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Installation guide

Install Joomla

Install Joomla on your hosting in a few simple steps. For beginners and advanced users, with helpful tips and troubleshooting.

Choose your installation method

There are two ways to install Joomla. Choose the method that suits you.

Automatic

Recommended for beginners

Most hosting providers have a 1-click installer like Softaculous or Installatron. Super fast and error-free.

  • Advantage: Ready within 5 minutes
  • Advantage: No technical knowledge required
  • Advantage: Database is created automatically
Read automatic installation

Manual

For advanced users

Download Joomla yourself and upload to your server via FTP. More control over the installation process.

  • Advantage: Full control over settings
  • Advantage: Always the latest version
  • Disadvantage: Requires FTP knowledge and more time
Read manual installation

Automatic installation with Softaculous

Follow these steps if your hosting has a 1-click installer

1

Log in to your cPanel or hosting control panel

Go to your hosting dashboard. Most providers use cPanel, DirectAdmin or their own control panel.

2

Find the auto-installer

Search for "Softaculous", "Installatron" or "Auto Installer" in your control panel.

Tip: No auto-installer? Contact your hosting support. Most hosts offer this for free.

3

Select Joomla

Click on the Joomla logo and then on "Install Now" or "Install".

4

Fill in the installation details

Configure the following:

  • Domain: Choose your domain name where Joomla should run
  • Directory: Leave empty for root (domainname.com) or enter a folder (domainname.com/blog)
  • Site name: The name of your website
  • Admin username: Do NOT use "admin", choose something unique
  • Password: Use a strong password with letters, numbers and symbols
  • Email: Your email address for notifications
5

Click install

Click the "Install" button. The installation takes about 1-2 minutes.

Done! You will receive the login URL for the admin panel. Save this and log in to configure your site.

Manual installation via FTP

For when you don't have an auto-installer or want more control

1

Download Joomla

Download the latest version of Joomla from joomla.org. This is a .zip file.

2

Create a database

Log in to your hosting control panel and create a MySQL database. Note down:

  • • Database name
  • • Database username
  • • Database password
  • • Database host (usually "localhost")
3

Upload Joomla to your server

Use an FTP client like FileZilla to upload the Joomla files:

  • Extract the .zip file on your computer
  • Connect to your hosting via FTP
  • Upload all Joomla files to the public_html folder (or subdirectory)
4

Start the Joomla installer

Go to your domain name in the browser (e.g. https://yoursite.com). The Joomla installer starts automatically.

5

Complete the installation wizard

Follow the steps in the wizard:

  1. Choose your language and fill in site information
  2. Enter your database details (step 2)
  3. Create an admin account with a strong password
  4. Optionally choose sample data (recommended for beginners)
  5. Click "Install"
6

Delete the installation folder

After installation, you must delete the "installation" folder via FTP. This is a security measure.

Important: Joomla will not work until you delete this folder!

After installation

Do this immediately after installing Joomla

Secure your site immediately

Install a security extension and change the default admin URL.

Read security tips →

Update Joomla

Check if updates are available. Update for the best security.

Via dashboard → Update

Install essential extensions

Add functionality with extensions for SEO, security and backups.

View extensions →

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