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> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
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# How to install an extension in Magento 2 - WeltPixel Guides

![install-magento2-extension-guide-banner](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/3/1/6/6/316657357ce2be00/c18e9ad9-ec7c-4aca-8432-d44ea9_r6i82d.png)

---

## What Magento is (quick refresher)

Magento is an open‑source ecommerce platform written in PHP. It uses frameworks like **Laminas** and **Symfony** and is licensed under **OSL v3.0**.

---

## Magento 2 editions at a glance

- **Magento Open Source** – free and fully customizable.  
- **Magento Commerce** – enterprise features, available on‑prem or as a managed cloud PaaS.

(Older editions such as Magento Professional and Magento Go are discontinued.)

---

## Why Magento 2 (vs. Magento 1)

- Better performance (PHP 7+, MySQL improvements, FPC + Varnish).  
- **jQuery** replaces Prototype.js.  
- Stronger security (SHA‑256 password hashing).  
- Smoother checkout (Instant Purchase, guest‑to‑account flow).  
- Ajax Add to Cart, improved admin UX, richer reports.  
- Built‑in payment integrations (PayPal, Braintree, Authorize.net, etc.).  
- Native B2B features (2.2+).  
- **Elasticsearch** support.  
- Easier product authoring (including videos).

---

## Ways to install a Magento 2 extension

Paid WeltPixel extensions and themes install and update via Composer only (since 1.16.0). First verify compatibility and **install on a staging site** before production.

### Method 1 — Install via Composer (CLI)

1) Ensure your Composer access is configured on the instance. For purchases from weltpixel.com, get it under **My Products** at [account.weltpixel.com](https://account.weltpixel.com). For Magento Marketplace purchases, configure your **Magento Marketplace authentication keys**.  
2) From your Magento root, run:

```bash
composer require weltpixel/module-advance-category-sorting
php bin/magento setup:upgrade
php bin/magento setup:di:compile
php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy -f
```

That’s it — the module is installed.

---

### Method 2 — Web Setup Wizard (deprecated)

> Legacy method, kept for reference only. The Web Setup Wizard is deprecated, and paid WeltPixel extensions install and update via Composer only since 1.16.0.

1) In **Magento Marketplace → My Profile → Purchase History**, click **Install** for the purchased extension.

![marketplace-purchase-history-install](https://support.weltpixel.com/hc/article_attachments/360024000560/image3.png)

2) Ensure you have **Access Keys** (Public/Private) under **My Profile → Access Keys**.

![marketplace-create-access-keys](https://support.weltpixel.com/hc/article_attachments/360024000640/image4.png)

3) In your Magento Admin, go to **System → Web Setup Wizard (Deprecated)** → **Extension Manager**, sign in with your keys, and **Refresh** to sync purchases.

![extension-manager-refresh-purchases](https://support.weltpixel.com/hc/article_attachments/360024000720/image5.png)

4) Select the module → **Install** → pass Readiness Check → take a backup if prompted → proceed through Steps 1–3 until you reach **Success**.

![web-installer-steps-readiness](https://support.weltpixel.com/hc/article_attachments/360024000820/image7.png)
![web-installer-progress](https://support.weltpixel.com/hc/article_attachments/360024015739/image9.png)
![web-installer-success](https://support.weltpixel.com/hc/article_attachments/360024001060/image11.png)

If the Readiness Check fails, verify **cron** is running and resolve any reported PHP extension or permissions issues.

---

## Post‑install notes

- Always clear Magento and application caches after installation.  
- For production, deploy static content and recompile DI if you installed on a running site.  
- Keep extensions up to date to maintain compatibility and security.

---

## Summary

Magento 2 is faster, more secure, and more scalable than Magento 1. Paid WeltPixel extensions install and update with **Composer/CLI** only (since 1.16.0). Composer access is under **My Products** at [account.weltpixel.com](https://account.weltpixel.com).