How To Install WordPress Manually – Step by Step Guide (2024)

Step 1: Download WordPress

Download the latest stable release.

WordPress is an open-source software application that's continuously being refined by members of the WordPress community. The improvements happen in the background so that end-users just get stable and secure versions. The most recent, most secure variant is constantly on the WordPress.org download page. You should be running the latest launch to secure your website and never be afraid of upgrades!

Step 2: Create Database & Username

The easiest method to create a database and username is through the cPanel.

Go back to cPanel again, look for MySQL® Database Wizard under the section of Databases.

You can give any name to the database.

When you click the Next Step and create a new Database User.

Never forget to write your details in your notepad. Many people don't jot down the essential details that will help us connect with WordPress like this:

Step 3: Edit wp-config.php

When you unzip the downloaded WordPress zip file, find wp-config-sample.php and open with Atom Editor —  you can use any editor.

We need to edit that file and change its name to wp-config.php. So load wp-sample-config.php in your text editor and make some changes.

/** The name of the database for WordPress */

define('DB_NAME', 'database_name_here');

/** MySQL database username */

define('DB_USER', 'username_here');

/** MySQL database password */

define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password_here');

/** MySQL hostname */

define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

• Change database_name_here with the name you defined previously, keeping the single quotes.
• Replace the username you defined in the last measure surrounded by single quotes.
• Change password_here your database password you defined in the last measure keeping the single quotes.

Note: Localhost can remain the same unless your host uses an alternative name.

Here is my wp-config.php

Now set up your secret keys. Simply visit this URL to generate your keys then copy them over to your wp-config file.

Here is how you should replace it:

 When you conclude with the edits, make sure to rename the file as wp-config.php.

Step 4: Upload The Files Through FTP or cPanel

Start your FTP client and log in as I showed you with screenshots in the FTP Login Information section above.

Navigate the WordPress folder in the Local Site and drag it into the public folder. It'll be uploaded automatically. 

Some people might not have a fast internet connection; you can compress the folder in a zip file and upload it to FTP or cPanel from File Manager.

Click Upload.

Compress the WordPress files & folders since you made changes in wp-config.php.

You can use any software since I'm using Ubuntu 20.04 that has a built-in feature.

Wait until it's 100% completed and click the URL given below that will redirect you to the parent folder. Sometimes your file may not appear; refreshing the page does the trick.

Extract the file.

Make sure the files being extracted exist in the public_html folder or the folder of your website if you've added an addon.