{"id":22991,"date":"2026-08-30T16:28:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T14:28:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/?post_type=docs&p=22991"},"modified":"2026-08-30T16:35:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T14:35:11","password":"","slug":"install-and-set-up-woocommerce","status":"publish","type":"docs","link":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/hilfe\/cms-online-shops\/woocommerce-installieren-einrichten\/","title":{"rendered":"Install and initially set up WooCommerce"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

WooCommerce<\/a> is installed like a normal plugin in WordPress. After activation, it adds the basic functions of an online store to your WordPress website.<\/p>\n

The installation itself is completed quickly. However, the actual setup begins after that: WooCommerce needs to be configured to suit your shop. Later on, this includes products, payments, shipping, taxes, and emails, among other things.<\/p>\n

\n

Briefly explained:<\/strong> For WooCommerce you need a working WordPress website. WooCommerce is installed within it as a plugin and expands WordPress with the functions for an online store.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Before you install WooCommerce<\/h2>\n

Before you begin the installation, your WordPress website should be basically working.<\/p>\n

WooCommerce has certain requirements for WordPress, PHP, and the database. These technical requirements can change with new WooCommerce versions. Therefore, you should ensure that your WordPress installation and the server environment you use are up to date and compatible with the WooCommerce version you are running.<\/p>\n

When installing WooCommerce on an existing website, you should also ensure that an up-to-date backup of your website is available before making any major changes.<\/p>\n

\n

Important:<\/strong> Do not simply install WooCommerce on a heavily outdated WordPress installation. Your theme and existing plugins should also be compatible with the WooCommerce version being used.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Install WooCommerce via WordPress<\/h2>\n

The easiest way goes directly through the WordPress backend.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Log in to the WordPress backend of your website.<\/li>\n
  2. Open in the left menu Plugins<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  3. Click on Add new plugin<\/strong> or to the corresponding button for adding a new plugin.<\/li>\n
  4. Type in the search field WooCommerce<\/strong> one.<\/li>\n
  5. Search the results for the official WooCommerce plugin.<\/li>\n
  6. Click on Install now<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  7. Wait for WordPress to finish the installation.<\/li>\n
  8. Then click on Activate<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    WooCommerce is now activated in your WordPress installation.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Make sure to use the correct plugin:<\/strong> When searching for WooCommerce, numerous extensions may appear alongside the actual plugin. For the basic installation, you need the official WooCommerce plugin. You can install additional extensions later when you actually need them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    What happens during activation?<\/h2>\n

    After activation, WooCommerce expands your WordPress installation with the required shop functions.<\/p>\n

    This includes, among other things, new administrative areas for products, orders, and WooCommerce settings. WooCommerce also creates the technical structures required to run the shop.<\/p>\n

    Your existing WordPress website will not be replaced by another system. WooCommerce works within your existing WordPress installation.<\/p>\n

    Existing WordPress website\n            \u2193\nInstall WooCommerce\n            \u2193\nActivate WooCommerce\n            \u2193\nShop features are added\n            \u2193\nConfigure basic settings\n            \u2193\nAdd products\n            \u2193\nSet up shipping and payments\n            \u2193\nTest shop\n            \u2193\nPublish shop\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
    The setup assistant after activation<\/h2>\n
    When WooCommerce is activated for the first time, the guided setup usually starts. WooCommerce refers to this area as Setup Wizard<\/strong> or rather Onboarding Wizard<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
    The assistant will help you collect the initial information about your shop.<\/p>\n
    The exact display can change with new WooCommerce versions. The questions can also differ depending on the information already provided.<\/p>\n
    Basic information can include, for example:<\/p>\n
      \n
    • Shop location<\/li>\n
    • Type of your company or industry<\/li>\n
    • Type of products you want to sell<\/li>\n
    • further basic information on the planned shop<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      WooCommerce uses this information to prepare the further setup accordingly.<\/p>\n
      Start or skip guided setup<\/h2>\n
      After activation, you can start the guided setup. If you prefer to configure the individual items manually later, you can also skip the assistant.<\/p>\n
      Skipping does not mean that WooCommerce was not installed correctly.<\/p>\n
      WooCommerce remains fully activated. The necessary shop settings can then be configured via the WordPress backend.<\/p>\n
      \n
      For beginners:<\/strong> If you are not yet familiar with WooCommerce, the guided setup is helpful because it walks you through the most important initial decisions. Nevertheless, you should understand the suggested settings and not simply accept every option without checking it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
      Can I open the setup assistant again later?<\/h2>\n
      Yes. If you skipped the guided setup or want to access it again later, WooCommerce provides a way to restart it.<\/p>\n
      The exact position can change with WooCommerce versions. In current WooCommerce versions, the setup wizard can be accessed again via the help section of supported WooCommerce administration pages.<\/p>\n
      So you are not forced to make all decisions definitively right after installation.<\/p>\n
      What is the WooCommerce setup checklist?<\/h2>\n
      After the initial setup, WooCommerce displays a checklist of additional tasks for new shops. This is designed to help you configure the most important areas before launching your shop.<\/p>\n
      Depending on the store, tasks from the following areas may appear there, for example:<\/p>\n
        \n
      • Add products<\/li>\n
      • Design shop<\/li>\n
      • Set up payment methods<\/li>\n
      • Configure shipping<\/li>\n
      • Set up taxes<\/li>\n
      • Open shop to visitors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        Which tasks are actually displayed depends on your WooCommerce version and your previous information.<\/p>\n
        The checklist is a tool and not a guarantee that your shop will automatically be completely set up after working through it.<\/p>\n
        Carefully review optional additional features<\/h2>\n
        During setup, WooCommerce may suggest additional features, extensions, or services.<\/p>\n
        These can include areas such as payments, shipping, taxes, marketing, or other store functions.<\/p>\n
        You don't have to automatically install everything that is offered to you.<\/p>\n
        \n
        Basic rule:<\/strong> Install only additional plugins and extensions that you actually need for your shop.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
        Every additional plugin increases the number of components that must later be updated, checked, and kept compatible with WordPress and WooCommerce.<\/p>\n
        Do I need to connect WooCommerce with WordPress.com?<\/h2>\n
        A connection to WordPress.com is not strictly required for the basic installation and use of the WooCommerce plugin.<\/p>\n
        However, certain additional services or extensions may require a connection to a WordPress.com or WooCommerce.com account.<\/p>\n
        Because of this, WooCommerce may prompt you to sign in or connect if you select such a feature during setup.<\/p>\n
        This connection is to be distinguished from the actual installation of the WooCommerce plugin.<\/p>\n
        Is my shop already finished after installation?<\/h2>\n
        No.<\/p>\n
        After installation, you have initially created the technical foundation for your online shop. A shop ready for sales still requires numerous additional settings.<\/p>\n
        These include, among others:<\/p>\n
          \n
        • Shop address and basic settings<\/li>\n
        • Sales regions<\/li>\n
        • Currency<\/li>\n
        • Products<\/li>\n
        • Product prices<\/li>\n
        • Product images<\/li>\n
        • Inventory<\/li>\n
        • Shipping<\/li>\n
        • Taxes<\/li>\n
        • Payment methods<\/li>\n
        • Customer accounts and guest orders<\/li>\n
        • Shop Emails<\/li>\n
        • Cart and Checkout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
          Afterwards, the entire ordering process should be checked with a test order.<\/p>\n
          WooCommerce installed\n        \u2260\nready online store\n\nWooCommerce installed\n        +\nbasic settings\n        +\nproducts\n        +\nshipping\n        +\ntaxes\n        +\npayments\n        +\nemails\n        +\ncheckout\n        +\ntest order\n        =\ntechnically prepared online store\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
          Install WooCommerce manually as a ZIP file<\/h2>\n
          WooCommerce can also be installed manually as a ZIP file.<\/p>\n
          This may be necessary, for example, if you have received or downloaded a specific WooCommerce version as an installation file.<\/p>\n
          Installation is generally carried out via:<\/p>\n
          WordPress\n\u2192 Plugins\n\u2192 Add New Plugin\n\u2192 Upload Plugin\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
          Subsequently:<\/p>\n
            \n
          1. Select the WooCommerce ZIP file.<\/li>\n
          2. Start the installation.<\/li>\n
          3. Wait until WordPress has installed the files.<\/li>\n
          4. Activate WooCommerce.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            For a normal new installation, installing directly via the WordPress plugin search is usually easier.<\/p>\n
            WooCommerce is installed, but I don't see any products yet<\/h2>\n
            That is normal with a new installation.<\/p>\n
            WooCommerce does not create your own products automatically. You have to create them yourself or import them using a suitable import method.<\/p>\n
            Therefore, an empty product area immediately after installation is not an indication of an error.<\/p>\n
            WooCommerce is installed, but the shop still looks unfinished<\/h2>\n
            This, too, is normal at first.<\/p>\n
            WooCommerce provides the shop features. However, the appearance of your website also depends on the WordPress theme used and its design.<\/p>\n
            Furthermore, immediately after the installation, your own products, images, texts, and the complete shop configuration are usually still missing.<\/p>\n
            Therefore, simply installing WooCommerce does not yet create a finished online store.<\/p>\n
            Can I deactivate WooCommerce again?<\/h2>\n
            Yes. Since WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin, you can deactivate it via the plugin management.<\/p>\n
            However, you should not do this on a live shop website without a specific reason. After deactivation, the WooCommerce shop functions will no longer be available as intended.<\/p>\n
            What happens to my data if I delete WooCommerce?<\/h2>\n
            An important difference exists between deleting the plugin files and completely removing the WooCommerce data.<\/p>\n
            If you deactivate and delete WooCommerce via the WordPress plugin management, this does not automatically remove all shop data from the database.<\/p>\n
            Data such as settings, products, and orders are generally retained. A separate, deliberate process is required for the complete removal of all WooCommerce data.<\/p>\n
            \n
            Important:<\/strong> If your store already contains products, orders, or customer data, you should never delete WooCommerce just to try it out. Before making major changes, create a backup and first clarify what you actually want to remove.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
            What should you do right after installation?<\/h2>\n
            After a successful installation, the first thing I would do is not create twenty products. A clear sequence is more sensible.<\/p>\n
              \n
            1. Install and activate WooCommerce<\/li>\n
            2. Check basic settings<\/li>\n
            3. Set shop address and sales area<\/li>\n
            4. Set up products<\/li>\n
            5. Configure shipping<\/li>\n
            6. Set up taxes technically<\/li>\n
            7. Configure payment methods<\/li>\n
            8. Check shop emails<\/li>\n
            9. Check cart and checkout<\/li>\n
            10. Place a test order<\/li>\n
            11. Only use the shop regularly for customers afterwards<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              This order helps you understand the individual areas one after the other. You don't have to try to set up WooCommerce completely on a single screen.<\/p>\n
              This is how it continues<\/h2>\n
              WooCommerce is now installed. Next, you should check your shop's basic settings. These include, for example, your store address, the sales area, the currency, and other basic options.<\/p>\n
              These settings form the basis for products, shipping, taxes, and the subsequent checkout process.<\/p>\n
              \n
              Summary<\/h2>\n
              WooCommerce is installed as a plugin in an existing WordPress installation. The easiest way is via the WordPress plugin management. Search for WooCommerce there, install the official plugin, and activate it.<\/p>\n
              After initial activation, WooCommerce guides new shop owners through a guided setup. This can also be skipped and accessed again later.<\/p>\n
              After installation, your shop is not ready yet. Basic settings, products, shipping, taxes, payments, emails, and checkout must then be set up and tested to match your shop.<\/p>\n
              Install additional extensions only when you actually need them. This keeps your WooCommerce store more organized and easier to maintain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
              WooCommerce wird wie ein normales Plugin in WordPress installiert. Nach der Aktivierung erg\u00e4nzt es deine WordPress-Website um die grundlegenden Funktionen eines Online-Shops. Die Installation selbst ist schnell erledigt. Danach beginnt jedoch die eigentliche Einrichtung: WooCommerce muss passend zu deinem Shop konfiguriert werden. Dazu geh\u00f6ren sp\u00e4ter unter anderem Produkte, Zahlungen, Versand, Steuern und E-Mails. Kurz erkl\u00e4rt: […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"doc_category":[83,89],"doc_tag":[],"class_list":["post-22991","docs","type-docs","status-publish","hentry","doc_category-cms-online-shops","doc_category-woocommerce"],"year_month":"2026-10","word_count":1612,"total_views":"48","reactions":{"happy":"0","normal":"0","sad":"0"},"author_info":{"name":"Silvio Mazenauer","author_nicename":"admin-curia","author_url":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/author\/admin-curia\/"},"doc_category_info":[{"term_name":"CMS & Online-Shops","term_url":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/hilfe-kategorie\/cms-online-shops\/"},{"term_name":"WooCommerce","term_url":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/hilfe-kategorie\/cms-online-shops\/woocommerce\/"}],"doc_tag_info":[],"knowledge_base_info":[],"knowledge_base_slug":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs\/22991","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/docs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22991"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs\/22991\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22996,"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs\/22991\/revisions\/22996"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"doc_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc_category?post=22991"},{"taxonomy":"doc_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curiaweb.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc_tag?post=22991"}],"curies":[{"name":"WP","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}