How to Install cPanel on a Server (Complete Guide)

📌 Requirements

Before installing cPanel, make sure your server meets the following requirements:

• Supported Operating System:

  • AlmaLinux 8 / 9

  • Rocky Linux 8 / 9

• Root SSH access

• Clean server (no other control panels installed)

• Minimum specifications:

  • 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)

  • 20 GB disk space

• Stable internet connection

• Valid hostname configured (e.g. server.yourdomain.com)

⚙️ Step 1: Update the system

Connect via SSH as root and run:

dnf update -y

🌐 Step 2: Set the hostname

Make sure your server has a valid FQDN hostname:

hostnamectl set-hostname server.yourdomain.com

Verify:

hostname

📥 Step 3: Download the cPanel installer

Navigate to the /home directory:

cd /home

Download the official installer:

curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest

🚀 Step 4: Run the installation

Execute the installer:

sh latest

⏳ The installation process may take 30–60 minutes, depending on your server performance.

🔐 Step 5: Access cPanel / WHM

Once installation is complete, access WHM (Web Host Manager):

https://YOUR_SERVER_IP:2087

Login with:

• Username: root

• Password: your root password

🛠️ Step 6: Initial WHM setup

Follow the on-screen setup wizard:

• Accept license agreement

• Configure networking (IP, hostname, resolvers)

• Set up nameservers (optional)

• Configure services

🔥 Important Notes

• cPanel requires a valid license to function fully

• Port 2087 must be open in your firewall

• Do NOT install on a server with other panels (Plesk, DirectAdmin, etc.)

• It is recommended to disable SELinux:

setenforce 0

To disable permanently:

nano /etc/selinux/config

Change:

SELINUX=disabled

✅ Verification

To confirm cPanel is running:

systemctl status cpanel

🎯 Conclusion

You now have cPanel/WHM successfully installed and ready to manage hosting accounts, domains, and server configuration