Introduction

WordPress Manager is a powerful tool included within DirectAdmin that simplifies the management of WordPress websites.

Instead of logging into each WordPress website individually, WordPress Manager allows you to perform common management tasks from a single location.

Using WordPress Manager, you can:

• View WordPress installations
• Update WordPress
• Update plugins
• Update themes
• Create backups
• Restore backups
• Manage WordPress settings
• Monitor installations

This guide provides an overview of WordPress Manager and its features.

What Is WordPress Manager?

WordPress Manager is a management tool built into DirectAdmin that allows you to manage one or more WordPress websites from your hosting control panel.

It provides a central location for performing maintenance tasks without having to log into the WordPress Dashboard of each website.

This can save time and simplify website management.

Before You Start

Before using WordPress Manager, ensure that:

• WordPress has been installed on your hosting account.
• You have access to DirectAdmin.
• Your WordPress installation is functioning correctly.

Step 1 – Log Into DirectAdmin

Open your browser and visit:  https://cp.yourdomain.co.za

(Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)

Enter your DirectAdmin username and password.

Click: Login

Step 2 – Open WordPress Manager

From the DirectAdmin dashboard:

Click: Extra Features 

Then click:  WordPress Manager by Softaculous

Click the icon to open the management interface.

Step 3 – View Your WordPress Installations

WordPress Manager will display all WordPress installations associated with your hosting account.

Information typically displayed includes:

• Domain name
• Wordpress Login 
• Manage Users
• Update status

This allows you to quickly see the health and status of your websites.

If your site does not appear in this list click the scan button

Click the button on the right, it will indicate: Uptodate (Green Button)  or Needs Updates (Orange Button)

Updating WordPress

WordPress Manager can be used to update:

• WordPress Core
• Plugins
• Themes

If updates are available, WordPress Manager will display update notifications.

Updating through WordPress Manager can simplify the maintenance of multiple websites.

For detailed instructions see:  How to Update WordPress

Creating WordPress Backups

Before making major changes to your website, it is recommended that you create a backup.

WordPress Manager allows you to create backups directly from DirectAdmin.

Backups help protect your website in the event of:

• Failed updates
• Plugin conflicts
• User errors
• Website corruption

Click: Backup to backup your website.

For detailed instructions see:

How to Back Up WordPress Using WordPress Manager in DirectAdmin

Restoring WordPress Backups

If a problem occurs, WordPress Manager can be used to restore a previously created backup.

This can help return your website to a working state quickly.

Click: Backups and Restore from the top right menu

Then click: Restore next to the backup that you want to restore.

For detailed instructions see: How to Restore WordPress Using WordPress Manager in DirectAdmin

Managing Plugins

WordPress Manager can display information about installed plugins.

Keeping plugins updated is important for:

• Security
• Stability
• Compatibility

Outdated plugins are one of the most common causes of WordPress security vulnerabilities.

Click:  Manage Plugins

Then click: Installed Plugins

Click the:  circled arrows icon next to the version number to update the plugin, do this for each plugin you want to update.

Managing Themes

WordPress themes control the appearance of your website.

WordPress Manager can help identify:

• Installed themes
• Available updates
• Theme status

Keeping themes updated helps improve security and compatibility.

Click:  Manage Themes

Then click: Installed Themes

Click the:  circled arrows icon next to the version number to update the theme.

Note. some paif for themes require a licence that is activated to update the theme.

Monitoring Website Health

WordPress Manager provides a convenient overview of your WordPress installations.

This allows you to quickly identify:

• Available updates
• Outdated installations
• Potential maintenance requirements

Regular monitoring helps keep websites secure and reliable.

Benefits of Using WordPress Manager

WordPress Manager provides several advantages:

• Centralized management
• Faster updates
• Easier maintenance
• Simplified backups
• Better visibility of WordPress installations

It is particularly useful for customers managing multiple WordPress websites.

Security Recommendations

To keep your WordPress websites secure:

• Create backups before updates.
• Keep WordPress updated.
• Keep plugins updated.
• Keep themes updated.
• Remove unused plugins.
• Remove unused themes.
• Use strong passwords.

Regular maintenance significantly reduces security risks.

Common Questions

Do I Still Need to Log Into WordPress?

Yes.

While WordPress Manager simplifies many maintenance tasks, you will still need to log into WordPress to:

• Create content
• Edit pages
• Publish blog posts
• Configure website settings

Can I Manage Multiple WordPress Websites?

Yes.

WordPress Manager can display and manage multiple WordPress installations on your hosting account.

Is WordPress Manager Safer Than Updating Manually?

Both methods are safe when used correctly.

However, WordPress Manager makes it easier to monitor updates and manage multiple websites from a single location.