Ready to launch your blog, site, or store? WordPress powers over 40% of the web and installing it is a breeze with one-click tools like Softaculous or WP Toolkit. No coding needed — we'll use the easy auto-installer method (manual uploads are for pros; skip 'em for now).
This guide is for total beginners — 10 minutes tops. Assumes you have a domain and hosting (if not, grab one from us!). Check our SSL guide after for security!
Why Install WordPress in cPanel?
- Free & flexible: Open-source CMS for blogs, shops (with WooCommerce), or portfolios.
- One-click magic: cPanel tools handle databases, files — you just pick a password.
- Scalable: Start small, add themes/plugins later.
- Integrated: No separate accounts; everything in one dashboard.
Prep: Back up your site first (Files > Backup).
Step 1: Log In to cPanel
- Go to your cPanel URL (e.g., yourdomain.com/cpanel or https://cpanel.lunarracks.com).
- Enter username/password (from hosting email).
Tip: Bookmark for speed!
Step 2: Find the Installer
- In cPanel dashboard, from the left navigation click WordPress Management.
-
If its missing, ask us to enable it (free add-on).
-
Step 3: Start the Installation
- Click Install.
- Fill in basics:
- Choose Protocol: HTTPS (secure — see our SSL guide if not set up).
- Domain: Pick from dropdown (e.g., yourdomain.com).
- Directory: Leave blank for root (installs at yourdomain.com) or "blog" for subfolder.
- Site Name/Description: Your site's title/tagline (edit later).
- Admin Username/Password/Email: Strong password! (Generate one).
- Database: Auto-create (default).
- Extras: Select theme, plugins if offered (skip for clean start).
- Click Install — wait 1-2 mins for magic.
Step 4: Log In & Customize
- Installer gives URLs: Site (yourdomain.com) & Admin (yourdomain.com/wp-admin).
- Visit /wp-admin > Log in with credentials.
- Dashboard: Add themes (Appearance > Themes), plugins (Plugins > Add New), pages/posts.
Success! Your site's live. Test by visiting in incognito.
Troubleshooting: Install Issues?
| Issue | Fix |
| No Softaculous/WP Toolkit | Ask us to install/enable the feature. Or manually download WP from wordpress.org, and upload via File Manager and create the DB in Database Wizard |
| Database error | Check quotas (Hosting > Resources). Delete and try. |
| HTTPS not available | Setup SSL first! |
| Blank page | Clear cache, check .htaccess in File Manager. |
| Permission denied | File Manager > set folders to 755, files to 644 permissions. |
Bonus: Post-Install Tips
- Secure it: Install plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.
- Backup: Use UpdraftPlus plugin or cPanel Backups.
- Speed up: Add caching plugin (WP Super Cache).
- Manual Alternative: For control — download WP zip, extract in File Manager > public_html, create DB/user, run install.php.
Quick Recap (Cheat Sheet)
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Login to cPanel |
| 2 | Wordpress Management |
| 3 | WordPress > Install > Fill details > Install |
| 4 | Log in at /wp-admin > Customize! |
Need Help?
- Error?
- Take a screenshot and open a ticket: https://my.lunarracks.com/submitticket.php
- Take a screenshot and open our live chat
-
More: Official WordPress Install Guide
Site launched! Add content, themes - you're a webmaster now!
