What are all these htaccess files?

Article Updated

This article has been consolidated

Everything about .htaccess files is in our complete .htaccess guide.

Short answer: .htaccess files are Apache configuration files. cPanel, WordPress, and security plugins create them automatically. They control redirects, security, caching, error pages, and PHP settings. Each one applies to its directory and all subdirectories. Do not delete them unless you are sure they are not needed.

View .htaccess Guide
  • 437 Users Found This Useful

Was this answer helpful?

Related Articles

Redirect http to https and www

Updated 2026 Quick Answer To redirect HTTP to HTTPS and non-www to www (or vice versa),...

What are these htaccess files that keep popping up?

htaccess & Redirects | Updated 2026 If you keep finding .htaccess files appearing in your...

Create a 410 Redirect for Missing Files

htaccess & Redirects | Updated 2026 A 410 (Gone) status code tells search engines that a...

Redirecting non-www to www with htaccess

htaccess & Redirects | Updated 2026 Choosing between www and non-www for your domain is a...

htaccess referral redirect

htaccess & Redirects | Updated 2026 You can use .htaccess to redirect visitors based on...



Save 30% on web hosting - Use coupon code Hosting30