Magento Download: Versions, Patches and Tips

If you're planning to upgrade your Magento store or start a new one, the first step is downloading the right version of the platform. However, Adobe hasn't made things easy for the average user. You can no longer download Magento archives from their website.

That's why we've developed an easier way for you to update Magento to the latest version— a direct link to Magento ZIP archives.

Additionally, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about Magento downloads. From accessing the files to downloading Magento with or without sample data, and overcoming the obstacles — we've got you covered.

Why Keep Magento Updated?

You can download Magento latest version for new features. But each release is more than just a list of new options. Every version and patch addresses critical Magento security vulnerabilities often exploited by attackers. 

This makes Magento updates essential for maintaining a secure store and protecting customer data and transactions. 

Besides, each update ensures compatibility with the latest PHP version, MariaDB/MySQL and Elasticsearch, required for Magento to run smoothly. Otherwise, you risk facing conflicts with the hosting environment, payment gateways or third-party extensions. 

And last, but not least, Magento updates improve performance. You can achieve better caching, optimised APIs, faster indexing and much more. They reduce the server load and help you speed up Magento and optimise the shopping experience.

So, whether you're running on an outdated Magento version or are just not sure whether to install a new security patch, don't hesitate. 

Magento Download: Version Archives

Magento continuously releases new versions to ensure a fast, compatible and secure environment in your store. Find the Magento download links to the latest version below. 

Magento Download 2.4.9-alpha

The most recent Magento version is still undergoing testing and feature improvements. Yet, it already has a bunch of security fixes, admin UI updates, and OpenSearch, Valkey, Nginx, and others compatibility refinements. The Magento 2.4.9-alpha release notes outline the key enhancements available in this version.

Magento Download 2.4.8

The latest release offers enhanced security features, performance and compatibility with the recent MySQL and PHP versions. The Magento 2.4.8 release notes inform about new store management and marketing tools added to streamline operations.

Magento Download 2.4.7

Once you read Magento 2.4.7 release notes, you'll find out that it comes with a number of API improvements, several performance and security updates. This version offers stability and compatibility across environments and extensions.

Magento Download 2.4.6

This Magento release comes with improved support for MariaDB 10.11 and many security patches. If you're still running on older 2.4.x versions, upgrade to this one for ongoing security and stability. Find out more about it in the Magento 2.4.6 release notes. 

Magento Download 2.4.5

While being outdated, when compared to Magento 2.4.8, the 2.4.5 release is still a reliable option for those planning to upgrade to newer versions. In Magento 2.4.5 release notes, you'll find a lot of new features, improvements and security updates when compared to the older versions.

Magento 2 Download: Composer

Archive is not the only way to download Magento. You can also do that via Composer. However, this could take a while and requires a composer.

So before you run the following command, make sure that you use the proper composer version, and check Magento 2 system requirements:

composer create-project --repository-url=https://repo.magento.com/ magento/project-community-edition magento XXX
cd magento
composer install

Replace XXX in the example with the Magento version you would like to install, for example:

composer create-project --repository-url=https://repo.magento.com/ magento/project-community-edition magento 2.4.7-beta1

Magento Download: Sample Data

If you also want to add the Magento sample data, run the following commands in the Magento root directory once you install Magento 2.

bin/magento sampledata:deploy
# Get your Magento Marketplace authentication keys or use these: 
# Username: 7c018006799466c681ad507e27904677
# Password: 289077c86e811661a8f7751828485d3a
bin/magento setup:upgrade
bin/magento setup:di:compile
bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy -f

Magento Installation Common Issues

There's still a chance you'll face issues, even if you download Magento official version archives and use the recommended installation methods.

However, being ready and understanding them beforehand helps you avoid downtime in Magento and ensures a smooth setup.

Composer authentication issues

If you decide to install Magento via composer, it's going to require authentication with your Magento Marketplace credentials. So, you might encounter issues like "Invalid credentials" or "Could not authenticate".

Just make sure the Magento repository keys are correct and verify the public and private keys in auth.json.

Mismatched PHP version

Magento has very specific PHP requirements for each version. If you try to install an unsupported PHP version, the setup might fail and throw some fatal errors at you.

Check Magento requirements for the version you want to install and upgrade to the PHP version that matches those requirements.

Missing PHP extensions

Unfortunately the PHP version is not the only thing required. There are certain PHP extensions you must have to avoid errors during setup.

Restart your server after installing Magento or install the missing extensions through the server package manager. 

Incorrect file permissions

Magento needs to read and write critical files. It can't do that with incorrect file permissions. Make sure the user you use to install Magento owns the files or has proper permissions.

Slow download or timeout

You should have no trouble if you download Magento archives from our guide. But if you're using Composer you might encounter some timeouts during download, especially with the large Magento packages.

Just use Composer with proper memory limits to prevent timeouts. 

Update to the Latest Magento Version

Updating Magento to the latest version is one of many Magento security tips. All because it makes your store secure, fast and compatible with the latest technologies. Regular updates offer your store new features, improved experiences and a stable shopping environment.

Whether yoy're upgrading an existing store or creating a store with Magento, starting with the latest Magento version. It offers a solid foundation and minimises the risks.

FAQs

Where can I download the latest version of Magento?

You can download the latest version of Magento in this guide or directly from Adobe’s official repository. This ensures you’re getting the most secure and authentic packages.

How do I install Magento with sample data?

When installing Magento via composer, add the sample data package (magento/sample-data). For direct installs, download the sample data separately and deploy it during setup.

Can I upgrade Magento using composer?

Yes. Composer is the recommended method for upgrading Magento. It automatically resolves dependencies, applies security patches, and ensures you’re running the latest stable version.

What are the system requirements for Magento 2.4?

Magento 2.4 requires:

• PHP 8.1 or higher (depending on release)
• MySQL 8.0 or MariaDB 10.4+
• Elasticsearch or OpenSearch for catalog search
• Required PHP extensions (intl, soap, gd, curl, etc.)

How do I fix authentication issues when downloading Magento via composer?

Authentication requires valid keys from your Magento Marketplace account. Add your public and private keys to the auth.json file inside your composer configuration. Make sure they are linked to the repository repo.magento.com.