WordPress is a popular content management system that powers over 43% of websites on the internet. It is an open-source project, which means that anyone can use and modify it. The best part? It is completely free to download and use.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of downloading WordPress for free, step by step.
Step 1: Visit the WordPress.org Download Page
The first step is to visit the WordPress.org download page. Here, you will find two options:
- Download and install WordPress manually
- Set up WordPress automatically with a hosting provider
We recommend that most users opt for the second option as it is faster and easier. Reputable hosting providers such as Hostinger, Bluehost, Dreamhost, or SiteGround will install WordPress for you automatically in just 5 minutes. For more information on how to install WordPress automatically, check out our guide on how to install WordPress.
However, if you are an advanced or intermediate user who prefers to install WordPress manually, you can click the ‘Download WordPress’ button.
Step 2: Choose the Version of WordPress to Download
After clicking the ‘Download WordPress’ button, you will be directed to a page that displays the version of WordPress you are about to download. WordPress is constantly being updated, so it is essential to ensure that you download the latest version. At the time of writing, the latest version of WordPress is 6.1.1.
Step 3: Download the WordPress File
Once you have selected the version of WordPress you wish to download, click the ‘Download WordPress’ button. The file will download automatically.
Step 4: Unzip the WordPress File
After downloading the WordPress file, you will need to unzip it. This will create a folder called ‘wordpress’ on your computer. This folder contains all the files you need to create a WordPress website.
Step 5: Install WordPress
Now that you have downloaded WordPress for free and unzipped the file, you are ready to install WordPress. There are two ways to install WordPress:
- Install WordPress on a web server
- Install WordPress on your local computer
To install WordPress on a web server, you will need to upload the files to your web host using an FTP client. Your hosting provider should provide you with detailed instructions on how to do this.
To install WordPress on your local computer, you will need to set up a local server environment using software such as XAMPP or WAMP. Once you have set up the local server environment, you can copy the ‘wordpress’ folder to the appropriate location and run the WordPress installation wizard.
Step 6: Set up Your WordPress Website
Once you have installed WordPress, you can begin setting up your website. WordPress is a powerful and flexible content management system that allows you to customize your website to meet your specific needs. You can choose from thousands of free and premium themes and plugins to add new features and functionality to your site.
Conclusion
In conclusion, downloading WordPress for free is a simple process that anyone can do. Whether you are an advanced or beginner user, you can choose to download and install WordPress manually or set it up automatically with a hosting provider. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily download and install WordPress, and start building your website today!