How to Set the FS_METHOD Constant in WordPress

What is FS_METHOD?

FS_METHOD tells WordPress how to write files on your server. FS means "file system". A constant is a setting stored in the wp-config.php file. WordPress reads it when the site starts.

WordPress tests whether it can write files by itself. If the test fails, it shows a box asking for FTP details. FTP is a way to send files to a server. This often happens when file owners on the server do not match.

Setting FS_METHOD to direct tells WordPress to write files directly, without asking for FTP.

Warning: Edit wp-config.php carefully. A small typing mistake can take your site down. Take a backup of the file first. Fix file ownership if you can, since that is the cleanest cure.

Steps

Log in to your client area at https://secure.hostvento.com/clientarea.php and open your hosting control panel.
Open File Manager.
Go to the folder where WordPress is installed, often public_html.
Right-click wp-config.php and choose Copy to make a backup copy.
Right-click the original and choose Edit.
Find the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */.
Above that line, add:

define( 'FS_METHOD', 'direct' );

This line tells WordPress to write files directly.

Click Save Changes.
Go to your WordPress dashboard and try the update or install again.

Other values

Value	Meaning
`direct`	Write files directly on the server.
`ftpext`	Use the PHP FTP extension.
`ssh2`	Use SSH2, a secure connection.
`ftpsockets`	Use FTP through sockets.

Most people only need direct.

If it still asks for FTP

The folders may have the wrong permissions. Folders are usually 755 and files 644.
The files may belong to a different user. Ask Hostvento support to check ownership through a ticket at https://secure.hostvento.com/submitticket.php.

Tip: Do not use 777 permissions to fix this. That lets anyone write to your files and is unsafe.

Quick recap

FS_METHOD controls how WordPress writes files.
Add define( 'FS_METHOD', 'direct' ); to wp-config.php.
Place it above the "stop editing" line.
Back up the file first.
Fix ownership and permissions if the problem stays.