core

Downloading WordPress

Downloading WordPress means retrieving the core WordPress software package — a zip file, currently around 25 MB as of version 6.7 — from [wordpress.org/download](https://wordpress.org/download)....

Who this is for: First-time WordPress users who’ve seen the phrase “download WordPress” and aren’t sure whether they need to do it themselves or whether their host already did it.

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What Does “Download WordPress” Mean?

Downloading WordPress means retrieving the core WordPress software package — a zip file, currently around 25 MB as of version 6.7 — from wordpress.org/download. That package contains every PHP file, database schema, and default theme WordPress needs to run. Once installed on a web server (or your local machine), it becomes a functioning website.

Most beginners never do this manually. Hosts like SiteGround, Bluehost, and Hostinger install WordPress for you in one click during signup.

When Would You Actually Download WordPress Yourself?

You download WordPress manually in three specific situations:

  1. Installing locally — building a site on your own computer before putting it live. Tools like LocalWP or XAMPP require the zip.
  2. Manual server installation — your host doesn’t offer one-click installs, so you upload the files via FTP and configure the database yourself.
  3. Upgrading or reinstalling — if a core file gets corrupted, replacing it with a fresh copy from wordpress.org is faster than a full reinstall.

We see this on client sites most often in the third case — a hacked or corrupted install where replacing core files manually is quicker than starting over.

How to Download WordPress

The path is direct. Go to wordpress.org/download, click the blue Download WordPress button, and you get wordpress-[version].zip. Unzip it and you have a folder called wordpress/ containing everything: wp-admin/, wp-content/, wp-includes/, and wp-config-sample.php.

The only file you need to edit before uploading is wp-config-sample.php — rename it wp-config.php and fill in your database credentials.

WordPress.com vs WordPress.org: The Download Question

If you’re on WordPress.com, you never download anything. WordPress.com is a hosted service — the software runs on their servers. You log in, pick a plan, and build.

WordPress.org is the open-source software you download and self-host. This is what 43% of all websites on the internet run, per W3Techs data as of early 2026. The distinction matters before you sign up for anything.

Additional reading:

Last verified: April 2026

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