How to Install cPanel on Ubuntu or AlmaLinux

By Goldie
June 12, 2026

cPanel is one of the most popular web hosting control panels, allowing you to manage websites, email accounts, databases, and server settings through an easy-to-use interface. Installing cPanel on a VPS or dedicated server is straightforward, provided your server meets the necessary requirements.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to install cPanel and complete the initial WHM setup.

cPanel Installation Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

A fresh installation of Ubuntu or AlmaLinux.
Root access to your VPS or dedicated server.
An active internet connection.
A valid cPanel license or trial license.
An SSH client, such as PuTTY or Terminal.

Important: cPanel should only be installed on a freshly installed operating system. Installing it on a server already running other software may cause conflicts.

Step 1: Connect to Your Server via SSH

Step 2: Run the cPanel Installation Command

Copy and paste the following command into the SSH terminal:

cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latest

Press Enter to begin the installation.

The installer will automatically download and configure cPanel and WHM on your server.

Step 3: Wait for the Installation to Complete

The installation process typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on your server specifications and internet speed.

Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a message confirming that cPanel has been successfully installed.

Note: Avoid interrupting the installation process, as doing so may cause errors or require a fresh installation.

Step 4: Access WHM

Open your browser and visit:

https://your-server-ip:2087

Replace your-server-ip with your actual server IP address.

Username: root
Password: Your server’s root password

Then click Log In.

Complete the WHM Setup Wizard

Step 1: Accept the License Agreement

Read the cPanel and WHM agreement and click Continue.

Step 2: Activate Your cPanel License

If your server doesn’t already have an active license, you may be prompted to log in to the cPanel Store to activate a trial or paid license.

Step 3: Configure Email and Nameservers

Enter the following information:

Email Address

Provide an email address where you’d like to receive important cPanel notifications and alerts.

Nameservers

Enter your nameservers, for example:

ns1.example.com
ns2.example.com

Replace example.com with your actual domain name.

After entering the required information, click Finish.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed cPanel and completed the initial WHM configuration.

What’s Next After Installing cPanel?

After the installation is complete, you may want to:

Configure EasyApache.
Create hosting accounts.
Install a firewall such as ConfigServer Security & Firewall (CSF).
Set up nameservers.
Configure backups.
Secure SSH access.
Enable automatic updates.
Install SSL certificates.

Common Installation Issues

cPanel Installation Fails

This can happen if:

The operating system isn’t freshly installed.
Your server doesn’t meet the minimum requirements.
There isn’t enough RAM or disk space.
Network connectivity problems interrupt the download.

Unable to Access WHM

If WHM isn’t accessible on port 2087:

Verify that the installation completed successfully.
Ensure your firewall allows port 2087.
Confirm you’re using the correct server IP address.
Restart the server if necessary.

Conclusion

Installing cPanel on Ubuntu or AlmaLinux provides a powerful and user-friendly environment for managing websites and hosting accounts. Once the setup wizard is complete, you’ll be ready to configure your server and start hosting websites.

Tip: Before putting your server into production, make sure to secure it by configuring a firewall, enabling automatic backups, and keeping cPanel up to date.

How to Install cPanel on Ubuntu or AlmaLinux