To install cPanel on a VPS server, follow these step-by-step instructions. This process works for CentOS, RHEL, and most Linux distributions that support cPanel. Make sure the VPS is freshly set up and meets cPanel’s minimum requirements before starting.
VPS with a supported OS (CentOS, RHEL, Ubuntu)
Root access to the server
Static public IP address
Minimum 2 GB RAM (recommended 2 GB)
At least 20 GB free disk space
Log in via SSH as the root user and update your server packages:
For CentOS/RHELyum update -y For Ubuntuapt update && apt upgrade -ycPanel requires a properly configured hostname.
hostnamectl set-hostname yourserver.domain.com
This ensures reliable DNS operation and licensing.
Install Perl and other base packages (for CentOS/RHEL):
yum groupinstall base perl -y
For Ubuntu, Perl is typically included, but run:
apt install perl -y
Navigate to the home directory, download the installer, and start installation:
cd /home
curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest
sh latest
This process may take 30–60 minutes depending on server specs.
Once installation is complete, reboot the server to ensure all changes take effect:
reboot
After reboot, access WHM in your browser:
https://your_server_ip:2087
Log in with username: root, and your root password.
Accept cPanel terms of use
Enter contact information
Setup nameservers for DNS
Enter your cPanel license key (if not done automatically)
Finish the configuration wizard
Always install on a fresh, clean server for best results.
cPanel does not support uninstallation; to remove it, reformat the server.
Make sure your firewall allows the necessary cPanel ports (2087, 2082, and others).
Use static IP addresses only—cPanel will not license dynamic or sticky IPs.
Follow these steps for a successful cPanel installation and initial setup on a VPS server.
