Title: Requirements
Author: WordPress.org
Published: January 23, 2023
Last modified: May 7, 2026

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# Requirements

To run WordPress, we recommend your host supports the following — a safe, modern
baseline for performance and security.

### PHP

Version 8.3 or greater.

Powers WordPress on your server. [Learn more ](https://www.php.net/)

### Database

MariaDB 10.6+ or MySQL 8.0+.

Stores your content and settings. [MariaDB](https://mariadb.org/) · [MySQL](https://www.mysql.com/)

### HTTPS

Required for every install.

Encrypts your site’s connection. [Why HTTPS matters ](https://wordpress.org/news/2016/12/moving-toward-ssl/)

That’s really it. [Apache](https://httpd.apache.org/) or [Nginx](https://nginx.org/)
is recommended as the most robust and featureful server for running WordPress, but
any server that supports PHP and MySQL will do. For the smoothest experience setting
up — and running — your site, [each host on the hosting page](https://wordpress.org/hosting/)
supports the above and more with no problems.

For detailed PHP extension recommendations, see the [Hosting Handbook](https://make.wordpress.org/hosting/handbook/handbook/server-environment/).

#### Running on legacy versions?

WordPress will still run on PHP 7.2.24+ and MySQL 5.5.5+, but those versions have
reached official End Of Life and **may expose your site to security vulnerabilities**.
Upgrading is strongly recommended.

## Ask your host to run WordPress

If you’re unsure whether your host can already run WordPress, here’s a request you
can copy and send them:

> I’m interested in running the open source WordPress <https://wordpress.org/> web
> software, and I was wondering if my account supported the following:
>  * PHP 8.3 or greater
>  * MariaDB version 10.6 or greater OR MySQL version 8.0 or greater
>  * Nginx or Apache with mod_rewrite module
>  * HTTPS support
> Thanks!

## Not required, but recommended for better security

Hosting is more secure when PHP applications, like WordPress, are run using your
account’s username instead of the server’s default shared username. Ask your potential
host what steps they take to ensure the security of your account.

[Download WordPress](https://wordpress.org/download/)

[Browse recommended hosts](https://wordpress.org/hosting/)