Configuring a WordPress multisite network

A WordPress multisite network allows you to manage multiple WordPress sites from a single installation. Instead of maintaining separate installs for each site, you can run them all under one dashboard. On ruachost.com, this is ideal for managing blogs, online stores, or sub‑sites under one domain.

Why Use Multisite?

• Manage multiple sites from one WordPress installation.

• Install themes and plugins once, then activate them per site.

• Simplify updates and improve security.

• Useful for organizations, schools, or businesses with multiple sub‑sites.

Steps to Configure a Multisite Network

1. Enable Multisite in wp-config.php

1. Log in to your hosting panel or use FTP to access your WordPress files.

2. Open the wp-config.php file in the root directory.

3. Just above the line:

   /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */
   

   add:

   define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);
   

4. Save changes.

2. Deactivate Plugins

• Log in to WordPress as administrator.

• Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.

• Select all plugins → Choose Deactivate → Click Apply.

3. Set Up the Network

1. In the dashboard, go to Tools → Network Setup.

2. Choose between:

   • Sub‑domains (e.g., site1.example.com, site2.example.com).

   • Sub‑directories (e.g., example.com/site1, example.com/site2). ⚠️ You cannot change this later.

3. Enter a Network Title and Admin Email.

4. Click Install.

4. Update wp-config.php and .htaccess

• WordPress will generate custom code.

• Copy the code into wp-config.php (above the “stop editing” line).

• Replace existing rules in .htaccess with the new code.

• Save both files.

5. Log Back In

• Log out and log back in as administrator.

• A new My Sites menu will appear in the top bar.

• From here, you can manage all sites in the network.

⚙️ Network Admin Options

• Dashboard → Overview of the network.

• Sites → Add and manage sites.

• Users → Manage users across the network.

• Themes → Install once, activate per site.

• Plugins → Install once, activate per site.

• Settings → General network settings.

Important Notes

• Always back up wp-config.php and .htaccess before editing.

• Re‑enable plugins after network setup.

• Sub‑domain networks require wildcard DNS configuration.

• To disable multisite, remove the code from wp-config.php and restore your original .htaccess.