If you’ve just purchased a web hosting plan and logged into cPanel, you might be wondering how to get started with WordPress. The good news is that you don’t need to touch any code or perform complex setups.
Thanks to Softaculous a powerful auto-installer built into most cPanel dashboards you can install WordPress in just a few clicks, even if you’re not technically inclined.
This article will guide you step-by-step on how to install WordPress using Softaculous, with explanations along the way to help you understand what’s happening behind the scenes.

🧩What is Softaculous?

Softaculous is a one-click application installer included in cPanel hosting accounts. It automates the installation of over 400 web applications, including WordPress, Joomla, Magento, PrestaShop, and more.
With Softaculous, you don’t need to manually create databases, upload WordPress files, or configure permissions. Everything is done for you quickly, safely, and reliably.

Why Use Softaculous to Install WordPress?

• No technical knowledge required

• Fast and automatic installation

• Automatically creates a database

• Lets you select your domain or subdomain

• Option to configure login credentials instantly

• Easy to manage backups, updates, and uninstallations later

Prerequisites Before Installing

Before starting, make sure:

• Your domain is pointing to your hosting (DNS propagation may take time)

• You’re logged into cPanel

• Your hosting package includes Softaculous (most shared hosting providers do)

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing WordPress via Softaculous

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

1. Use your hosting login link (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/cpanel)

2. Enter your username and password

You’ll land on the cPanel dashboard, where all the tools are grouped.

Step 2: Locate Softaculous or WordPress Installer

There are two ways to access the WordPress installer:

• Click on “Softaculous Apps Installer”

• OR directly click “WordPress” under “Scripts” or “Top Scripts” section

Both options will take you to the same installation interface.

Step 3: Click ‘Install Now’

• Click on the Install Now button under the WordPress logo

• You will now be taken to the setup page where you can configure your installation

Step 4: Software Setup Configuration

Choose Protocol

• Select http:// or https://

• If your SSL is installed, choose https://

Choose Domain

• Select the domain or subdomain you want to install WordPress on

In Directory (optional)

• Leave this field empty to install WordPress on the root domain (e.g., yourdomain.com)

• Or enter a folder name like blog to install it at yourdomain.com/blog

Step 5: Site Settings

These are default values you can change later from the WordPress dashboard.

• Site Name: Your website name (e.g., “My Business Site”)

• Site Description: A brief tagline

• Enable Multisite (WPMU): Leave unchecked unless you need a multisite network

Step 6: Admin Account

Set the login credentials for WordPress.

• Admin Username: Change from “admin” to something unique

• Admin Password: Use a strong password

• Admin Email: Enter a valid email this will be used for password recovery and notifications

Step 7: Choose Language

Select the default language of your website (e.g., English, French, etc.)

Step 8: Select Plugins (Optional)

You may see options to pre-install plugins like Limit Login Attempts or Classic Editor. These can help improve security or restore the classic WordPress interface, but they’re optional.

Step 9: Advanced Options (Optional)

Click to expand if you want to:

• Set a custom database name

• Enable automatic backups

• Set update preferences

If you’re not sure, you can leave the default settings. Softaculous manages these safely.

Step 10: Choose Theme (Optional)

You can choose a free theme here or skip this step and install a theme later from the WordPress dashboard.

Step 11: Click ‘Install’

• Softaculous will now run the installation process

• It usually takes 10–20 seconds

Once done, you’ll see:

• A frontend URL (your live website)

• An admin URL (usually yourdomain.com/wp-admin)

Click the admin URL and log in with the credentials you set.

Congratulations your WordPress site is now live!

What Happens Behind the Scenes?

While you see a simple form, Softaculous does the following in the background:

• Downloads the latest WordPress package

• Creates a new MySQL database and user

• Connects WordPress to the database

• Sets correct file and folder permissions

• Configures wp-config.php automatically

• Installs WordPress and redirects you to login

All of this takes just seconds saving you hours of manual work.

Tips After Installation

1. Log into WordPress Dashboard: Use yourdomain.com/wp-admin

2. Update Password: Change it to something stronger if needed

3. Install an SEO Plugin: Like Yoast SEO or Rank Math

4. Set Up Backups: Even Softaculous lets you manage automatic backups

5. Remove Unused Plugins or Themes: To keep your site lean and secure

6. Customize Appearance: Choose a theme and add essential pages (Home, About, Contact)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Site Not Loading?

• Check DNS propagation if the domain was just added

• Clear your browser cache

Login Not Working?

• Use Softaculous to reset your password from the Installations tab

SSL Not Working?

• Make sure SSL is installed through cPanel > SSL/TLS or via AutoSSL

• Then choose https:// as your protocol

Conclusion

Using Softaculous in cPanel to install WordPress is the fastest, safest, and easiest method available perfect for beginners, business owners, and anyone launching a new site.
In just one click (and a few form fields), you’ll have a fully functional WordPress site ready to go. There’s no need to worry about coding, FTP uploads, or database setup.
Let Softaculous do the hard work so you can focus on growing your website.