How to Download WordPress

If you are new to WordPress, it is important to learn how to Download WordPress the safe way. A clean download protects your future site from malware, broken files, and random “installer” tools that you should never trust.

In this guide you will get the official WordPress ZIP file from WordPress.org, choose the correct version and language, check that the file is complete, and extract it. After that, you will be ready to follow a full installation tutorial on your web host or local computer.

What You Need Before You Download WordPress

Before you Download WordPress, prepare a few things. This keeps the process simple and helps you avoid losing the ZIP file later.

• A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• A stable internet connection.
• A modern web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
• At least 300 MB of free disk space for the download and extracted files.
• An archive tool such as 7 Zip, WinRAR, or your system’s built in extractor.
• Optional hosting or a local server environment if you plan to install WordPress immediately.

If you plan to upload WordPress to a web host, make sure the server meets the official WordPress requirements before you continue.

Step 1: Visit the Official WordPress Download Page

The safest way to Download WordPress is to use the official website. Avoid “nulled” downloads and bundles from unknown sources, because they often include hidden code.

Open the official download page

1. Open your preferred web browser on your computer.
2. In the address bar type wordpress.org and press Enter.
3. On the WordPress homepage hover over Get WordPress in the top navigation and click Download WordPress.
4. Check that the address bar shows https://wordpress.org/download/ and that the page title mentions the latest WordPress version.

You are done with this step when you clearly see the large Download WordPress button and the secure https://wordpress.org/download/ URL in your browser.

Step 2: Choose the Correct WordPress Version and Language

Now you must choose which WordPress package to download. In most cases, the latest stable version is what you want.

Select the best version for your site

1. On the download page look for the main section that shows the current version number and the large Download WordPress button.
2. Use the default option to get the latest stable release. Older versions should only be used when a developer tells you to do so.
3. If you need another language, click Download WordPress in your language and choose your language from the list.
4. For most users the default .zip package is ideal. It works on Windows, macOS, and almost all shared hosting control panels.

If you ever need an older version, you can visit the WordPress release archive. There you can select the exact version that matches your project or client site.

You have finished this step when you know which WordPress version and language you are going to download and you can see the correct button for it.

Step 3: Download and Save the WordPress Zip File

Next you will download the WordPress ZIP file and save it in a folder you control. This keeps everything organised when you are ready to install.

Download with your browser

1. Click the main Download WordPress button on the page.
2. When your browser asks where to save the file, choose a clear folder such as Downloads or create a folder like Sites/wordpress.
3. Click Save and wait for the download to reach 100 percent.
4. Open your file manager and confirm that a file named similar to wordpress-6.x.x.zip is now in the folder you selected.

Alternative: download WordPress with WP-CLI

If you have terminal access and WP-CLI installed on your server, you can download WordPress with one simple command. Run this from the folder where you want the site:

wp core download --locale=en_US --skip-content

When the command finishes, you will see the WordPress files inside the current directory instead of a ZIP archive.

You have completed this step when the WordPress ZIP file is fully downloaded or the WP-CLI command has created the files on your server.

Step 4: Verify the WordPress Download for Safety

Before you install WordPress, spend a moment checking that the download is complete and comes from the right place. This helps you avoid strange errors during installation.

Basic safety checks

1. Look at the browser address bar again. Confirm you downloaded from https://wordpress.org and not another domain.
2. Open your browser’s downloads list and make sure the WordPress ZIP file size is several dozen megabytes, not a tiny one megabyte “installer”.
3. Right click the WordPress ZIP file in your file manager and select Properties or Get Info. Check the file size and the modified date to be sure it matches your recent download.

Advanced checksum verification

1. Visit the WordPress release archive page in your browser.
2. Find the version you downloaded and note the checksum listed there.
3. Use a checksum tool on your computer to generate a checksum for your ZIP file.
4. Compare both values. If they match, the download is intact and safe to use.

If the file name, size, or checksum looks wrong, delete the file and repeat the download. Always use the official WordPress site when you Download WordPress again.

Step 5: Extract the WordPress Files After Download

Now it is time to unzip the WordPress package. Extracting the archive creates the actual folder that you will later upload to your hosting account or move into your local server directory.

Unzip the WordPress archive

1. Open the folder where you saved the wordpress-6.x.x.zip file.
2. Right click the ZIP file and choose Extract All, Unzip, or a similar option in your archive tool.
3. When prompted, select a destination such as the same folder or a subfolder named wordpress. Confirm the extraction.
4. After the process completes, open the new wordpress folder and confirm that it contains subfolders like wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes.

You know this step is successful when you see a full wordpress folder with many PHP files and subfolders. At this point you are ready to follow a separate installation guide for your host or local setup.

Conclusion You Are Ready to Go

You have now learned how to Download WordPress safely, verify the ZIP file, and extract the contents into a folder you control. This simple routine protects your future site from broken downloads and shady installers.

Next, follow a dedicated installation tutorial for your hosting setup. Create a database, update the wp-config.php file if needed, and run the WordPress installer. After that you can start building your site with themes, plugins, and fresh content.

Further Reading

• How to install a WordPress theme
• How to install a WordPress theme
• Beginner checklist optimizing WordPress blog posts
• Beginner guide to WordPress speed optimization

Frequently Asked Questions