Softaculous is a one-click installer built into cPanel that sets up WordPress, Joomla, Magento, and hundreds of other open-source web applications in a couple of minutes — no FTP, no database creation, no config files.

Quick steps: cPanel → scroll to Software section → Softaculous Apps Installer → pick your app → Install.

What's available

Softaculous includes 400+ scripts across categories like blogs, CMS, forums, e-commerce, project management, and more. The most popular ones:

  • WordPress — the world's most popular CMS, used by about 40% of all websites
  • Joomla — full-featured CMS with a strong multilingual and multi-user focus
  • Magento — enterprise e-commerce platform
  • phpBB — forum software
  • Moodle — learning management system
  • OpenCart, PrestaShop — lighter e-commerce
  • MediaWiki, Drupal, Ghost — and many more

Install an app (example: WordPress)

  1. Log in to cPanel and open Softaculous Apps Installer from the Software section. You'll land on the Softaculous dashboard showing the top scripts.

    Softaculous dashboard showing WordPress, Joomla, Magento, and other available apps

  2. Click the app you want to install (or use the search box). For WordPress, you'll arrive at the WordPress Management panel. Click Install.

    Softaculous WordPress Management panel with Install button

  3. Fill in the install form:

    • Choose Protocol: select https:// (or https://www.) once your SSL certificate is active.
    • Choose Domain: which domain to install on. If you have addon domains, pick the right one.
    • In Directory: leave blank to install at the root of your domain (yourdomain.com). Enter a subdirectory (like blog) to install at yourdomain.com/blog instead.
    • Site Name / Site Description: the public name of your site (can be changed later inside WordPress).
    • Admin Username / Password / Email: your WordPress admin login. Use a strong password — these credentials are what protect your site.

  4. Click Install. Softaculous creates the database, uploads the files, and configures everything. You'll have a working install in about 30 seconds.

Heads up: If the target directory already has content (for example an index.html or existing WordPress install), Softaculous will warn you or overwrite. Make sure the directory is empty, or install to a fresh subdirectory first.

After installation

  • Log in to WordPress at https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/ with the credentials you set.
  • Install a theme, add your content, and you're off.
  • If you plan to run WordPress long-term, work through our WordPress security hardening checklist — the 10-minute checklist blocks most common attacks.

Managing existing installs

Softaculous remembers every install it has done. Return to Softaculous at any time and you'll see your installs under Installations — from there you can:

  • Update WordPress core, plugins, and themes
  • Create a backup, or restore from a previous one
  • Clone the site to a new directory or domain (great for staging)
  • Change the URL or site admin email
  • Uninstall (removes files and database)

Related articles

Run into an issue during installation? Open a support ticket

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