Installation

Review the technical requirements before proceeding with the installation. The server must meet these minimum requirements to install and run LearnDash.

NOTE: A valid license key is required to receive support and updates.

Install LearnDash LMS

Download the LearnDash LMS plugin from your Liquid Web Software account dashboard. Complete download and installation instructions are available in this guide.

LearnDash Cloud subscribers can access their accounts at https://account.learndash.com. While the LearnDash LMS plugin cannot be downloaded directly from account dashboards, subscribers who require a copy of the plugin ZIP file can submit a support ticket at https://software.liquidweb.com/support.

Activate Your License

When you download LearnDash LMS from your Liquid Web software account, your license key is embedded within the file. Upon installing and activating the LearnDash LMS plugin in WordPress, your license is automatically activated.

To check your license status within your WordPress site, follow our guide here.

Primary Domain vs. Sub-Domain

Choosing between a primary domain (yoursite.com) and a sub-domain (courses.yoursite.com) depends on whether your priority is technical isolation or unified site administration.

Sub-domain Installation (courses.yoursite.com): Recommended when separating e-learning operations from a primary site.

• Plugin & Theme Isolation: Prevents code conflicts between learning management components and primary site plugins or themes.
• Performance & Troubleshooting: Allows dedicated server caching and resource allocation for course delivery, while isolating maintenance issues to the course portal without impacting the main site.

Primary Domain Installation (yoursite.com): Recommended when e-learning is the central focus of the website.

• Simplified Administration: Avoids managing two separate WordPress installations, databases, and plugin ecosystems.
• Unified User Experience: Enables single sign-on and a streamlined checkout flow across physical products, digital goods, and courses.