When it comes to building a website, WordPress is the most popular platform, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. Its flexibility, ease of use, and vast library of themes and plugins make it the go-to choice for beginners and professionals alike.
Whether you’re creating a blog, an online store, or a business website, WordPress provides the tools to bring your ideas to life without requiring any coding knowledge.
One of the easiest ways to install WordPress is through cPanel, a web hosting control panel that simplifies website management.
Instead of setting up databases and uploading files manually, you can use the cPanel WordPress auto-installer to complete the process in just a few clicks. This method is perfect for beginners who want a hassle-free setup without technical complications.
In this WordPress installation guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to install WordPress using cPanel, ensuring a smooth and quick setup. Let’s get started!
1. Why Use cPanel to Install WordPress?
The Advantages of cPanel as a Hosting Control Panel
cPanel is one of the most widely used hosting control panels because of its user-friendly interface and powerful website management tools. It allows you to easily manage files, databases, domains, and email accounts—all from a single dashboard.
For beginners, cPanel eliminates the need for complex coding or technical expertise, making website setup a smooth experience.
When it comes to installing WordPress, cPanel provides the best way to install WordPress on cPanel by offering a built-in installation tool that simplifies the process. Instead of manually creating a database and configuring files, you can install WordPress in just a few clicks.
How One-Click WordPress Installation Makes the Process Faster and Easier
With one-click WordPress installation, you can set up your website in minutes, even if you have no prior experience. The process is automated and error-free, meaning you don’t have to worry about database connections, file uploads, or other technical steps.
The step-by-step WordPress setup using cPanel ensures that everything is configured correctly from the start. You simply enter your site details, choose a username and password, and click install—your WordPress site is ready to go!
By using cPanel, you not only save time but also reduce the chances of installation errors. In the next section, we’ll guide you through the entire step-by-step WordPress setup using cPanel so you can get your website up and running quickly.
2. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install WordPress on cPanel
Installing WordPress using cPanel is a straightforward process that requires just a few simple steps. Follow this guide to quickly set up your website with minimal effort.
Step 1: Log in to Your cPanel
The first step in installing WordPress is accessing your cPanel dashboard, where you’ll find the necessary tools to set up your website.
How to Access cPanel from Your Web Hosting Provider
- Open your web browser and go to your hosting provider’s website.
- Log in to your hosting account using your credentials.
- Navigate to the cPanel section, often found under "Account Management" or "Hosting Dashboard."
-
Alternatively, you can access cPanel directly by entering
yourdomain.com/cpanel
into your browser.
Where to Find the WordPress Installer
Once inside cPanel, scroll down to the Software section, where you will find various installation tools. The easiest method to install WordPress is using Softaculous WordPress installation, an automated tool that simplifies the setup process.
- In the Software or Website section, look for Softaculous Apps Installer and click on it.
- Inside Softaculous, locate the WordPress icon and click “Install.”
- If your hosting provider does not offer Softaculous, you can also perform a manual WordPress installation in cPanel by uploading the WordPress files and creating a database.
Using the cPanel WordPress auto-installer, you can complete the entire installation process in just a few clicks without dealing with manual configurations. In the next step, we’ll guide you through setting up your WordPress installation with the right configurations.
Step 2: Find the WordPress Installer
Once you have accessed your cPanel dashboard, the next step is to locate the WordPress installer. Most web hosting providers offer an easy one-click WordPress installation option, but you can also choose to set it up manually.
Differences Between One-Click WordPress Installation and Manual Setup
There are two main ways to install WordPress using cPanel:
-
One-Click WordPress Installation (Recommended)
- Uses automated tools like Softaculous WordPress installation.
- Requires minimal input—just a few clicks to configure settings.
- Automatically creates a database, sets file permissions, and installs WordPress.
- Suitable for beginners and those who want a quick setup.
-
Manual WordPress Installation
- Requires downloading WordPress from WordPress.org.
- You need to upload files via File Manager or an FTP client.
-
You must manually create a MySQL database and configure the
wp-config.php
file. - Recommended for advanced users who want full control over the installation.
Why Softaculous WordPress Installation is the Easiest and Fastest Method
The Softaculous WordPress installation tool is the most efficient way to set up WordPress on your hosting account. It eliminates the hassle of manually configuring a database and uploading files. Here’s why it’s the best choice:
- Fully Automated – No need to create a database manually.
- Quick Setup – Install WordPress in under 5 minutes.
- Pre-Configured Options – Choose site title, admin credentials, and theme during installation.
- Regular Updates – Ensures you always install the latest WordPress version.
To proceed with the installation, click on the Softaculous Apps Installer in cPanel, select WordPress, and move on to the configuration settings. In the next step, we’ll guide you through customizing your WordPress setup.
Step 3: Configure WordPress Settings
Now that you have selected the Softaculous WordPress installation tool, it's time to configure your WordPress settings. This step ensures your website is set up correctly before the installation begins.
Choose the Domain Where WordPress Will Be Installed
- In the Softaculous installer, you will see an option to choose the domain for your WordPress site.
- If you have multiple domains or subdomains, select the one where you want to install WordPress.
-
In the Installation URL section, decide whether to install
WordPress on the root domain (
yourdomain.com
) or a subdirectory (e.g.,yourdomain.com/blog
). - For most websites, installing WordPress on the root domain is recommended.
Set Up an Admin Username, Password, and Email
Creating a secure admin account is crucial for protecting your WordPress site.
- Choose an admin username (avoid using "admin" for security reasons).
- Create a strong password (use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters).
- Enter a valid admin email address—this will be used for password recovery and notifications.
Define the Site Title and Tagline
- Under Site Settings, enter your Site Title (e.g., "My WordPress Blog") and Tagline (e.g., "Just Another WordPress Site").
- These settings can be changed later in the WordPress dashboard, but setting them now helps establish your site's identity.
Once you've filled out these details, you're ready to proceed with the installation. In the next step, we'll complete the process and log into your new WordPress site.
Step 4: Complete the Installation
Now that you’ve configured your WordPress settings, the final step is to install WordPress and access your new website.
Click the "Install" Button and Wait for the Process to Complete
- Double-check all the settings you entered in the previous steps.
- Scroll down and click the "Install" button to begin the installation process.
- The cPanel WordPress auto-installer will now set up your WordPress site. This usually takes less than a minute.
- Once the installation is complete, you will see a success message along with your WordPress login URL.
How to Access the WordPress Dashboard After Successful Installation
-
Open your browser and go to your WordPress admin panel by visiting:
yourdomain.com/wp-admin
- Enter the admin username and password you created earlier.
- Click "Log In", and you’ll be redirected to the WordPress dashboard.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed WordPress on your cPanel hosting. From here, you can start customizing your website, installing themes and plugins, and creating content.
In the next section, we'll discuss some essential post-installation steps to optimize your WordPress site.
3. Final Setup After Installation
Now that you have successfully installed WordPress, there are a few final steps to ensure your website is fully optimized and secure.
How to Change the WordPress Theme
One of the first things you might want to do is change the default WordPress theme to a design that suits your website’s purpose.
- Go to Appearance > Themes in the WordPress dashboard.
- Click "Add New" to explore free themes from the WordPress Theme Directory.
- Use the search bar or filter options to find a theme that fits your website.
- Click "Install" and then "Activate" to apply the theme to your site.
- Customize your theme by going to Appearance > Customize.
If you need a more advanced and professional design, consider purchasing a premium WordPress theme from marketplaces like ThemeForest, Elegant Themes, or Astra.
Essential Plugins to Install
To improve your website’s performance, security, and SEO, consider installing the following essential plugins:
SEO Plugin – Helps optimize your content for search engines.
Security Plugin – Protects your site from hackers and malware.
- Recommended: Wordfence Security or Sucuri Security.
Caching Plugin – Speeds up your website by caching static content.
- Recommended: WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache.
Backup Plugin – Ensures your site data is safe in case of errors or attacks.
- Recommended: UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy.
Anti-Spam Plugin – Protects your site from spam comments and bots.
- Recommended: Akismet.
To install plugins, go to Plugins > Add New, search for the plugin name, and click "Install Now", then "Activate".
Wrapping Up
You’ve now completed your WordPress installation using cPanel and optimized it for performance and security!
At this point, you can start creating pages, writing blog posts, and growing your website. If you want to take your WordPress skills further, explore advanced customizations, SEO strategies, and performance enhancements.
Conclusion
Installing WordPress on cPanel is one of the easiest and fastest ways to launch a website. By using the cPanel WordPress auto-installer, you can skip the complicated manual setup and get your site up and running in just a few clicks.
Recap of the Installation Steps
Let’s quickly review the steps covered in this WordPress installation guide:
- Log in to Your cPanel – Access your hosting control panel.
- Find the WordPress Installer – Use the Softaculous WordPress installation tool for a hassle-free setup.
- Configure WordPress Settings – Choose a domain, create an admin account, and set up your site title.
- Complete the Installation – Click “Install” and wait for the setup to finish.
- Final Setup After Installation – Customize your theme and install essential plugins for better performance and security.
Start Your WordPress Journey Today!
Now that you know the easiest way to install WordPress on cPanel, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. Whether you’re creating a blog, an online store, or a business website, WordPress provides all the tools you need to succeed.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it for future reference!