Where to Install WordPress in cPanel? A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

To install WordPress in cPanel, you have several options based on the provided sources:

Manual Installation:
Download the latest WordPress version from the official website.
Upload the WordPress files to your server through cPanel’s File Manager.
Extract the files and move them to the desired location.
Access the installer to complete the installation process.
Using Softaculous:
Head over to cPanel and select Softaculous Apps Installer.
Search for WordPress and click on the icon to install.
Fill in the required information like domain, admin username, password, and email address.
Choose a quick or custom install and hit “Install” to finish the process.
WordPress Toolkit:
Log in to cPanel and open the WordPress Toolkit.
Click on Install, customize your site details, and proceed with the installation.
After installation, you can manage your WordPress site through the toolkit within cPanel.

These methods provide different ways to install WordPress in cPanel, offering flexibility and ease of use depending on your preferences and technical expertise.

Table of Contents

What are the steps to install WordPress in cPanel?

To install WordPress in cPanel, you can follow these general steps based on the information provided in the search results:

Install WordPress from WP Toolkit:
Access your cPanel account.
Navigate to the WP Toolkit interface (cPanel » Tools » Domains » WP Toolkit) .
Install WordPress Manually:
Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website.
Upload the WordPress files to your server through cPanel’s File Manager tool.
Configure WordPress Installation:
Customize your site by setting up options during the installation process.
Complete the installation and optionally install plugins.

These steps provide a comprehensive guide to installing WordPress in cPanel, whether using automated tools like WP Toolkit or opting for a manual installation method.

Can WordPress be installed in a specific directory within cPanel?

Yes, WordPress can be installed in a specific directory within cPanel.

When installing WordPress, you have the option to choose a subdirectory for the installation.

This allows you to have multiple WordPress installations under the same domain.

The process involves selecting the directory name during installation, ensuring it does not already exist on the server, and then proceeding with setting up WordPress in that subdirectory.

Are there any recommended plugins to enhance WordPress functionality after installation in cPanel?

After reviewing the sources provided, there are several recommended plugins to enhance WordPress functionality after installation in cPanel.

Some of these plugins include:

W3 Total Cache: This plugin is a caching plugin that uses a CDN to speed up WordPress sites, minify CSS and Javascript files, and cache them.
Sucuri: A security plugin with features like malware removal, file integrity monitoring, and security monitoring.
Ultimate Member: A membership plugin with an intuitive form builder and front-end user management.
Easy Digital Downloads: Ideal for creating an eCommerce store with digital download items like songs, photos, or software.
Smush: Helps speed up websites by compressing and optimizing images in WordPress, including an image lazy load feature.

These plugins offer various functionalities such as caching, security, membership management, eCommerce capabilities, and image optimization to enhance the performance and features of WordPress websites installed through cPanel.

How can one ensure the security of a WordPress installation in cPanel?

To ensure the security of a WordPress installation in cPanel, there are several key steps to follow based on the provided sources:

Hardening the Hosting Account Control Panel:
Change the hosting account password to prevent unauthorized access.
Ensure strong passwords are used for FTP users and the cPanel account.
Check for unknown FTP users and delete them if found.
Change WordPress Salts:
Regenerate WordPress Security Keys manually or using a plugin like Sucuri to protect login information.
Replace the “salts” in the wp-config.php file to log off any unauthorized users.
Reinstall WordPress:
Run a WordPress “Reinstall” to delete and replace all core files, removing any malicious code inserted by intruders.
Update all plugins and themes to apply security patches and set plugins to auto-update for ongoing security.
Implement Security Plugins:
Install security plugins to protect your website, such as those recommended by WordPress Toolkit for cPanel.
Password Protect wp-admin Folder:
Password protect the wp-admin folder through cPanel to prevent unauthorized access to admin files.

By following these steps, including hardening the hosting account, changing WordPress salts, reinstalling WordPress, using security plugins, and password protecting sensitive folders, you can significantly enhance the security of your WordPress installation in cPanel.

Is it possible to migrate an existing WordPress site to a new cPanel account?

Yes, it is possible to migrate an existing WordPress site to a new cPanel account.

The process involves exporting your WordPress database, uploading your WordPress files to the new server, creating a MySQL database on the new cPanel account, updating links and images, saving changes in the WordPress dashboard, and finally deleting the old website from the previous server.

This migration process ensures that your website can be successfully moved to a new cPanel account without losing any data or functionality.

What are the advantages of installing WordPress through Softaculous in cPanel compared to manual installation?

When installing WordPress through Softaculous in cPanel compared to manual installation, there are several advantages:

Ease of Installation: Softaculous allows for easy, one-click installation of WordPress on domains, saving time and effort for users.
Faster Updates: Softaculous ensures faster updates to the latest versions of WordPress and plugins, keeping websites secure and up-to-date.
Backup and Restoration: Softaculous provides a convenient way to backup and restore websites directly through its panel, enhancing data security.
Choice of Protocols: Users can choose between different protocols ( or based on their requirements during the installation process.
Email Alerts for Updates: Softaculous offers email alerts to notify users about available updates for packages, ensuring they stay informed about necessary updates.
User-Friendly Interface: Softaculous features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for users with varying levels of experience.
Multilingual Support: Softaculous allows users to install applications in their native language, providing a more personalized experience.
Extensive Documentation: Softaculous offers comprehensive documentation that guides users through the workflow and features of the platform.

In summary, installing WordPress through Softaculous in cPanel streamlines the process, ensures timely updates, simplifies backup management, and provides a user-friendly experience with multilingual support and detailed documentation compared to manual installation methods.

How can one troubleshoot common issues that may arise during or after installing WordPress in cPanel?

To troubleshoot common issues during or after installing WordPress in cPanel, you can follow these steps based on the provided sources:

Edit wp-config.php File: After creating the database and user, edit the wp-config-sample.php file by entering the database name, password, username, and unique keys. Rename the file to wp-config.php and delete the sample file.
Check Resource Limits: Ensure that your resources are not set to low limits on cPanel. Adjust PHP configurations in the MultiPHP INI Editor by setting max_execution_time to 300 seconds, max_input_time to 600 seconds, and memory limit to unlimited (-1). Make sure the memory limit is greater than post_max_size and upload_limit. Save the settings.
Clear Browser Cache: Clear your browser cache by using shortcuts like CTRL+SHIFT+Delete or accessing browser preferences. Go to privacy and security settings, clear cache data, and reload the site.
Disable Problematic Plugins: If faced with plugin errors, access your file manager in cPanel, navigate to the wp_content folder, then plugins directory. Rename the plugin’s folder to disable it. Reload your site and reinstall the plugin if needed.

By following these steps of editing configuration files, adjusting resource limits, clearing browser cache, and disabling problematic plugins, you can effectively troubleshoot common issues encountered during or after installing WordPress in cPanel.