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What Files Should Be in My Root Hosting for WordPress?

April 4, 2023 By WP Helpline Off

When you install WordPress to host your own site or blog, there are a lot of files and folders that you need to transfer from your computer to your web hosting account. Depending on what type of website or blog you are creating, there will be a list of what to include and what to leave out. In this article, we will discuss what files and folders you should have in your root hosting for WordPress—the place where you host your site or blog.

Hosting Files

Once you have installed WordPress to your root hosting account, you will need to transfer the files from your computer to your web hosting server. Depending on what type of website or blog you are making, the files you need to transfer will vary. Typically, you will want to have the following files and folders in your root hosting:

  • index.php (the "front page" of your website)
  • wp-admin (the WordPress administration panel, where you can change settings, launch the WordPress editor, etc)
  • wp-config.php (the WordPress configuration file, where you can change settings such as the database information and site title)
  • style.css (the style sheet for your website, which controls how your content is presented)
  • functions.php (the functions area of your website, where you can put your PHP programming skills to use and add features to your site)
  • admin.php (the back end of your website, which you can access with your web hosting provider’s username and password)
  • template-parts/ (the archive of your website, where you can find older articles and template files you can use for future projects)
  • robots.txt (a file that tells search engine spiders what is and isn’t allowed on your site)
  • fb-like-box.php (the Facebook like-box that appears on your website)
  • canonical (this refers to the "home" (index) page of your website, which is usually the one you want to rank highest in Google)
  • header.php (the very first file in your website, which controls the look of your header, along with any subheaders)
  • footer.php (the very last file in your website, which controls the look of your footer, along with any subheaders)

Domain Files

If you are setting up a new site or blog from scratch, you will need to purchase a domain name for it (such as mywebsite.com). To install WordPress to that domain name, you will need to transfer the files from your computer to your web hosting account.

If you are using a free blog host, you will need to register that domain name with Bluehost. Once you have registered the domain name with Bluehost, you can install WordPress to that domain name using their simple and user-friendly control panel. Bluehost will then provide you with a template-ready WordPress installation, along with helpful instructions on how to use it. You can find a guide to installing WordPress to a Bluehost account here: How to Install WordPress to a Bluehost Account.

SSL Certificate

If your site or blog relies on online security (such as credit card forms or email payments), you will need to get an SSL certificate to encrypt the data between your visitors’ computers and your web hosting server. Many web hosts offer the option of enabling SSL on your site for free. If you are using a free blog host, you will need to purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted provider.

An SSL certificate authenticates that your site is who you say it is, it protects your visitors’ personal information, and it prevents eavesdropping.

Database Files

WordPress stores all of its data in a database.

If you are creating a database-driven site or blog, you will need to upload the database files to your root hosting. Typically, you will want to have the following files in your root hosting:

  • wp-config-sample.php (a blank copy of the WordPress configuration file)
  • wp-db.php (the WordPress database initialization file)
  • wp-includes/wp-db-backup.php (a copy of the WordPress database backup file)
  • init.php (the initial file that loads WordPress—normally the index.php file in your web root)
  • functions.php (the functions area of your website, where you can put your PHP programming skills to use and add features to your site)
  • embed-metadata.php (a small PHP file that scans your WordPress posts and automatically generates metadata, such as authors and publication dates)
  • comments.php (the comments area of your website, where you can find discussion on your topics)
  • template-parts/ (the archive of your website, where you can find older articles and template files you can use for future projects)
  • index.php (the "front page" of your website)
  • header.php (the very first file in your website, which controls the look of your header, along with any subheaders)
  • footer.php (the very last file in your website, which controls the look of your footer, along with any subheaders)
  • functions.php (the functions area of your website, where you can put your PHP programming skills to use and add features to your site)

Media Files

To post images, videos, and other rich media to your site or blog, you will need to upload the files to your root hosting. Depending on what type of site or blog you are creating, the files you need to upload will vary. Typically, you will want to have the following files in your root hosting:

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