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Installing the Plugin

What This Covers

This guide walks you through installing the SteelWP plugin on your WordPress site.

SteelWP installs like any standard WordPress plugin and does not require any special configuration to get started.

Before You Begin

Ensure your site meets the minimum system requirements:

  • WordPress 6.0 or newer
  • PHP 8.0 or newer
  • Administrator access to your WordPress dashboard

If you're unsure, see the System Requirements page for full details.

Install via WordPress Admin (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most common method.

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
  2. Navigate to Plugins → Add New
  3. Search for SteelWP
  4. Click Install Now
  5. Click Activate

Once activated, SteelWP will appear in your admin menu.

Install via Plugin Upload

Use this method if you have downloaded the plugin manually.

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
  2. Navigate to Plugins → Add New
  3. Click Upload Plugin
  4. Select the SteelWP .zip file
  5. Click Install Now
  6. Click Activate

After Installation

Once the plugin is activated:

  • SteelWP will be available in your WordPress admin menu
  • You can access the dashboard immediately
  • No configuration is required before running your first scan

At this point, SteelWP is ready to use.

What to Expect

On first access:

  • SteelWP may prompt you to activate your license
  • You will be able to run your first scan immediately
  • No automatic changes are made to your site

SteelWP does not modify your site until you explicitly apply hardening actions.

Common Issues

Plugin does not appear after activation

  • Ensure activation completed successfully
  • Refresh the admin dashboard
  • Check for plugin conflicts

Installation fails

  • Verify your PHP and WordPress versions meet requirements
  • Check file upload limits if using manual upload
  • Confirm your hosting environment allows plugin installation

Permission errors

  • Ensure WordPress has permission to install plugins
  • Check file ownership and permissions on your server

When to Use Each Installation Method

  • Use WordPress Admin install for most cases
  • Use manual upload if you have a direct download or restricted plugin access

What to Do Next

After installation:

  1. Activate your SteelWP license Note: License activation is only required for SteelWP Pro.
  2. Run your first scan
  3. Review findings and next steps
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