Set up WordPress Multisite on Nginx in six stages: back up the existing site, verify permalinks, enable the network feature, copy the generated constants into wp-config.php, install the matching Nginx server-block rules, and then configure DNS and HTTPS for the URL model you chose. Subdirectories are simpler because they normally use one hostname; subdomains require wildcard DNS and a wildcard-capable Nginx server_name.
Antihost offers managed WordPress hosting with free migration, one-click staging and a 14-day free trial.
What you need before starting
Multisite turns one WordPress installation into a network of sites that share the WordPress core and can be administered centrally. Each site can have its own content, users, themes and plugin activation choices, but all sites depend on the same files, database server and Nginx/PHP stack.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Shell or control-panel access to the Nginx virtual-host configuration.
- Access to the PHP-FPM socket or host and port used by this installation.
- Permission to edit
wp-config.phpand reload Nginx. - A database and file backup that you have actually verified can be restored.
- A domain name. A subdomain network cannot use an IP address or
localhost. - Administrative access to the DNS zone if you plan to use subdomains or mapped domains.
Do not assume that a generic Nginx snippet will work unchanged. Replace the document root, PHP-FPM socket, domain names, certificate paths and any security includes with the values used by your server.
Choose subdirectories or subdomains
The URL structure is a network-wide decision. Pick it before creating the network because changing later requires updates to stored site addresses as well as the web-server configuration; changing only SUBDOMAIN_INSTALL and rewrite rules is not sufficient.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
| Structure | Example | DNS and Nginx work | Best fit | Main complications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subdirectory | example.com/site1 |
Normally no additional DNS records. Keep the main hostname in the server block. | Networks that can share one brand and hostname, or installations where DNS access is limited. | Existing URL paths can conflict with site slugs. Some older installations cannot select subdirectories because of their existing site configuration. |
| Subdomain | site1.example.com |
Create wildcard DNS for the parent domain and include the wildcard in Nginx’s server_name. |
Independent site identities, regional sites or projects that need clearly separated hostnames. | Wildcard DNS, wildcard or otherwise suitable certificates, and correct host handling are required. WordPress cannot use an IP address or localhost for this model. |
Subdirectories avoid an extra DNS layer, but they are not automatically safer for migrations: a pre-existing path such as /shop can collide with a future site slug. Subdomains make those boundaries explicit, at the cost of DNS and certificate administration.
Prepare the existing single-site installation
1. Back up files and the database
Make a complete database dump and a copy of the WordPress files, including wp-content, uploaded media and the current wp-config.php. Store the backup outside the web root and check that the archive and database dump can be read. Network creation changes database structure and configuration, so a backup is the recovery point if setup is interrupted.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →2. Verify pretty permalinks
In the single-site dashboard, open Settings > Permalinks, select the permalink structure you intend to keep and save it. Visit several posts and pages while logged out. A network depends on front-controller routing; if ordinary pretty URLs already return 404 responses, fix that Nginx problem before adding Multisite.
3. Deactivate active plugins
Deactivate the active plugins before network creation. Plugin code can assume a single site, alter rewrite behavior or run database upgrades while the network tables are being created. After the network is working, reactivate plugins deliberately and decide whether each should be network-enabled or activated only for individual sites.
4. Decide whether WordPress belongs in its own directory
If you are moving WordPress from the document root into a directory, make that decision now, before enabling the network. The directory, home URL and Nginx root must agree. Moving the installation after network creation adds another set of URL and cookie variables to troubleshoot.
Enable Multisite in WordPress
1. Add the feature flag
Edit wp-config.php and add this line above the comment that says WordPress should stop editing the file:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
define( 'WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true );Save the file, reload the dashboard and open Tools > Network Setup. If the menu does not appear, check that the constant is in the active wp-config.php, that PHP can read the file and that you are logged in as an administrator.
2. Select the URL model and network details
The Network Setup screen asks for the network title and administrator email and offers subdomains or subdirectories when the existing installation permits both. Choose the structure you selected earlier. Read the warning about existing sites: WordPress may restrict subdirectory networks when the current site already uses a path that would conflict with network site paths.
3. Create the network
Submit the form. WordPress creates the network tables and displays two groups of configuration instructions: additional constants for wp-config.php and rewrite or cookie settings for the network. The exact values depend on your domain, path and selected structure.
For automation, WP-CLI can create the network tables and constants with wp core install-network; its --subdomains option selects a subdomain network. Run the command from the installation directory with the same database and administrator context as the site, and inspect the output before editing files.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Copy the generated values into wp-config.php
Use the exact constants shown by the Network Setup screen. A typical network generates values in this family, but the domain, path and Boolean settings must match your installation:
define( 'MULTISITE', true );
define( 'SUBDOMAIN_INSTALL', false );
define( 'DOMAIN_CURRENT_SITE', 'example.com' );
define( 'PATH_CURRENT_SITE', '/' );
define( 'SITE_ID_CURRENT_SITE', 1 );
define( 'BLOG_ID_CURRENT_SITE', 1 );For a subdomain network, the generated SUBDOMAIN_INSTALL value is normally true. A network installed below a path will receive a different PATH_CURRENT_SITE. Do not paste this illustrative block over the dashboard output and do not substitute a guessed domain or path.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
Keep WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE while you finish setup; once the network is created, it is common to remove that enabling constant so another administrator cannot accidentally reopen the setup screen. Removing it does not disable the network constants.
Configure Nginx for Multisite
Why Nginx needs manual rules
Nginx does not support Apache-style .htaccess files. WordPress therefore cannot write the required rewrite rules automatically. The server administrator must install the matching Nginx rules and reload the service. Use the WordPress version’s handbook example for the selected structure, then adapt only the document root, PHP-FPM target, hostnames and TLS settings.
Common server-block foundation
This is a minimal HTTP example showing the front controller and a safe PHP location. It is a pattern, not a drop-in replacement for your distribution’s complete configuration:
server {
listen 80;
server_name example.com www.example.com;
root /var/www/example;
index index.php;
location = /wp-admin {
return 301 $scheme://$host$request_uri/;
}
location / {
try_files $uri $uri/ /index.php?$args;
}
location ~ .php$ {
try_files $uri =404;
include fastcgi_params;
fastcgi_param SCRIPT_FILENAME $document_root$fastcgi_script_name;
fastcgi_pass unix:/run/php/php8.2-fpm.sock;
}
location ~ /. {
deny all;
}
}The trailing slash redirect for /wp-admin prevents an administrative URL from being treated as a file path. The try_files directive sends non-file requests to WordPress, while the PHP location rejects requests for scripts that do not exist before passing valid scripts to PHP-FPM. Change the socket path to the PHP version installed on your server.
Subdirectory network rules
For a subdirectory network, keep the main hostname in server_name and use the handbook’s subdirectory rules for the /wp-admin and /wp-.* paths together with the front-controller fallback. The essential behavior is:
/wp-adminis redirected to its slash-terminated form.- Requests for WordPress core, content and administration paths are allowed to resolve through the installed files or fall back to
/index.phpas appropriate. - Site URLs such as
/site1/and their pretty-permalink children reach the same WordPress front controller. - PHP requests pass through the same
try_files $uri =404and FastCGI settings shown above.
Do not add a second unrelated front controller or an Apache rewrite file. Merge the network-specific /wp-.* rules into one server block and preserve the order supplied for your WordPress version; Nginx chooses among regex locations by order, so moving a PHP or core-path location can change which handler receives a request.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
Subdomain network rules
A subdomain network uses the same front-controller and PHP handling, but the server must accept both the main domain and newly created subdomains:
server {
listen 80;
server_name example.com *.example.com;
root /var/www/example;
index index.php;
location = /wp-admin {
return 301 $scheme://$host$request_uri/;
}
location / {
try_files $uri $uri/ /index.php?$args;
}
location ~ .php$ {
try_files $uri =404;
include fastcgi_params;
fastcgi_param SCRIPT_FILENAME $document_root$fastcgi_script_name;
fastcgi_pass unix:/run/php/php8.2-fpm.sock;
}
location ~ /. {
deny all;
}
}The wildcard in server_name does not create DNS records. It only tells Nginx which virtual host should receive a request after DNS resolves it. You still need the DNS record described below.
Validate and reload safely
- Run
nginx -tand correct every syntax or include-file error. - Reload rather than stop Nginx, using your operating system’s service command, for example
systemctl reload nginx. - Watch the Nginx error log and PHP-FPM log while requesting the main site, an administrative URL and a newly created site.
- If your distribution uses a separate TLS server block, copy the same Multisite locations into that block; changing only the port 80 block leaves HTTPS requests misrouted.
There is no universal performance figure for these rules. Performance depends on PHP-FPM capacity, caching, database load, media handling and the rest of the server stack, so treat the configuration as routing infrastructure rather than a benchmark.
Set up DNS and HTTPS
Subdirectories
A subdirectory network normally needs the existing A or AAAA record for the main hostname only. Confirm that both the bare domain and any intended www hostname resolve to the Nginx server and that the certificate covers every hostname users will visit.
Subdomains
Create a wildcard DNS record for the parent domain, such as an A record for *.example.com pointing to the server. Add an AAAA wildcard as well if the server is reachable over IPv6. Keep the main domain’s ordinary record too; a wildcard does not replace an explicit apex record. Wait for DNS propagation, then verify that a test hostname resolves before creating or debugging a subsite.
The wildcard must match the level WordPress creates. A record for *.example.com covers site1.example.com, not a deeper name such as store.site1.example.com. The Nginx block must include the same parent domain and wildcard.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
HTTPS certificates
Install a certificate that covers the main hostname and every hostname users will use. A subdomain network commonly uses a certificate covering the parent domain and its wildcard, while a network with individually mapped domains needs certificates for those domains as well. Configure the TLS server block with the same Multisite routing locations and use SNI so Nginx selects the correct certificate when several domains share one IP address.
After enabling HTTPS, set the WordPress and network URLs consistently, force administrative traffic to HTTPS if that is your policy, and test login cookies across the main site and subsites. Mixed HTTP and HTTPS hostnames can look like failed logins when the real problem is a cookie or redirect mismatch.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Create and configure the first subsites
- Open the Network Admin area and choose Sites > Add New.
- Enter the site address. Use only the path segment for a subdirectory network or the hostname label for a subdomain network, according to the structure you selected.
- Enter the site title and administrator email, then create the site.
- Open the new site’s dashboard and save its permalink settings once. This refreshes rewrite-related options after the server block is active.
- Upload a small image, publish a test page and open the page while logged out. This checks media paths, PHP routing, cookies and pretty permalinks together.
Network activation is separate from ordinary activation. A network-enabled plugin is available to all sites, while a plugin activated from an individual site’s dashboard affects only that site. Re-enable the plugins you deactivated during preparation one at a time and check their network compatibility.
Map independent domains when needed
Native domain mapping is available in WordPress 4.5 and later. It lets a site in the network respond to an additional domain rather than only its original subdirectory or subdomain address. The mapped domain must point to the same Nginx installation, and the TLS configuration must provide a valid certificate for it. When several domains share an address, SNI allows Nginx to present the correct certificate.
Mapping a domain does not eliminate the need for the network’s original address during administration and recovery. Keep a documented primary URL, ensure the mapped domain reaches the same server block, and test redirects, login, media and the network dashboard over HTTPS before switching public links.
Verification checklist
Test from a private browser window and, if possible, from a second network so cached DNS and cookies do not hide errors.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- The main site loads over HTTP and HTTPS, with the intended canonical redirect.
- The new subsite opens at its complete subdirectory or subdomain URL.
- Pretty-permalink posts and pages return 200 responses instead of 404 errors.
/wp-admin/and the subsite dashboard load with the trailing slash.- Logging in to the main site and a subsite retains the session after redirects.
- Media uploads display at the expected site URL and do not expose filesystem paths.
- Plugin and theme activation behave according to the network or site-level choice.
- Invalid PHP paths return 404 rather than executing a different script.
- Nginx and PHP-FPM logs remain free of rewrite loops, upstream failures and permission errors.
Troubleshoot the common failures
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Network Setup is missing | The feature flag is absent, misplaced or unreadable. | Confirm define( 'WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true ); is above the stop-editing comment in the active file and that the account is an administrator. |
| Every pretty URL returns 404 | The request never reaches WordPress’s front controller. | Run nginx -t, inspect the active server block, verify try_files $uri $uri/ /index.php?$args;, reload Nginx and test the PHP-FPM socket. |
| The main site works but a subdomain does not resolve | Wildcard DNS is missing or points elsewhere. | Query the exact hostname, confirm the wildcard A or AAAA record, and verify that the request reaches the block containing *.example.com. |
| Subdomain opens the wrong virtual host | The wildcard is absent from server_name, or another server block wins. |
Inspect the loaded Nginx configuration and make the intended block handle both the apex domain and wildcard. |
| Admin redirects loop between HTTP and HTTPS | WordPress URL settings, proxy headers or TLS server blocks disagree. | Check the canonical site and network URLs, HTTPS forwarding headers and that both HTTP and HTTPS blocks contain the Multisite locations. |
| Login succeeds, then immediately logs out | Cookie domain, scheme or host changes during redirects. | Use one canonical hostname, keep mapped-domain certificates valid, clear old cookies and inspect the browser’s cookie and redirect sequence. |
| Images return 404 while pages work | The upload path or static-file handling is wrong. | Check the site’s upload URL, file permissions, Nginx root and the request path in the access log. Do not point Nginx at a different document root for subsites. |
| Nginx reports an upstream or script error | The PHP-FPM socket path, permissions or PHP version is wrong. | Compare fastcgi_pass with the running PHP-FPM service, keep try_files $uri =404;, and read both Nginx and PHP-FPM logs. |
Changing the network structure later
Moving from subdirectories to subdomains, or the reverse, is a migration rather than a toggle. Update the stored domain and path values for every network site, create or remove the required DNS records, change the Nginx server block, obtain matching certificates, and plan redirects for every old URL. Take a fresh database and file backup before the migration and test in a staging copy when possible.
Changing only SUBDOMAIN_INSTALL or copying a different rewrite snippet leaves database addresses, cookies, links and media URLs inconsistent. That is why the URL model should be settled before network creation.
Quick Recap
Operational practices after launch
- Back up the shared database and files on a schedule that matches the value of every site in the network.
- Document which plugins are network-enabled and which sites rely on them.
- Apply WordPress, PHP and Nginx updates in a maintenance window, then test at least one page and one login on every important site.
- Monitor disk space and database growth because media and tables from all sites share the installation’s resources.
- Keep DNS, certificate renewal and Nginx configuration under change control so a new subsite cannot be created without its routing prerequisites.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
