How to Install WordPress via Softaculous in cPanel

Softaculous is a one-click installer built into cPanel that lets you install WordPress (and many other applications) in minutes. This is the easiest and recommended way to set up a WordPress website on your Allanux Web hosting account.

Step 1: Open Softaculous

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Scroll down to the Software section and click Softaculous Apps Installer.
3. In the left sidebar, click WordPress (under "Blogs").
4. Click Install Now.

Step 2: Configure the Installation

1. Software Version: Choose the latest version (recommended).
2. Choose Protocol: Select https:// if you have SSL, or http:// if not.
3. Choose Domain: Select the domain where you want to install WordPress.
4. In Directory: Leave blank to install in the root (e.g., yourdomain.com). Enter a name like blog to install in a subdirectory (e.g., yourdomain.com/blog).
5. Site Name: The title of your website.
6. Site Description: A tagline for your site (can be changed later in WordPress).
7. Enable Multisite (WPMU): Leave unchecked unless you need multiple sites under one WordPress installation.
8. Admin Username: Choose a username for the WordPress admin (do not use "admin" for security).
9. Admin Password: Use a strong password (or click the key icon to generate one).
10. Admin Email: Your email address for receiving WordPress notifications.
11. Select Language: Choose your preferred language.
12. Choose a Theme: You can pick a starter theme now or change it later.

Step 3: Install

1. Click the Install button at the bottom.
2. Wait for the installation to complete (usually 30-60 seconds).
3. Softaculous will show your admin URL, username, and password.
4. Click the admin link to log in to your new WordPress site.

Important Notes

• WordPress requires at least PHP 7.4. Check and update your PHP version if needed (see our guide: How to Change Your PHP Version in cPanel).
• Do not install WordPress in a subdirectory if you want your site at the root domain. Leave the "In Directory" field blank.
• Save the admin credentials Softaculous shows after installation — you will need them to log in.
• Softaculous also provides an auto-update feature — enable it to keep WordPress, themes, and plugins automatically updated.
• You can install multiple WordPress sites on different domains or subdomains.

Troubleshooting

• "Could not connect to the database" during installation: Your database credentials may be wrong, or the database user does not have the correct permissions. Softaculous usually handles this automatically — if it fails, contact support.
• "Error establishing a database connection" after installation: Check that your database is not corrupted. Go to cPanel → MySQL Databases and verify the database exists. Also try repairing the database via cPanel → MySQL Databases → Repair Database.
• "Installation directory must be empty": There are existing files in the directory where you are trying to install. Either choose a different directory, or use File Manager to remove the existing files first.
• Admin page returns 404 Not Found: Your .htaccess file may be missing or corrupted. Go to WordPress Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks and click "Save Changes" to regenerate the .htaccess file.
• Want to re-install WordPress: You must first remove the existing installation. Go to Softaculous → Installations, find your WordPress installation, and click Remove. Then install again.

Need help? Contact our support team.