How to install WordPress on cPanel in 1 click

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, and installing it on cPanel takes about a minute — no coding, no downloads. This guide shows you the 1-click method with Softaculous, the manual method if you prefer full control, and the first things to do once your site is live.

The fast way: 1-click install with Softaculous

Every VTA Cloud plan includes the Softaculous app installer inside cPanel, which handles the whole setup for you. Here's the process step by step.

Step 1 — Log in to cPanel

Open your cPanel dashboard using the link in your welcome email, or from your client area.

Step 2 — Open the WordPress installer

Scroll to the Software section and click WordPress (or open Softaculous Apps Installer and pick WordPress), then click Install Now.

Step 3 — Choose your domain and HTTPS

Select the domain you want to install on and set the protocol to https:// (with or without www) so your site loads securely from day one. Leave the "In Directory" field blank to install on the main domain.

Step 4 — Set your site and admin details

Enter a Site Name and description, then create your admin username, a strong password and your email address. Avoid "admin" as the username for better security.

Step 5 — Click Install

Hit Install. Softaculous sets everything up in about a minute and gives you two links: your live site, and your WordPress dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin. That's it — you're live.

The manual way (optional)

Prefer to do it yourself? Download WordPress from wordpress.org, upload the files with cPanel's File Manager or FTP, create a MySQL database and user in cPanel, then visit your domain and follow the famous 5-minute WordPress installer, entering your database details when asked. Most people don't need this — the 1-click installer does exactly the same thing, safely.

What to do right after installing

• Confirm SSL is active — your site should show the padlock and load over HTTPS. cPanel issues free SSL automatically.
• Pick a theme — go to Appearance → Themes to set your design.
• Install key plugins — a security plugin, an SEO plugin, and LiteSpeed Cache (which pairs with our LiteSpeed servers for fast page loads).
• Set permalinks — Settings → Permalinks → "Post name" gives you clean, SEO-friendly URLs.
• Create your first pages — a home page, an about page and a contact page are a good start.

Frequently asked questions

Is WordPress free to install?

Yes. WordPress is free open-source software, and the Softaculous installer is included free with your cPanel hosting. You only pay for your hosting plan and domain.

How long does it take?

The 1-click install finishes in about a minute. You can have a fully working WordPress site online in under five minutes.

More reading: What is cPanel? · Set up email in cPanel · Migrate to cPanel