Joomla shows "There was an error uploading this file to the server" when a file is bigger than your hosting allows for uploads. The limits are set by two PHP settings, upload_max_filesize and post_max_size. Many hosts set them to 2 MB or 8 MB.
Which file are you uploading?
- The template package (the pkg_….zip file in the Joomla5 / TemplateFiles folder) is small, about 1 MB, and is installed through System → Install → Extensions. Joomla shows the maximum upload size on that page.
- The Quickstart (about 55 to 72 MB) is a whole website, not an extension. Don't upload it through Joomla. Upload it with your host's File Manager or by FTP. How to install the Quickstart.
Raise the upload limit
- On cPanel hosting, open MultiPHP INI Editor (or "Select PHP Version" → Options), choose your domain and set upload_max_filesize and post_max_size to a higher value, for example 32M. Save.
- On other hosting, ask your host how to change these two settings. Some hosts use a php.ini or .user.ini file in your site folder with these lines:
upload_max_filesize = 32M
post_max_size = 32M - Reload the Joomla install page. The maximum upload size shown there should now be higher.
Applies to our Joomla 5 templates (Joomla 5.4, VirtueMart 4.8). Still stuck? Contact support.
