{"id":26556,"date":"2025-06-23T11:55:44","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T09:55:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/?p=26556"},"modified":"2025-06-23T11:55:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T09:55:44","slug":"how-to-install-a-control-panel-cpanel-plesk-on-your-vps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/how-to-install-a-control-panel-cpanel-plesk-on-your-vps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to install a control panel (cPanel\/Plesk) on your VPS"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Installing a control panel like cPanel or Plesk on your unmanaged VPS can significantly simplify server management, especially for beginners or those managing multiple websites.<\/span> These panels provide a graphical interface (GUI) for tasks that would otherwise require command-line knowledge, such as managing domains, email accounts, databases, and website files.<\/span><\/p>\n

Important Considerations Before Installation:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. License:<\/strong> Both cPanel and Plesk are commercial software.<\/span> You must<\/strong> purchase a license. Some VPS providers offer pre-installed versions with bundled licenses, which can be more cost-effective.\n
    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  2. Clean OS Installation:<\/strong> Control panels should almost always be installed on a freshly installed operating system<\/strong>. Installing them on a server with existing software can lead to conflicts and unstable behavior. If you have an existing server with data, back it up thoroughly and consider reinstalling the OS.<\/li>\n
  3. Operating System Compatibility:<\/strong>\n
      \n
    • cPanel:<\/strong> Primarily supports AlmaLinux OS, Rocky Linux, and CentOS Stream<\/strong>. It also has limited support for Ubuntu LTS (currently Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04 LTS).<\/li>\n
    • Plesk:<\/strong> Supports a wider range of Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, RHEL, and CloudLinux<\/strong>, as well as Windows Server<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Always check the official documentation for the latest supported OS versions.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Resource Requirements:<\/strong> Control panels themselves consume a significant amount of RAM and CPU.\n
        \n
      • cPanel:<\/span><\/strong> Minimum 1GB RAM and 20GB disk space (recommended 2GB+ RAM, 40GB+ disk space).<\/span> With a control panel, a typical WordPress site needs at least 2GB RAM.\n
        <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • Plesk:<\/strong> Minimum 512MB RAM for Linux (1GB+ recommended), 10GB disk space. For web hosting with standard features, 2GB+ RAM is usually advised.<\/li>\n
      • Ensure your VPS meets or exceeds these requirements to avoid performance issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Time Commitment:<\/strong> The installation process for both panels can take a significant amount of time (30 minutes to over an hour, depending on server specs and internet speed).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        General Steps to Install cPanel or Plesk<\/h3>\n

        The installation process for both cPanel and Plesk is designed to be largely automated via a single script.<\/p>\n

        Step 1: Prepare Your VPS<\/h3>\n
          \n
        1. Provision a Fresh VPS:<\/strong> Order a new VPS from your chosen provider. Select a compatible operating system (e.g., AlmaLinux 9 for cPanel, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS for Plesk). Ensure it’s a minimal<\/em> installation without any pre-installed web servers, databases, or other services.<\/li>\n
        2. Access Your VPS via SSH:<\/strong> Use the root credentials provided by your VPS host.\n
          \n
          Bash<\/span><\/p>\n
          <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
          \n
          \n
          ssh root@your_vps_ip_address\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
        3. Update Your System:<\/strong> Before installing anything, update all existing packages.\n
            \n
          • For AlmaLinux\/Rocky Linux\/CentOS Stream (cPanel\/Plesk):<\/strong>\n
            \n
            Bash<\/span><\/p>\n
            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
            \n
            \n
            sudo yum update -y\r\n# or sudo dnf update -y<\/span>\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
          • For Ubuntu\/Debian (Plesk\/cPanel on Ubuntu):<\/strong>\n
            \n
            Bash<\/span><\/p>\n
            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
            \n
            \n
            sudo apt update\r\nsudo apt upgrade -y\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
          • Reboot<\/strong> if the kernel or other critical components were updated:\n
            \n
            Bash<\/span><\/p>\n
            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
            \n
            \n
            sudo reboot\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
            Reconnect after the reboot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
          • Set Hostname (Optional but Recommended):<\/strong> Set a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) for your server. This should NOT be the domain name of a website you plan to host on the server. For example, server.yourdomain.com<\/code>.\n
            \n
            Bash<\/span><\/p>\n
            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
            \n
            \n
            sudo hostnamectl set-hostname server.yourdomain.com\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
            You might need to log out and back in for the change to reflect in your prompt.<\/li>\n
          • Disable SELinux (for CentOS\/AlmaLinux\/Rocky Linux, if necessary for cPanel):<\/strong> cPanel documentation usually recommends disabling SELinux or setting it to permissive mode during installation to avoid conflicts.<\/span>\n
            \n
            Bash<\/span><\/p>\n
            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
            \n
            \n
            sudo nano \/etc\/selinux\/config\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
            Change SELINUX=enforcing<\/code> to SELINUX=disabled<\/code>. Save and exit. Reboot the server for this change to take effect: sudo reboot<\/code>.<\/p>\n
            <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            Step 2: Install the Control Panel<\/h3>\n
            A. Installing cPanel\/WHM:<\/strong><\/p>\n
            cPanel provides a single-line command for installation.<\/p>\n
              \n
            1. \n
              Navigate to the \/home<\/code> directory:<\/strong><\/p>\n
              \n
              Bash<\/span><\/p>\n
              <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \n
              \n
              cd<\/span> \/home\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
            2. \n
              Download and Run the Installation Script:<\/strong><\/p>\n
              \n
              Bash<\/span><\/p>\n
              <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \n
              \n
              curl -o latest -L https:\/\/securedownloads.cpanel.net\/latest && sh latest\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                \n
              • curl -o latest -L https:\/\/securedownloads.cpanel.net\/latest<\/code>: Downloads the latest cPanel installation script and saves it as latest<\/code>.<\/li>\n
              • sh latest<\/span><\/code>: Executes the downloaded script.<\/span>\n
                <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
              • \n
                Wait for Installation to Complete:<\/strong> This process is entirely automated and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on your server’s specifications and internet speed. You will see a lot of text scrolling by in your terminal. Do not close the terminal or interrupt the process.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
              • \n
                Post-Installation:<\/strong> Once the script finishes, it will provide a URL to access the Web Host Manager (WHM) interface, typically: https:\/\/your_vps_ip_address:2087<\/code><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                B. Installing Plesk:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                Plesk also offers a simple one-click installer.<\/p>\n
                  \n
                1. \n
                  Ensure wget<\/code> or curl<\/code> is installed:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                    \n
                  • Ubuntu\/Debian:<\/strong> sudo apt install curl wget -y<\/code><\/li>\n
                  • CentOS\/AlmaLinux\/Rocky Linux:<\/strong> sudo yum install curl wget -y<\/code><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                  • \n
                    Download and Run the Installation Script (One-Click Installer for Recommended Components):<\/strong><\/p>\n
                    \n
                    Bash<\/span><\/p>\n
                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                    \n
                    \n
                    sh <(curl https:\/\/autoinstall.plesk.com\/one-click-installer || wget -O - https:\/\/autoinstall.plesk.com\/one-click-installer)\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                    This command will download the latest stable Plesk version and install it with a default set of components. This is the easiest for beginners.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
                  • \n
                    Wait for Installation to Complete:<\/strong> Similar to cPanel, this can take a while.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
                  • \n
                    Post-Installation:<\/strong> Once completed, the script will provide a URL to access the Plesk control panel, usually: https:\/\/your_vps_ip_address:8443<\/code> You will typically log in with the root<\/code> username and password initially.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                    Step 3: Initial Configuration (Accessing the Control Panel)<\/h3>\n
                    After the installation script finishes, you’ll access the web interface to complete the setup.<\/p>\n
                      \n
                    1. \n
                      Access the Control Panel URL:<\/strong> Open your web browser and navigate to the URL provided by the installer (e.g., https:\/\/your_vps_ip_address:2087<\/code> for cPanel WHM or https:\/\/your_vps_ip_address:8443<\/code> for Plesk).<\/p>\n
                        \n
                      • You will likely encounter a “Your connection is not private” or security warning because the panel uses a self-signed SSL certificate initially. Accept the risk and proceed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                      • \n
                        Login:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                          \n
                        • cPanel WHM:<\/strong> Use root<\/code> as the username and your VPS root password.<\/li>\n
                        • Plesk:<\/strong> Use root<\/code> as the username and your VPS root password.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                        • \n
                          Complete the Setup Wizard:<\/strong> Both cPanel WHM and Plesk will guide you through an initial setup wizard. This usually involves:<\/p>\n
                            \n
                          • Accepting End User License Agreements (EULA).<\/li>\n
                          • Setting up administrative email addresses.<\/li>\n
                          • Configuring nameservers (important for pointing domains to your VPS).<\/li>\n
                          • Setting up a new administrative password (for cPanel, this is often done inside WHM after initial login).<\/span>\n
                            <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                          • Entering your license key. If you purchased a license separately, you’ll activate it here. If your provider bundled it, it might be auto-detected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                            Step 4: Post-Installation Security and Configuration<\/h3>\n
                            Even with a control panel, basic server security is still your responsibility.<\/p>\n
                              \n
                            1. \n
                              Security Measures (within the control panel):<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                \n
                              • cPanel WHM:<\/strong>\n
                                  \n
                                • cPHulk Brute Force Protection:<\/span><\/strong> Enable and configure this to block repeated failed login attempts.<\/span>\n
                                  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                • ConfigServer Security & Firewall (CSF):<\/span><\/strong> Install and configure this powerful firewall (often available as a plugin in WHM).<\/span> It offers much more granular control than a basic OS firewall.\n
                                  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                • SSH Password Authentication:<\/strong> While you might have disabled it manually in the CLI, ensure it’s off in WHM’s SSH configuration (SSH Password Auth).<\/li>\n
                                • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):<\/strong> Set up 2FA for your WHM root login.<\/li>\n
                                • Security Advisor:<\/span><\/strong> Regularly run the security advisor in WHM for recommendations.<\/span>\n
                                  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                • Plesk:<\/strong>\n
                                    \n
                                  • Plesk Firewall:<\/span><\/strong> Configure the built-in Plesk firewall.<\/span>\n
                                    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                  • ModSecurity:<\/strong> Enable and configure this web application firewall.<\/li>\n
                                  • Fail2Ban:<\/span><\/strong> Plesk has integrated Fail2Ban; ensure it’s enabled for relevant services (SSH, web, mail).<\/span>\n
                                    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                  • Security Advisor:<\/strong> Use the Plesk Security Advisor to check and improve security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                  • \n
                                    Create Your First Hosting Account (cPanel) \/ Subscription (Plesk):<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                      \n
                                    • cPanel WHM:<\/strong> Go to “Account Functions” > “Create a New Account” to set up your first cPanel account for your website.<\/li>\n
                                    • Plesk:<\/strong> Go to “Subscriptions” > “Add Subscription” to create a new hosting subscription.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                    • \n
                                      Point Your Domain:<\/strong> Update your domain’s DNS records at your domain registrar to point to your VPS’s IP address. If you’ve set up nameservers in WHM\/Plesk, you’ll point your domain to those nameservers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
                                    • \n
                                      Install SSL Certificate:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                        \n
                                      • Both cPanel and Plesk offer easy ways to install free SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt for your websites.<\/span> This is critical for security and SEO.\n
                                        <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                      • Also, consider securing the WHM\/Plesk login itself with a valid SSL certificate (e.g., from Let’s Encrypt) rather than the self-signed one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                      • \n
                                        Regular Updates:<\/strong> While the panel might have its own update mechanism, also keep your underlying OS updated periodically using SSH commands, and monitor the panel’s internal update notifications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
                                      • \n
                                        Backups:<\/strong> Configure backup routines within the control panel. Most panels offer robust backup options to local storage or remote destinations.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                        By installing a control panel, you automate many complex server administration tasks, making your unmanaged VPS much more user-friendly. Remember to keep both your control panel and underlying OS updated for the best performance and security.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
                                        Installing a control panel like cPanel or Plesk on your unmanaged VPS can significantly simplify server management, especially for beginners or those managing multiple websites. These panels provide a graphical interface (GUI) for tasks that would otherwise require command-line knowledge, such as managing domains, email accounts, databases, and website files. Important Considerations Before Installation: License: […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":226,"featured_media":26558,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[163],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-26556","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hosting"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26556","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/226"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26556"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26556\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26560,"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26556\/revisions\/26560"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26558"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tremhost.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}