can significantly simplify the process of getting your WordPress website up and running. You can focus on creating compelling content and engaging with your audience without worrying about the technicalities of installation.

Using cPanel and Autoinstallers for WordPress Installation

If you’re looking for a quick and hassle-free way to install WordPress, using cPanel and autoinstallers is the way to go. Most web hosting providers offer cPanel as the hosting management dashboard, which includes convenient autoinstallers for WordPress. These autoinstallers simplify the installation process, making it easier and faster to get your WordPress website up and running.

To install WordPress using cPanel and autoinstallers, follow these simple steps:

1. Access your cPanel dashboard. This is usually done by logging into your web hosting account and navigating to the control panel section.
2. Look for the WordPress autoinstaller. It may be called Softaculous, Fantastico, or a similar name. The autoinstaller icon or link should be easily noticeable.
3. Click on the WordPress autoinstaller icon or link to launch the installation wizard.
4. Follow the prompts provided by the autoinstaller to set up your WordPress installation. This typically includes selecting the domain or subdomain where you want to install WordPress, choosing a username and password for your WordPress admin account, and configuring basic settings for your website.
5. Once you’ve completed the installation process, you can access your WordPress website by visiting the domain or subdomain you selected during the installation.

Using cPanel and autoinstallers is highly recommended for beginners as it requires minimal technical knowledge. It’s a quick and convenient way to set up a WordPress website without the need for manual downloads and installations.

Next, let’s explore another installation method for WordPress – installing it on your local computer for development and testing purposes.

Installing WordPress on Your Local Computer

If you’re a developer or someone who wants to experiment with WordPress themes, plugins, and website customization without impacting your live website, installing WordPress on your local computer is a great solution. Creating a local WordPress development environment allows you to have complete control over your website’s design and functionality. There are different methods you can use to set up a local WordPress copy, depending on your preferences and technical expertise.

One popular method is to use software like MAMP (Mac, Apache, MySQL, PHP) or similar alternatives for Windows and Linux. These software packages provide a complete web server environment on your computer, allowing you to run WordPress locally. Another option is to use virtual machine software like VirtualBox or VMware, which enable you to create a virtual computer where you can install and run WordPress.

Once you have installed WordPress locally, you can access your local WordPress site through your computer’s web browser. This means that you can test different themes, experiment with customizations, and even develop plugins or new features without affecting your live website. It’s an excellent way to learn more about WordPress and enhance your web development skills.

Setting up a local WordPress copy is not only useful for developers but also for those who want to learn and explore the possibilities of WordPress in a safe and controlled environment. Whether you want to create a new website from scratch, test the compatibility of themes and plugins, or simply master the ins and outs of WordPress, a local installation provides the flexibility and freedom you need.