WordPress Multisite Complete Guide by LitRuh

Installation, Configuration & Correct .htaccess Setup

Introduction

Managing multiple websites separately can be difficult and time-consuming. WordPress Multisite solves this problem by allowing you to manage multiple websites from a single WordPress installation.

In this LitRuh guide, you’ll learn:

• What WordPress Multisite is
• How to install and configure it
• Why the .htaccess file is important
• The correct .htaccess code for Multisite with LiteSpeed

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What Is WordPress Multisite?

WordPress Multisite is a built-in feature that lets you run multiple websites from one dashboard.

With Multisite, you can:

• Manage many sites under one admin
• Share themes and plugins
• Control users centrally
• Add new sites quickly

Each site can still have its own content, users, and settings.

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When Should You Use WordPress Multisite?

WordPress Multisite is best for:

• Companies with multiple regional websites
• Blogs with multiple sections or languages
• Educational or corporate networks
• Franchise or brand-based websites

It is not recommended if every site needs very different server settings or heavy custom plugins.

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Types of WordPress Multisite

1. Subdirectory Setup

Example:

example.com/site1
example.com/site2

2. Subdomain Setup

Example:

site1.example.com
site2.example.com

Note: Subdomains require DNS wildcard support.

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How to Install WordPress Multisite (Brief Steps)

Step 1: Enable Multisite

Add this line to wp-config.php:

define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);

Step 2: Network Setup

Go to Dashboard → Tools → Network Setup, choose subdomain or subdirectory, and install.

Step 3: Update wp-config.php

Add the network configuration provided by WordPress, for example:

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);

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Why the .htaccess File Is Critical in Multisite

The .htaccess file controls:

• URL routing for all sites
• Admin and dashboard access
• Media uploads
• Proper loading of sub-sites

An incorrect .htaccess file can cause:

• Redirect loops
• Network admin login issues
• 404 errors on sub-sites

That’s why using the correct Multisite rules is essential.

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Correct .htaccess Code for WordPress Multisite (LiteSpeed)

Below is the correct and tested .htaccess configuration for WordPress Multisite running on LiteSpeed servers:

# BEGIN LSCACHE
# END LSCACHE

# BEGIN NON_LSCACHE
# END NON_LSCACHE

# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]

# add a trailing slash to /wp-admin
RewriteRule ^([_0-9a-zA-Z-]+/)?wp-admin$ $1wp-admin/ [R=301,L]

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} -f [OR]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} -d
RewriteRule ^ - [L]

RewriteRule ^([_0-9a-zA-Z-]+/)(wp-(content|admin|includes).*) $2 [L]
RewriteRule ^([_0-9a-zA-Z-]+/)(.*\.php)$ $2 [L]
RewriteRule . index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress

# BEGIN LiteSpeed
<IfModule Litespeed>
SetEnv noabort 1
</IfModule>
# END LiteSpeed

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Simple Explanation of Important Rules

• RewriteEngine On → Enables URL rewriting
• wp-admin rule → Fixes admin redirect issues
• REQUEST_FILENAME → Allows real files and folders
• index.php → Routes requests to the correct site

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Best Practices for Multisite

• Install plugins only when required network-wide
• Keep themes lightweight
• Always test changes in staging
• Take backups before editing .htaccess

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Final Thoughts from LitRuh

WordPress Multisite is a powerful solution for managing multiple websites efficiently. However, correct configuration—especially the .htaccess file—is the key to stability and performance.

By following this LitRuh guide, you can confidently install, configure, and manage a secure WordPress Multisite network.