Softaculous: install WordPress and other apps
Softaculous in cPanel replaces older Fantastico-style installers and installs WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, forums, and many other applications.
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Softaculous is the modern application installer built into cPanel on plans where the feature is enabled. It replaces older Fantastico-style installers and handles database creation, file download, configuration, updates, backups, and cloning from one interface.
What apps can Softaculous install?
The exact app list can vary by server and Softaculous license, but common categories include:
- Blogs/CMS: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and similar content systems.
- Forums: phpBB and other bulletin-board style applications where available.
- E-commerce: shopping carts and catalog tools.
- Portals and frameworks: project, wiki, and lightweight application tools.
If an old guide refers to Fantastico, use Softaculous instead. If Softaculous is not visible in your cPanel, it may not be included on that plan or server; open a support ticket and include the service name.
Install WordPress
- Log in to cPanel.
- Find Softaculous Apps Installer under Software, or search for it.
- Click WordPress and then Install Now.
- Choose the protocol, usually
https://, and select the domain. - Set the directory. Leave it blank to install at the domain root, or enter a subfolder such as
blog. - Enter a site name, admin username, password, and email.
- Click Install.
Softaculous creates the database, installs files, and configures the application automatically. When it finishes, it shows links to the site and admin area.
Application admin accounts are a common attack target. Do not use admin as the username, and store a long random password in a password manager.
Manage installed apps
Open Softaculous All Installations to see every app installed through Softaculous. From there you can visit the site, open the admin panel, update, back up, clone, or remove an installation.
Update apps
In All Installations, a warning icon next to an app usually means an update is available. Open the app entry and choose Upgrade. Softaculous can back up the installation before upgrading. For production sites, test major updates on a clone or staging copy first.
Backup and restore
- Open Softaculous All Installations.
- Select the application.
- Click Backup.
- Choose whether to include files, database, or both.
- Click Backup Installation.
To restore, open Softaculous Backups and click Restore beside the backup you want. Softaculous backups count toward disk usage, so download or remove old backups when they are no longer needed.
Clone an installation
Cloning creates a copy of an existing installation, often for staging or testing. Open the installation, choose Clone, then select the destination domain and directory. After testing, do not leave staging copies publicly accessible without authentication.
Troubleshooting Softaculous
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Database connection error during install | Check whether the cPanel MySQL service is available, then retry. If it persists, open a ticket with the app name and exact error text. |
| Install fails in a folder | Confirm the target directory is empty or choose a clean directory. |
| App is not listed | The app may not be included in the current Softaculous package or may be disabled for security or maintenance reasons. |
| Update breaks the site | Restore the Softaculous backup or your cPanel backup, then test the update on a clone first. |
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