How to install WooCommerce plugin on WordPress

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Install WooCommerce by navigating to your WordPress admin dashboard, going to Plugins > Add New, searching for 'WooCommerce', and clicking Install Now. After activation, follow the setup wizard to configure your online store with payment methods, shipping options, and tax settings.

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Prerequisites

WordPress website with admin access
PHP 7.4 or higher
MySQL 5.6 or MariaDB 10.1 or higher
HTTPS SSL certificate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access WordPress Admin Dashboard

Log into your WordPress website by navigating to yoursite.com/wp-admin and enter your administrator credentials. Once logged in, you'll see the WordPress dashboard with the main navigation menu on the left side.

Ensure you have administrator privileges to install plugins on your WordPress site.

Navigate to Plugin Installation

From the WordPress dashboard, hover over Plugins in the left sidebar menu and click on Add New. This will take you to the plugin installation page where you can browse and search for plugins.

Search for WooCommerce

In the search box at the top right of the Add Plugins page, type WooCommerce. The official WooCommerce plugin by Automattic should appear as the first result with the WooCommerce logo and high ratings.

Make sure to select the official WooCommerce plugin by Automattic, not third-party alternatives.

Install WooCommerce Plugin

Click the Install Now button on the WooCommerce plugin card. WordPress will download and install the plugin automatically. You'll see a progress indicator during the installation process.

The installation typically takes 30-60 seconds depending on your server speed.

Activate WooCommerce

After installation completes, the Install Now button will change to Activate. Click Activate to enable WooCommerce on your website. You'll be redirected to the WooCommerce setup wizard automatically.

Complete Store Setup Wizard

Follow the WooCommerce setup wizard that appears after activation. Enter your store details including address and currency, select your industry, choose product types you'll sell, and configure business details like expected revenue.

You can skip the wizard and configure these settings later from WooCommerce > Settings.

Configure Payment and Shipping

In the wizard, set up your payment methods such as PayPal, Stripe, or bank transfers. Configure shipping options including zones, rates, and methods. Choose your tax settings and whether to install recommended extensions.

Start with basic payment methods like PayPal and add more options later as needed.

Verify Installation

After completing the wizard, check that WooCommerce is working by visiting your website's front end. You should see new Shop, Cart, and Checkout pages have been created. In your WordPress admin, you'll now see WooCommerce in the main menu.

Test the shopping flow by adding a sample product and going through the checkout process.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Plugin installation fails or times out

Check your server's PHP memory limit and increase it to at least 256MB. Contact your hosting provider if you don't have access to modify php.ini settings. Alternatively, try uploading the plugin via FTP.

WooCommerce setup wizard doesn't appear after activation

Navigate to WooCommerce > Home in your WordPress dashboard and click Run the setup wizard. If still not visible, go to WooCommerce > Settings to configure manually.

Website shows errors after WooCommerce activation

Deactivate WooCommerce temporarily and check if your theme is WooCommerce compatible. Update WordPress to the latest version and ensure no plugin conflicts exist by deactivating other plugins one by one.

Shop pages return 404 errors

Go to Settings > Permalinks in WordPress admin and click Save Changes to refresh permalink structure. This regenerates the rewrite rules needed for WooCommerce pages to work properly.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official WooCommerce website before purchasing.

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