Step-by-Step: Install cPanel & WHM on a Fresh Server
These steps assume:
- OS: AlmaLinux 8 / 9 (or other supported RHEL-like)
- Fresh server (no control panel installed)
- Root SSH access
Step 1: Login as root
ssh root@your_server_ip
If you’re logged in as a sudo user:
sudo -i
Step 2: Set a hostname
cPanel requires a FQDN (like server.yourdomain.com):
hostnamectl set-hostname server.yourdomain.com
Also add it in /etc/hosts:
nano /etc/hosts
Add a line like:
your_server_ip server.yourdomain.com server
Save & exit.
Step 3: Update the system
yum update -y
or on newer:
dnf update -y
Reboot if kernel updated:
reboot
Reconnect SSH.
Step 4: Disable NetworkManager (if required)
On some setups cPanel expects traditional network scripts:
systemctl stop NetworkManager
systemctl disable NetworkManager
(On newer AlmaLinux this step may be optional – but cPanel docs often mention it.)
Step 5: Install Perl & screen (recommended)
yum install perl screen -y
Step 6: Download cPanel installer
Go to /home and fetch the installer:
cd /home
curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest
Step 7: Run installer inside screen
The install takes a long time, and you don’t want SSH disconnect to break it:
screen -S cpanelinstall
sh latest
If you get disconnected, you can reconnect:
screen -r cpanelinstall
Installer will:
- Install all dependencies
- Set up cPanel & WHM
- Configure services (Apache, Dovecot, Exim, etc.)
Step 8: Access WHM (cPanel Admin Panel)
After installation finishes, open:
https://your_server_ip:2087
- Username:
root - Password: your server root password
Then follow the initial setup wizard:
- Agree to license
- Enter contact email
- Configure nameservers
- Set default IPs, etc.
Step 9: Create Your First cPanel Account
In WHM:
- Go to Create a New Account
- Enter:
- Domain
- Username
- Password
- Package/plan
- Click Create
Then your client/user logs into:
https://your_server_ip:2083
with that username & password.