What do I need to run Joomla 5 or 6?

Why the requirements matter

Joomla checks your server when you install or upgrade. If PHP or the database is too old, the installer stops, and the Joomla 6 upgrade simply doesn't appear in Joomla Update.

Minimum requirements

• Joomla 6: PHP 8.3 or newer (8.4 recommended); MySQL 8.0.13+, MariaDB 10.4+ (10.6+ supported) or PostgreSQL 12+.
• Joomla 5: PHP 8.1 or newer (8.3 recommended); MySQL 8.0.13+, MariaDB 10.4+ or PostgreSQL 12+.
• PHP extensions: json, simplexml, dom, zlib, gd, and mysqli or pdo_mysql (or the PostgreSQL driver). Most hosts have them on.
• PHP memory: at least 256 MB, and an upload limit of 32–64 MB or more so you can install templates and extensions.
• Web server: Apache (with mod_rewrite for clean URLs), Nginx or Microsoft IIS.

Check your server

1. On an existing site: System → System Information shows the PHP and database versions.
2. Before installing: your hosting panel shows the PHP version and lets you change it; ask your host about the database version.

Good to know

• Use the recommended versions, not just the minimum: they are faster and supported for longer.