How do I install Joomla on my hosting?

Two ways to install

Many hosts offer a one-click installer (such as Softaculous). It is quick, but you learn little about how the site is set up, and some installers add their own settings. Installing by hand takes about ten minutes and gives you full control.

Install by hand

1. Download the latest Joomla full package from downloads.joomla.org.
2. In your hosting panel, create a database and a database user, give the user all privileges, and note the names and password.
3. Upload the zip to your web root (often public_html) with the File Manager or FTP, and extract it there. Upload the contents, not a wrapping folder.
4. Open your domain. The installer asks for the Site Name, then your Super User name, username, password and email.
5. Enter the database details: type MySQLi, host (usually localhost), username, password, database name and table prefix.
6. Click Install Joomla. When it finishes, open the administrator.

With a one-click installer

1. In your hosting panel, open Softaculous (or similar) and choose Joomla.
2. Fill in the site name, admin account and folder, then click Install.

Good to know

• Choose a username other than "admin" and a long password for the Super User.
• A production install removes the installation folder automatically when it finishes.