WordPress is the most popular website platform in the world, powering over 40% of all websites. With cPanel and Softaculous, you can install WordPress in just a few clicks without needing technical knowledge. This guide will walk you through the installation and initial setup.
Step 1 – Log in to cPanel
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Open
https://yourdomain.com:2083orhttps://cpanel.yourdomain.com. -
Enter your cPanel username and password.
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Scroll down to the Software section.
Step 2 – Open Softaculous
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Click on Softaculous Apps Installer.
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Select WordPress from the list of available applications.
Step 3 – Configure the Installation
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Click Install Now.
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Fill in the installation details:
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Choose Protocol: Select
https://if you already have SSL enabled, otherwise usehttp://. -
Choose Domain: Pick the domain or subdomain where you want WordPress installed.
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In Directory: Leave blank to install in the root (
yourdomain.com), or enter a folder name (e.g.,blog) to install in a subdirectory (yourdomain.com/blog). -
Site Name & Description: You can change this later inside WordPress.
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Admin Username & Password: Use a strong password (avoid using “admin” as the username).
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Admin Email: Enter a valid email for password recovery and notifications.
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Language: Choose the desired language.
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(Optional) Select plugins or themes if Softaculous offers them.
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Click Install.
Step 4 – Access WordPress
Once installation is complete, you will see:
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Admin URL:
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin -
Username & Password: as chosen during setup
Log in to your new WordPress dashboard!
Step 5 – Recommended Initial Settings
After logging into WordPress:
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Go to Settings → General and verify your site title, tagline, and timezone.
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Go to Settings → Permalinks and select Post name for cleaner URLs.
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Install essential plugins:
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Security plugin (e.g., Wordfence).
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Caching plugin (e.g., LiteSpeed Cache or W3 Total Cache).
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SEO plugin (e.g., Yoast SEO or Rank Math).
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Change your WordPress admin email to one you check regularly.
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Delete unused themes and plugins.
Troubleshooting
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White screen or error after install:
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Make sure PHP version meets WordPress requirements (usually PHP 8.0+).
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Disable conflicting plugins via cPanel File Manager or rename the
pluginsfolder.
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Forgot WordPress password:
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Use the Lost Password link on
/wp-login.php. -
If that fails, reset via phpMyAdmin or cPanel → Databases.
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Installed in the wrong directory:
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Remove the installation in Softaculous and reinstall in the correct directory.
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