Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

The Annoying "WordPress Everything I Click Tries to Download Admin" Issue

Have you ever encountered a problem where you try to access your WordPress site, but no matter where you click, it tries to download a file named "admin"? This issue can be frustrating, especially if you are a website owner or administrator who needs to update or manage their site frequently.

There could be several reasons why you might face this "WordPress everything I click tries to download admin" issue. Here are some potential causes and solutions to resolve the problem.

Cause 1: Wrong Permalink Structure

If your WordPress permalink structure is not correctly set up, it might cause the download issue. This occurs because WordPress is confused about the URL structure, and instead of opening the requested page, it tries to download the admin file.

To fix this, you need to ensure that your permalink settings are correct. Go to the "Settings" option in the WordPress dashboard, select "Permalinks," and choose an appropriate structure that suits your site.

Cause 2: Outdated .htaccess File

The .htaccess file is an essential file that controls how your web server handles requests. An outdated .htaccess file can cause the "WordPress everything I click tries to download admin" problem. It may prevent WordPress from using its internal routing mechanisms, causing the server to try and download the admin file instead.

To resolve this, access your site's root folder via FTP, and locate the .htaccess file. Rename the file to .htaccess-old, save the changes, and reload your site. If everything appears to work fine, delete the old .htaccess file and create a new one.

Cause 3: Malware Infection

A malware infection on your site can cause multiple issues. One such issue is the "WordPress everything I click tries to download admin" problem. Malware can alter your site's code and redirect users to malicious download sites, which may attempt to install harmful software on the user's computer.

To fix this, you need to scan your site for malware and remove any infections you find. You can use a trusted security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan your site and clean up any suspicious files.

Cause 4: Plugin or Theme Conflict

A conflict with a plugin or theme can also cause the "WordPress everything I click tries to download admin" problem. Try deactivating all your plugins and switching to a default WordPress theme, then reload the site. If the issue disappears, activate each plugin and test the site until you find the culprit. You can then replace the plugin with an alternative or contact the plugin developer for support.

In conclusion, the "WordPress everything I click tries to download admin" issue can be caused by several factors. By understanding the potential causes and applying the solutions we outlined, you can regain control of your site and ensure a smooth user experience for your visitors.