Install WordPress Using cPanel [2 Simple Methods Inside!]

8 min readJul 18, 2024

main feature image for blog on tutorial of how to install wordpress in CPANEL

WordPress is a popular open-source content management system (CMS) that makes building and maintaining websites easier.

In most cases, WordPress is installed in a server environment that users can control through a web-based hosting control panel.

cPanel is a very common choice for hosting control panels because of its easy-to-use interface and automated tools for handling many aspects of web hosting. For admins, cPanel simplifies hosting with efficient tools for file management, database setup, and security.

In this tutorial, we will discuss two common methods of installing WordPress in a cPanel environment. We will show you how It streamlines WordPress website deployment and management.

Method #1: Manual WordPress Installation in cPanel

Experienced sysadmins prefer manual installation because the method covers important security practices, such as setting up specific database prefixes and secure file permissions. These options are sometimes overlooked in automated deployments.

Step #1: Download WordPress

Follow these steps to download the latest official version:

Visit the WordPress website and select Get WordPress. Next, select Download WordPress to save the ZIP file to your preferred download location.

arrow point on the version of wordpress to download

Step #2: Upload the WordPress Files to the Server

Now, you need to upload the relevant files to your server. For this, access your cPanel account and navigate to the Files area and launch the File Manager.

Find the domain name under which you want to install WordPress.

highlighted the upload option in file manager

You can drag the WordPress ZIP file to the Upload window or choose Select File to locate and upload the ZIP file.

select files to upload on WordPress file manager

When the upload finishes, use the Go Back option to return to the previous directory.

To extract the ZIP file, right-click it and choose Extract. The dialog box will show an appropriate path for the folder where the files would be extracted. Tap Extract Files to begin.

The files are extracted into a directory called wordpress.

Access the folder and click Select All. Choose Move from the top menu.

Your WordPress files can be found at your_domain_name.com/wordpress. Remove wordpress from the path, leaving only the main location, then click Move Files.

Select Go Back from the top menu, delete the uploaded zip file and empty the wordpress folder.

Step #3: Create a New MySQL Database

WordPress uses a MySQL database to store content, settings, and other essential information. Creating a new MySQL database separates WordPress data from other apps or websites on the server.

This separation promotes efficient data management and reduces disagreement.

To build a database, go to the Tools section of cPanel.

Locate the Databases section by swiping down and go to the MySQL Databases.

In the next box, create a new database and give it a name.

Note down the database name, including the hosting account prefix, as you’ll need it later.

Step #4: Create a Database User

Go to the MySQL Users section and create a new user. Add a password and a username. Ensure the strength meter shows Very Strong in green. Your hosting account name will be prefixed to the username.

Make a note of the password or safely keep it in a password organizer/vault.

Step #5: Assign User to Database and Set Permissions

You now need to allow the recently created user to access the database. For this, look for the Add User To Database section.

Select the user by selecting it from the User drop-down option.

Once you have selected the newly created database from the Database drop-down menu, click Add.

Click the All Privileges checkbox to ensure a comprehensive user privilege set. Additionally, make sure the Drop checkbox is unchecked to avoid unintentionally or intentionally erasing the database or its tables.

pointer pointing on all privileges and uncheck drop

Finally, click Make Changes to grant the user privileges.

Step #6: Install WordPress

Open your domain in a web browser. Select your preferred language and click Continue. Select Let’s go! from the WordPress welcome screen.

pointer pointing on let’s go to start installation of wordpress

Once the required fields have been completed, click Submit. Use the MySQL database name and user as your database name and username. The database host is often localhost or your server name. Refrain from using the default wp_ table prefix and admin as the login.

databse connection details fileds and submit button

Choose Run the installation from the window that opens.

pointer pointing on run the installation button

Give specifics like your email address, preferred WordPress username and password, and the title of your website. Remember, the username and password here are specific to WordPress and should not match those of the database user. Again, don’t use the username admin.

Later on, you may edit all of this data in the WordPress admin area.

Press Install WordPress to start the installation procedure. After the installation process finishes, WordPress will take you to the login screen. Enter your credentials to access the WordPress admin panel.

WordPress dashboard, welcome to WordPress

Method #2: Install WordPress in cPanel Using Softaculous

Softaculous automates the installation of web applications, including popular ones like WordPress, on websites. To make the process of deploying web apps on cPanel-hosted websites easier, Softaculous has been integrated into the cPanel platform.

Step #1: Access Softaculous in cPanel and Begin Installation

Access your cPanel account and scroll down to the SOFTWARE section. Choose Softaculous’ WordPress Manager.

Once the manager opens, click Install.

Step #2: Select the Installation URL

In the Software Setup section, select the domain on which to install WordPress.

Step #3: Configure the Admin Account

Navigate to the admin account section and select your username. Enter your password and ensure the meter reads Strong.

Enter an admin email address. It should be a working email address that is legitimate and unrelated to a particular domain.

Step #4: Customize the Site Settings

We recommend accepting the default settings for Site Name (My Blog) and Site Description (My WordPress Blog) at this point. You can always update these values with your website’s name and description. Other settings can remain unchanged.

Step #5: Complete the Setup

To finish the installation, scroll to the bottom and click Install. The process could take a few minutes to complete.

The installer will show a confirmation message after the installation is complete.

The installer gives users the website URL to access the WordPress page right away.

Also Read: WordPress Docker Installation

Conclusion

You have successfully learned how to install WordPress on cPanel using either the manual method or Softaculous.

By following either method, you can set up a powerful platform for creating and managing your website with ease. Whether you prefer the control of manual installation or the convenience of Softaculous, mastering the installation process empowers you to customize and optimize your WordPress site to suit your needs.

With WordPress installed, you’re now ready to explore its vast range of themes, plugins, and features to build a dynamic online presence.

FAQs

Q. What is the first step to install WordPress using cPanel?

The first step to install WordPress using cPanel is to log in to your hosting provider’s account and navigate to the hosting server where you want to install WordPress.

Q. How do I set up the database for WordPress installation?

During the installation process, you will need to create a new database. You will have to specify a database username and database password for the installation.

Q. Can I use an automatic script installer for WordPress installation?

Yes, many hosting providers offer an auto installer feature in cPanel that allows you to easily install WordPress with just a few clicks. It is one of the popular applications available for quick installation.

Q. How long does it usually take to complete the WordPress installation process?

Installing WordPress using cPanel is a simple process that usually takes just a couple of minutes to complete, especially if you are using an auto installer.

Q. Do I need to manually install WordPress if I’m using a cloud hosting platform?

Most cloud hosting platforms also offer auto installer features, so you typically do not need to manually install WordPress. The process is similar to traditional hosting environments.

Q. What are the necessary credentials I need during the WordPress installation?

You will need an admin username and admin password to set up the administrator dashboard of your WordPress site. Make sure to choose a strong password for security purposes.

Q. Can I install WordPress on multiple domains with cPanel?

Yes, if your hosting plan allows for it, you can set up addon domains in cPanel and install WordPress on each additional domain. However, each domain will have its own installation directory.

Q. What are the basic installation steps for WordPress?

The basic installation steps for WordPress involve downloading the latest version, uploading files to your hosting server via FTP or file manager, creating a MySQL database and user, configuring the wp-config.php file with database details, and running the WordPress installation script through your web browser.

Q. What is the role of the wp-config-sample.php file during installation?

The wp-config-sample.php file serves as a template for configuring your WordPress database settings. You rename this file to wp-config.php, fill in your database details (such as database name, username, password, and host), and save it to enable WordPress to connect to your database.