What is WordPress & How to Install it from cPanel [2025 Guide]

WordPress is a free, open-source Content Management System (CMS) that powers over 43% of the web. To install it from cPanel, the fastest method is using the Softaculous “One-Click” installer: simply navigate to “Softaculous Apps Installer,” select WordPress, fill in your site details, and click “Install.” For advanced control, you can manually upload the WordPress ZIP file via cPanel File Manager and configure the database yourself.

Building a website used to require coding knowledge. Today, you just need WordPress and a hosting account with cPanel.

However, staring at the cPanel dashboard can be intimidating. It’s full of icons, files, and technical jargon. One wrong click, and you might feel like you’ve broken something.

This guide eliminates that fear. We will walk through the exact steps to get your WordPress site live in under 5 minutes, using the modern tools available in 2025.

What is WordPress? (And Why Use It in 2025?)

At its core, WordPress is software that makes creating a website accessible to everyone. You don’t need to know HTML or PHP to use it.

In 2025, WordPress has evolved beyond a simple blogging tool. It now features:

• Full Site Editing (FSE): You can design headers, footers, and layouts visually using blocks.
• Built-in Performance: Modern versions include native lazy-loading for images to boost speed.
• AI Integration: Many modern plugins now use AI to help you write content and generate images directly inside the editor.

Method 1: The “One-Click” Softaculous Install (Recommended)

This is the industry-standard way to install WordPress. It handles all the complex database creation and file linking for you.

Step 1: Access Softaculous

Log in to your cPanel dashboard. Scroll down to the Software section (usually near the bottom) and click on “Softaculous Apps Installer” or “WordPress Manager by Softaculous.”

Step 2: Configure Your Installation

Click the blue “Install” button. You will be presented with a form. Here is exactly how to fill it out for a perfect setup:

1. Choose Protocol: Select https:// (Ensure your SSL is active).
2. Choose Domain: Select the domain you want to use.
3. In Directory: IMPORTANT: Leave this field EMPTY. If you type “dir” or “blog,” your site will be installed at yourdomain.com/blog.
4. Admin Account:
   • Username: Never use “admin” (it is a security risk). Choose something unique.
   • Password: Use the key generator to create a strong password.
5. Advanced Options (Optional but Recommended): Click the + icon. Change the Table Prefix from wp_ to something random like wpx9_. This makes it harder for hackers to target your database.

Step 3: Launch

Scroll to the bottom and click “Install.” A progress bar will appear. Once it hits 100%, you will see a success message with your “Administrative URL” (usually yourdomain.com/wp-admin).

Method 2: Manual Installation via File Manager (For Pros)

Use this method if you want full control over the database creation or if Softaculous is unavailable.

Step 1: Download & Upload

1. Go to wordpress.org/download and get the latest .zip file.
2. In cPanel, open File Manager.
3. Navigate to public_html.
4. Click Upload and select your WordPress ZIP file.
5. Once uploaded, right-click the file and select Extract.

Step 2: Create the Database

WordPress needs a place to store your data.

1. In cPanel, go to “MySQL Database Wizard.”
2. Step 1: Name your database (e.g., newsite_db).
3. Step 2: Create a user (e.g., newsite_user) and a strong password. Save these credentials!
4. Step 3: Check “All Privileges” to give the user full control.

Step 3: Connect Them

1. Visit your domain in a web browser.
2. WordPress will ask for the Database Name, Username, and Password you just created.
3. Click “Run the Installation.”

Softaculous vs. Manual: Which Should You Choose for WordPress?

Frequently Asked Questions for WordPress (Troubleshooting)

Next Step: Once your installation is complete, would you like me to generate a “First 5 Plugins You Must Install“ guide to secure and optimize your new site immediately?