How to Download and Install Joomla – A Detailed Guide
Step 1: Download the Latest Joomla Version
Before jumping into installation, you'll need to get the latest Joomla installation package.
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the Official Joomla Website:
Head to downloads.joomla.org to ensure you're using an official, virus-free source.
- Look for the Full Package:
Select the one marked "Download Full Package" for a fresh installation.
- Save the ZIP File Locally:
Download the file to a location on your computer where it's easy to locate, such as your desktop.
- Extract the Files:
Once the download is complete, unzip the file to a new folder on your computer. This extracted file will serve as the foundation for your Joomla site.
Step 2: Prepare Your Webspace for Joomla
Before Joomla can come to life on your server, you need to complete these setup tasks.
Upload the Joomla Files to Your Server
- Identify Your Root Directory:
Determine the correct folder for your domain or subdomain on your web hosting server. This is where Joomla’s files will ‘live’.
- Use FTP to Upload Files:
A standard FTP client like FileZilla works best. Connect to your hosting server and drag-and-drop the extracted Joomla files into the root directory.
- Wait for Upload Completion:
Transfers might take 10–15 minutes depending on your file size and internet speed.
Create a MySQL Database
Go to your hosting provider’s control panel (such as cPanel).
Open MySQL Database Wizard or an equivalent option.
Create a new database and make a note of the following credentials:
- Database name
- Username
- Password
Step 3: Installing Joomla
The exciting part is here—turning your preparations into a functional Joomla website!
Launch the Installer
Open your browser and enter the URL of your domain or subdomain. You will land on Joomla’s Web Installer page, which will guide you through the setup.
Configure the Main Settings (Page 1)
The first screen focuses on the essential details of your website. Input the following information accurately:
- Site Name: Name your site—it'll appear in the browser tab header.
- Description: A brief explanation of your site (optional, but helpful for SEO).
- Admin Email: Used for password recovery and system notifications.
- Admin Username: Choose a secure username for managing your website.
- Admin Password: Create a strong password for your admin account.
- Site Offline Option: If you want the site to be hidden post-installation, toggle this to "Yes."
Once everything is filled, click Next.
Configure the Database (Page 2)
On the next page, Joomla will ask for details about your MySQL database. Fill the form with the credentials you recorded earlier:
- Database Type: Leave this set to MySQLi (the default).
- Host Name: Usually “localhost” works, but check with your host provider if unsure.
- Username: Enter the database username.
- Password: Enter the password for your database user.
- Database Name: Provide the name of the database you created in Step 2.
- Table Prefix: Joomla will generate one automatically—no changes needed here.
Once done, click Next to proceed.
Finalize the Installation (Page 3)
Review the default settings on the final screen. If you're satisfied, simply click Next. Joomla will finalize your setup—this should only take a few seconds.
Step 4: Completing the Installation
Clean up Installation Files
For security reasons, click the button labeled Remove ‘installation’ folder. This ensures the temporary setup files are deleted so they can’t be exploited in the future.
Accessing Your Joomla Site
You’ll see links to your site's backend (administrator panel) and frontend (public website).
- Backend: Manage your site through the URL
<yourdomain.com>/administrator
. - Frontend: Visit the main site and view your published content at your domain or subdomain.
And just like that—you’ve finished installing Joomla! Congratulations on building the foundation of what we’re sure will become an amazing website.