How do I get rid of WordPress?

To get rid of WordPress, your approach depends on whether you are using WordPress.com (a hosted service) or a self-hosted WordPress.org installation. Each requires a different set of steps for complete removal.

How Do I Get Rid of WordPress?

Getting rid of WordPress typically involves either deleting your site if it's hosted on WordPress.com or manually uninstalling the software and its associated database if it's a self-hosted installation.

Deleting a WordPress.com Site

If your website is hosted on WordPress.com, the process to delete it is straightforward and managed through your site's dashboard. This action will permanently remove all content, including posts, pages, and media.

Steps to Delete Your WordPress.com Site:

1. Log in to your WordPress.com account.
2. Access your site's dashboard.
3. Navigate to Settings → General. (If you are using the WP-Admin interface, you might find this under Hosting → Site Settings.)
4. Scroll to the very bottom of the screen.
5. Locate and select the option to "Delete your site permanently".
6. Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm the deletion. Be aware that this action is irreversible.

For more detailed information and specific warnings regarding data loss, you can refer to the WordPress.com Support documentation on deleting a site.

Uninstalling a Self-Hosted WordPress.org Site

Uninstalling a self-hosted WordPress site (one you installed on your own web hosting) involves deleting the WordPress files and its associated database. This process is more manual and requires access to your hosting control panel, FTP client, and database management tools.

Before You Begin: Backup Your Site!
Always create a full backup of your WordPress files and database before attempting any deletion. This is crucial in case you need to restore your site or recover any data.

Method 1: Using Your Hosting Control Panel (Recommended for Beginners)

Many web hosts provide control panels like cPanel, Plesk, or custom dashboards with tools that simplify WordPress uninstallation.

1. Log in to your hosting control panel.
2. Look for an "Auto Installer" or "One-Click Installer" section (e.g., Softaculous, Fantastico, QuickInstall).
3. Find your WordPress installation listed within the installer.
4. There should be an option to "Uninstall" or "Remove" the application.
5. Follow the prompts to confirm the removal of both the files and the database.

Method 2: Manual Uninstallation (Requires Technical Knowledge)

If your host doesn't offer an auto-installer or you prefer a manual approach, you'll need to remove the files and the database separately.

Step-by-Step Manual Uninstallation:

1. Delete WordPress Files:

   • Connect to your web host using an FTP/SFTP client (like FileZilla) or use your hosting control panel's File Manager.
   • Navigate to the directory where your WordPress site is installed (e.g., public_html, www, or a subdirectory like public_html/your-site).
   • Delete all files and folders within this WordPress installation directory. Ensure you are deleting the correct site's files.

2. Delete WordPress Database:

   • Access your hosting control panel.
   • Look for a "Databases" section, usually containing tools like phpMyAdmin or a "MySQL Databases" wizard.
   • Identify the database associated with your WordPress site. You can find the database name in your wp-config.php file (located in your WordPress installation directory) by looking for DB_NAME.
   • Once identified, select the database and choose the option to "Delete" or "Drop" the database. This will permanently remove all your site's content, users, and settings.
   • (Optional but Recommended) If a specific database user was created solely for this WordPress installation, you might also want to delete that database user.

After completing these steps, your WordPress installation will be completely removed from your hosting account.