When visitors access a folder on your website that doesn’t have an index file (like index.html or index.php), the server may display a list of files in that directory unless directory browsing is disabled.
This can become a serious security and privacy concern. Anyone could see your media folders, plugin files, backup archives, or configuration files just by typing the folder URL into their browser.
Fortunately, cPanel includes a simple tool called the Index Manager that lets you prevent this with just a few clicks no coding or .htaccess editing required.
This article will guide you step-by-step on how to use the Index Manager in cPanel to disable directory listing and protect your content.

What Is Directory Browsing?

Directory browsing (also called directory listing) occurs when a visitor accesses a folder URL like:

If no index.html or index.php file is present, the browser may show a list of all files in that directory including images, backups, or even sensitive files.

Why Is This Bad?

• Security Risk – Hackers can discover vulnerable scripts or backup files

• Privacy Violation – Clients or visitors can see unpublished content

• Professionalism – It looks unpolished and may damage brand trust

What Is the Index Manager in cPanel?

The Index Manager is a built-in cPanel tool that allows you to control how your directories appear to the public.

You can configure each folder with one of these four options:

To prevent directory browsing, you’ll want to use No Indexing.

Step-by-Step: How to Disable Directory Browsing in cPanel

Step 1: Log In to cPanel

Go to your cPanel login page (usually at https://yourdomain.com/cpanel) and enter your credentials.

Step 2: Open the Index Manager

Once logged in:

1. Scroll down to the Advanced section.

2. Click on “Indexes” (may also appear as “Index Manager”).

This will open the directory structure of your hosting account.

Step 3: Choose the Folder to Secure

You’ll now see a file explorer-style view of your folders:

• Click on the folder you want to protect (e.g., public_html/uploads)

• You can navigate into subdirectories if you want to protect a specific section of your site

Once you select a folder, you’ll be taken to the indexing settings.

Step 4: Select “No Indexing”

You’ll see the following options:

• Default System Setting

• No Indexing

• Standard Indexing

• Fancy Indexing

Select No Indexing, then click Save.

This will create or update a .htaccess file inside that folder, instructing the server not to display the contents even if there’s no index file.

How to Test If It Worked

To confirm it’s working:

1. Open your browser

2. Type in the full URL of the folder you disabled indexing for
   Example: https://yourdomain.com/uploads/

3. Instead of a file list, you should now see a 403 Forbidden or blank page

That means directory browsing has been successfully disabled.

How to Disable Browsing for All Folders (Optional)

If you want to disable directory listing across your entire site:

• Go to public_html in Index Manager

• Apply No Indexing at that level

• This change will apply to all subfolders unless overridden by another .htaccess

Troubleshooting Tips

Why This Matters for Website Owners

Disabling directory browsing:

• Makes your website more secure

• Protects sensitive file structures

• Keeps clients from accessing unintended content

• Prevents search engines from indexing unimportant directories

Even if you’re just hosting a simple WordPress blog or an HTML portfolio, this small setting adds a layer of privacy and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never used the Index Manager in cPanel before, now is a great time to explore it. With just a few clicks, you can prevent unauthorized access to your website directories and avoid exposing files that should stay private.
Remember, good hosting security isn’t just about passwords or firewalls it’s also about closing the small doors that many people forget, like directory browsing.
By taking 2 minutes to use the Index Manager, you’re protecting your visitors, your data, and your brand