How to Install WordPress on cPanel Step by Step: A Beginner’s Complete Guide

If you’ve just purchased a hosting plan and are wondering how to install WordPress on cPanel step by step, you’re in the right place.
WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system (CMS), powering more than 40% of all websites. Installing it via cPanel is one of the easiest ways to get your website online — even if you’re a beginner.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step with simple explanations, screenshots suggestions, and helpful tips. By the end, you’ll have a fully working WordPress website ready for customization.

Why Use cPanel to Install WordPress?

Before jumping into the step-by-step process, let’s understand why cPanel is a preferred tool:

User-friendly: Even non-technical users can navigate it easily.
All-in-one dashboard: Manage files, databases, email, and domains in one place.
Quick installations: One-click WordPress installers like Softaculous or Fantastico.
Reliable: Widely used by hosting providers worldwide.

If your hosting company offers cPanel, installing WordPress becomes fast, straightforward, and hassle-free.

Prerequisites Before Installing WordPress

Before starting the how to install WordPress on cPanel step by step process, make sure you have:

A domain name (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com)
A web hosting plan with cPanel access
cPanel login credentials (provided by your hosting company)
Basic idea of your website purpose (blog, business, portfolio, etc.)

Step 1: Log in to Your cPanel Account

Open your browser and go to:

arduino

https://yourdomain.com/cpanel

or

arduino

https://yourserverip:2083
Enter your username and password (from hosting provider).
Click Log In.

✅ Tip: Save your login credentials securely — you’ll need them often.

Step 2: Locate the WordPress Installer

Most hosting providers use Softaculous Apps Installer for quick installations. Here’s how to find it:

Scroll down to the Software section.
Look for Softaculous Apps Installer or WordPress Manager by Softaculous.
Click on WordPress.

If your hosting doesn’t offer Softaculous, you can still install WordPress manually (covered later in this guide).

Step 3: Start the WordPress Installation

Inside the WordPress Installer:

Click the Install Now button.
Select your WordPress version (latest recommended).
Choose the protocol:
- Use https:// if you have an SSL certificate (recommended).
- Otherwise, use http:// (you can switch later after installing SSL).

Step 4: Choose Domain & Installation Path

Choose Domain: From the dropdown, select the domain where you want WordPress installed.
In Directory:
- Leave blank if you want WordPress on the main domain (e.g., yourwebsite.com).
- Enter a folder name if you want it in a subdirectory (e.g., yourwebsite.com/blog).

Step 5: Site Settings

Fill in your initial site details:

Site Name: Your website’s title (can be changed later).
Site Description: A short tagline for your site.
Admin Username: Choose a unique username (avoid “admin” for security).
Admin Password: Use a strong password.
Admin Email: A working email to receive notifications and password resets.

Step 6: Select Plugins & Theme (Optional)

Some installers allow you to choose plugins like Limit Login Attempts or Classic Editor.
You can skip this step and install plugins later from the WordPress dashboard.

Step 7: Advanced Options (Optional but Recommended)

Database Name: Automatically generated or custom.
Table Prefix: Change from default wp_ for better security.
Enable Auto Upgrade for WordPress core, themes, and plugins.

Step 8: Install WordPress

Once you’ve entered all details:

Click Install.
Wait 20–40 seconds for installation to complete.
You’ll see a success message with:
- Administrative URL: https://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin
- Website URL: https://yourwebsite.com

✅ Tip: Bookmark your WordPress admin URL — you’ll use it to log in regularly.

Manual Installation (If Softaculous Isn’t Available)

If your cPanel doesn’t have an auto-installer, here’s how to install WordPress manually:

1. Download WordPress

Go to wordpress.org/download and get the latest version.

2. Upload to Your cPanel

Open File Manager in cPanel.
Go to public_html (or your target folder).
Upload the WordPress ZIP file and extract it.

3. Create a Database

Go to MySQL Databases in cPanel.
Create a new database and user.
Assign the user to the database with All Privileges.

4. Configure wp-config.php

Rename wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php.
Enter your database name, username, and password.

5. Run Installation Script

Visit https://yourdomain.com in your browser.
Follow on-screen steps to set site title, admin username, and password.

Done! You now have WordPress installed manually.

Post-Installation Checklist

Once WordPress is installed:

Log in to Admin Dashboard (/wp-admin).
Change Permalinks to “Post name” for SEO.
Install an SSL certificate (if not already).
Install essential plugins:
- Yoast SEO (for SEO optimization)
- Wordfence Security (for protection)
- UpdraftPlus (for backups)
Choose a theme and customize your site.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Error: Can’t Access cPanel
- Check with your hosting provider; it could be a firewall or IP block.
Error: Database Connection
- Verify credentials in wp-config.php.
Installation Stuck
- Clear browser cache or try another browser.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to install WordPress on cPanel step by step is an essential skill for anyone starting a website. Whether you use the one-click installer or the manual method, you can have your site online in just a few minutes.

With WordPress installed, the next step is customizing your site, adding content, and optimizing it for search engines.

SEO Tips for Your New WordPress Site

Install an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math.
Use a lightweight, mobile-friendly theme.
Optimize images for faster loading.
Write keyword-rich, high-quality content.
Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated.