Moodle Installation Guide: Set Up Moodle 4.5 & 5.x on Server

Moodle installation is the first and most crucial step in launching a successful online learning platform. As such, it lays the groundwork for every future upgrade, configuration, and course deployment. As a powerful open-source Learning Management System (LMS), Moodle enables educators, training providers, and institutions to deliver flexible, scalable, and feature-rich e-learning experiences. Whether you’re deploying it for a small class or a large enterprise, a proper Moodle installation ensures optimal performance, security, and customization from the start.

Furthermore, Moodle is renowned for its modular architecture and vast plugin ecosystem, supporting a wide range of educational scenarios. A correctly configured Moodle installation allows administrators to take full advantage of its features and extend functionality as needed. Its key benefits include:

Flexibility and Customization: Adapt Moodle to your specific teaching and learning needs.
Cost-Effectiveness: As an open-source LMS, Moodle eliminates licensing costs.
Community Support: Access a global network of developers, educators, and administrators.
Compliance and Security: Regular updates ensure GDPR and security best practices are met.

This guide walks you through every stage of the Moodle installation process, focusing on the latest stable versions—Moodle 4.5 LTS and Moodle 5.x. Specifically, it covers everything from server requirements and environment setup to database configuration, theme selection, and security hardening. As a result, you’ll find everything needed for a smooth, secure, and future-proof Moodle installation.

Understanding Moodle Installation Requirements

Before initiating the Moodle installation process, it is essential to understand the technical requirements that ensure a smooth, secure, and high-performance deployment. Whether you’re planning a new Moodle installation for version 4.5 (Long-Term Support) or transitioning to Moodle 5.x, aligning your server environment with current specifications is critical for long-term success.

Minimum Server Requirements for Moodle Installation (4.5.x and 5.x)

Moodle is a powerful PHP-based application that requires a stable web environment to run effectively. A successful Moodle installation depends on meeting the following minimum system requirements:

Processor: 64-bit architecture recommended (x86_64)
RAM: Minimum 512 MB (2 GB or more recommended for production)
Disk Space: Minimum 200 MB for Moodle core code, plus additional space for content, courses, backups, and cache
Operating System: Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian) or Windows Server. Linux is strongly recommended for performance and community support.
Web Server: Apache 2.4+ or Nginx 1.10+ (Apache is recommended for compatibility with .htaccess)
PHP:
- Moodle 4.5.x: PHP 8.0, 8.1, or 8.2
- Moodle 5.x: PHP 8.1 or 8.2 (PHP 8.0 is not supported)
Database:
- MySQL 5.7.33+ or MariaDB 10.6+
- PostgreSQL 12+
- Microsoft SQL Server 2017+
- Oracle Database 19c+

Ensure your PHP installation includes the required extensions such as mysqli, gd, curl, intl, soap, xmlrpc, mbstring, zip, and openssl.

Tip: Always check the official Moodle release notes for up-to-date version-specific requirements prior to performing a new Moodle installation.

Recommended Hosting Environment for Moodle Installation

Selecting the right hosting environment is essential for a performant and scalable Moodle installation. Below is a comparison of the most common hosting options:

1. Shared Hosting

Pros: Budget-friendly, simple to set up
Cons: Limited resources, no root access, potential performance issues due to shared usage

Not recommended for production Moodle installations, especially with multiple users or courses.

2. Virtual Private Server (VPS)

Pros: Good performance-to-cost ratio, root access, scalable
Cons: Requires technical knowledge for setup and maintenance

Ideal for small to medium-sized institutions or organizations running Moodle installations with 50–500 concurrent users.

3. Dedicated Server

Pros: Full control, maximum performance
Cons: Higher cost, requires system administration expertise

Recommended for large universities, enterprises, or Moodle service providers managing high-demand installations.

4. Cloud Hosting (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Pros: Scalable, reliable, supports high availability
Cons: Complex pricing models, steeper learning curve

Best suited for scalable and resilient Moodle installations integrated with cloud-based infrastructure.

Supported PHP and Database Versions for Moodle Installation

The compatibility of your server’s PHP and database versions directly impacts the stability and success of your Moodle installation.

Moodle 4.5.x supports:

PHP 8.0, 8.1, 8.2
MySQL 5.7.33+ or MariaDB 10.6+
PostgreSQL 12+
Microsoft SQL Server 2017+, Oracle DB 19c+

Moodle 5.x supports:

PHP 8.1 and 8.2 (PHP 8.0 is not supported)
MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server, Oracle DB – same versions as above

Warning: Using unsupported PHP or database versions may lead to critical errors or security vulnerabilities. Always upgrade your environment to meet current standards before performing or upgrading a Moodle installation.

By carefully assessing these requirements, you ensure your Moodle installation is built on a stable foundation. In the next section, we’ll cover how to prepare your server for a secure and optimized Moodle deployment.

Preparing Your Server for Moodle Installation

Before installing Moodle, it’s essential to properly prepare your server environment. This ensures a smooth installation and optimal performance for Moodle 4.5.x or 5.x.

Installing and Configuring a Web Server

Moodle requires a web server to serve its content. The most commonly used servers are:

Apache: Recommended for its compatibility with Moodle and support for .htaccess files.
Nginx: Known for performance and efficiency, suitable for high-traffic environments. (Recommended by MDLTEC – Moodle Experts)

Ensure your server is configured to allow PHP execution and has secure HTTPS enabled via an SSL certificate.

Installing Required Software

Moodle depends on several software components. Make sure the following are installed and up to date:

PHP: Install PHP 8.1 or 8.2 with required extensions (mysqli, curl, intl, soap, mbstring, etc.).
Database Server: Install MySQL 5.7.33+ or MariaDB 10.6+ (or PostgreSQL 12+).

After installation, verify that all services (web server, PHP, and database) are running correctly and that your firewall allows HTTP/HTTPS traffic.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moodle Installation

Once your server is ready, the next step is to download and install the latest stable version of Moodle 4.5.x or 5.x.

Where to Download Moodle

Always download Moodle from the official Moodle website to ensure you get the latest, secure, and stable release.

Verifying Package Integrity

For security, verify the downloaded package using checksums or GPG signatures provided on the download page. This ensures the files haven’t been tampered with.

Uploading Moodle Files

Extract the Moodle package and upload its contents to your web server’s root directory (e.g., /var/www/html/moodle) using SFTP or a control panel file manager.

Creating a Database

Create a new, empty database and a dedicated user with full privileges for Moodle. This can be done via command line or tools like phpMyAdmin.

Running the Installer

Access your Moodle site in a web browser (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/moodle) to launch the web-based installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation, including setting up admin credentials and configuring system paths.

Initial Configuration After Moodle Installation

After successfully installing Moodle, you’ll be guided through the initial configuration process. This step lays the foundation for how your Moodle site will look and operate.

Setting Up the Site Name, Admin Account, and Preferences

During the setup wizard, you’ll be prompted to enter your Moodle site name and description—these are visible on the homepage and login screen. You will also create the administrator account, which has full access to all site settings. Use a secure username and strong password. It’s also important to set up notification preferences and admin email addresses correctly to receive important system alerts.

Choosing a Theme and Layout

Moodle offers a selection of built-in themes, such as Boost and Classic, which can be customized to fit your brand or institution. You can further enhance the user interface by installing third-party themes. A clean, intuitive layout improves learner engagement and usability across devices.

Adjusting Regional Settings and Language Packs

Configure your site’s default country, time zone, and language to reflect your primary audience. Moodle supports multiple language packs, which can be installed via the admin interface under Site administration > Language > Language packs

Best Practices for Securing Your Moodle Installation

Security is a critical aspect of any Learning Management System. A properly secured Moodle installation protects user data, course content, and institutional integrity. Whether you’re deploying Moodle 4.5.x or 5.x, following best practices from the start helps minimize vulnerabilities and maintain compliance with data protection regulations.

Best Practices for Securing Moodle Files and Directories

Keep the Moodledata directory outside the web root: The Moodledata folder should never be accessible via the web to prevent unauthorized downloads.
Set correct file permissions: Restrict write access to only the necessary directories (typically moodledata and config.php during setup).
Disable directory listing: Configure your web server to prevent listing of directory contents.

Enable HTTPS and Install SSL Certificates

Always use HTTPS to encrypt data between the user’s browser and your server. You can obtain a free SSL certificate from providers like Let’s Encrypt. Once installed, force HTTPS by enabling the setting in Site administration > Security > HTTP security.

Use Strong Admin Passwords and Role-Based Permissions

Enforce strong passwords: Use long, complex passwords for the admin and teacher accounts. Consider enabling password policies in Moodle.
Apply least privilege principles: Assign users the minimum required capabilities by using Moodle’s built-in roles and permissions system.
Limit admin access: Restrict admin-level access to trusted personnel only, and use IP restrictions if available.

Keep Moodle Core and Plugins Up to Date

Outdated core files or plugins are a common entry point for attackers. Always update Moodle and its plugins as soon as new releases are available. Review the Moodle Security Notices regularly for known vulnerabilities and patches.

Additional Security Measures

Enable CAPTCHA on login and sign-up pages to prevent bot activity.
Set session timeouts to reduce the risk of hijacked sessions.
Regularly monitor logs under Site administration > Reports > Logs for suspicious activity.
Use firewalls and security modules (like ModSecurity) at the server level.

By implementing these security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Proper Moodle security is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing responsibility that must evolve with platform updates and user behavior.

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Optimizing Moodle Installation Performance

To deliver a fast, stable, and responsive learning experience, performance optimization is essential—especially as your Moodle platform grows. Whether you’re hosting Moodle on Apache or Nginx, the right configurations and tools can significantly enhance speed, reduce server load, and ensure long-term scalability.

Caching Settings and Performance Tweaks

To begin with, Moodle includes several caching options that can dramatically improve performance when properly configured:

Application-level caching: Configure Redis or Memcached for session and MUC (Moodle Universal Cache) storage. These in-memory stores reduce database queries and improve responsiveness.
PHP opcode cache: Enable OPcache in your php.ini to cache compiled PHP code and reduce CPU usage.
Theme caching: Ensure theme designer mode is disabled on production sites to allow CSS and JavaScript to be cached efficiently.

Database Optimization Techniques

In addition to caching, the database is the backbone of your Moodle installation. Proper indexing, optimization, and maintenance are critical for sustained performance:

Use a performance-optimized version such as MariaDB 10.6+ or PostgreSQL 12+.
Regularly run ANALYZE and OPTIMIZE queries to maintain table statistics.
Use slow query logs to identify and optimize long-running queries.
Ensure database tables are using the recommended collation and engine types (e.g., InnoDB for MySQL/MariaDB).

Nginx Configuration Tips

If you choose to use Nginx, its lightweight architecture can outperform Apache under high load when properly configured. Here are several ways to make the most of your Nginx setup:

Use FastCGI caching to reduce backend processing.
Serve static assets (CSS, JS, images) directly through Nginx with proper caching headers.
Apply gzip compression and enable HTTP/2 for faster delivery.
Limit client request size and use rate limiting to prevent abuse.

Load Balancing and CDN Integration

To further scale performance, high-traffic Moodle sites benefit greatly from load distribution and external content caching:

Load balancing: Use tools like HAProxy or Nginx to balance incoming traffic across multiple web servers.
Content Delivery Network (CDN): Offload static resources (e.g., images, videos, stylesheets) to a CDN such as Cloudflare, BunnyCDN, or AWS CloudFront to reduce latency and server load.
Horizontal scaling: Deploy Moodle across multiple nodes with shared storage and centralized databases.

Regular Backups and Recovery Plans

Finally, performance is closely tied to system stability and recovery readiness. Backups ensure that any performance-related issues, such as data corruption or server crashes, can be quickly mitigated:

Automate full-site backups, including the database, Moodle codebase, and Moodledata directory.
Store backups offsite or in secure cloud storage.
Test recovery procedures regularly to ensure data integrity and minimize downtime.

By combining caching, optimized databases, efficient Nginx configurations, and scalable infrastructure, your Moodle platform will remain fast, responsive, and capable of supporting large user bases with minimal delay.

Troubleshooting Common Moodle Installation Issues

Even with proper planning, you may still encounter issues during or after your Moodle installation. Therefore, understanding how to troubleshoot common errors can save time, reduce frustration, and ensure your platform is operational with minimal delays. Whether you’re deploying Moodle 4.5.x or 5.x, these proven troubleshooting techniques can help you resolve frequent Moodle installation problems efficiently.

Solving Common Moodle Installation Errors

In many cases, the most frequent Moodle installation issues stem from missing software dependencies, incorrect file permissions, or misconfigured PHP settings. Below are a few typical problems and their solutions:

Blank screen during installation: This is often caused by PHP errors. Ensure display_errors is turned on in your php.ini or enable debugging to view the error messages.
PHP extension missing errors: Verify that all required PHP extensions are installed, such as intl, curl, mbstring, and xmlrpc. On Debian/Ubuntu, you can install missing extensions using apt-get install php-EXTENSION_NAME.
Database connection issues: Ensure the database host, name, username, and password are correct. Also confirm that the database user has the necessary privileges.
Permissions errors: Make sure that the Moodledata directory is writable by the web server and not publicly accessible.

Before retrying the Moodle installation process, always clear your browser cache and double-check configuration files such as config.php. This simple step alone can resolve many issues without deeper intervention.

Debugging and Enabling Developer Mode in Moodle

To better identify issues during installation or post-installation operation, enable Moodle’s debugging mode. This option provides detailed error messages that are hidden by default, which can be especially useful when troubleshooting Moodle installation problems.

To enable debugging via the admin interface, follow these steps:

Go to Site administration > Development > Debugging
Set Debug messages to “DEVELOPER” level
Enable Display debug messages

If the admin interface is inaccessible, you can enable debugging manually by adding the following lines to your config.php file:

// Enable debugging
@error_reporting(E_ALL | E_STRICT);
@ini_set('display_errors', '1');
$CFG->debug = (E_ALL | E_STRICT);
$CFG->debugdisplay = 1;

However, be sure to disable debugging on production systems after resolving the issue to prevent exposing sensitive information to users.

Consulting the Moodle Documentation and Community

The official Moodle documentation is a comprehensive resource covering everything from Moodle installation and configuration to administration and development. In fact, it’s regularly updated to reflect the latest changes in each Moodle version.

Additionally, the Moodle Community Forums are an excellent platform to ask questions, report issues, and learn from other users’ experiences. When posting, be sure to include your Moodle version, server configuration, and a detailed description of your Moodle installation issue.

Get Expert Help from MDLTEC – Moodle Experts

For advanced troubleshooting, personalized guidance, or mission-critical deployments, consulting with Moodle professionals can make a significant difference. Our team at MDLTEC – Moodle Experts provides expert support tailored to your specific environment and Moodle installation setup.

Whether you’re facing installation errors, server performance bottlenecks, plugin conflicts, or integration challenges, we offer hands-on assistance to get your Moodle instance running smoothly and securely. We’ve worked with educational institutions, government bodies, and private sector clients across Europe and beyond.

With MDLTEC, you get more than just technical support — you gain a partner who understands the pedagogical, administrative, and technical dimensions of Moodle installation and platform management. Contact us for expert consultation or a full site audit if you’re dealing with persistent problems.

Need help now? Reach out to info@mdltec.com and let our certified Moodle experts support your next Moodle installation or troubleshooting need.

Read more about Moodle installation services and contact us for a free Moodle consultation.