While one-click installers are convenient, sometimes you want to install WordPress manually, for full control or to migrate an existing site. This guide walks through a manual WordPress install in DirectAdmin.
What you will need #
- The latest WordPress files from wordpress.org.
- A MySQL database and user (created in DirectAdmin).
- Access to File Manager or FTP.
Step 1: Create the database #
In MySQL Management, create a new database and user, assign the user with all privileges, and note the database name, username, and password.
Step 2: Upload WordPress #
- Download WordPress and unzip it.
- Upload the files into your public_html folder (or a subfolder) via File Manager or FTP.
- If you uploaded the zip, extract it on the server.
Step 3: Run the installer #
- Visit your domain in a browser.
- Follow the WordPress setup wizard.
- Enter your database name, user, password, and host (usually localhost).
- Set your site title and create a strong admin account (avoid the username “admin”).
- Finish and log in at /wp-admin.
After installing #
- Enable SSL and force HTTPS.
- Install only the plugins you need.
- Set up backups.
Troubleshooting #
- Error establishing a database connection: re-check the database name, user, password, and host.
- Blank page: confirm the files are in the correct folder and permissions are right.
Need help? #
If your manual install stalls, our support team can help over live chat.
