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Here's a detailed guide on How to Install WordPress using Softaculous in cPanel:

How to Install WordPress Using Softaculous in cPanel

Softaculous is an automated script installer that makes it easy to install web applications, including WordPress, within just a few clicks. This guide will walk you through installing WordPress using Softaculous in cPanel.

Step 1: Log in to Your cPanel Account

1. Open your web browser and navigate to your cPanel login page (e.g., https://your-domain.com/cpanel).
2. Enter your cPanel username and password, then click Log in.

Step 2: Locate the Softaculous App Installer

1. In the cPanel Dashboard, scroll down to the Software section.
2. Click on Softaculous Apps Installer (or just Softaculous depending on your theme).

Step 3: Search for WordPress

1. Once inside Softaculous, you will see a variety of apps. Look for the WordPress icon under the Top Scripts section, or use the search bar to find WordPress.
2. Click on the WordPress icon to proceed to the installation page.

Step 4: Start the WordPress Installation

1. On the WordPress installation page, click the Install Now button.

Step 5: Software Setup

You will now see a form to configure your WordPress installation:

1. Choose Installation URL:

   • Protocol: Select whether to install using HTTP or HTTPS. If you have an SSL certificate, choose https://.
   • Domain: Select the domain name on which you want to install WordPress.
   • Directory: Leave this field empty if you want to install WordPress on the root of the domain (e.g., yourdomain.com). If you want it installed in a subdirectory (e.g., yourdomain.com/blog), enter the directory name.

2. Site Settings:

   • Site Name: Enter the name of your website (e.g., "My Blog").
   • Site Description: Enter a brief description of your website (e.g., "A WordPress Blog").
   • Enable Multisite (WPMU): Leave this unchecked unless you want to create a WordPress Multisite network.

Step 6: Admin Account Setup

1. Admin Username: Create a username for your WordPress admin account (do not use “admin” for security purposes).
2. Admin Password: Create a strong password for the admin account.
3. Admin Email: Enter the email address for the administrator of the site (important for password recovery).

Step 7: Choose Language

1. Select Language: Choose the default language for your WordPress site.

Step 8: Select Plugins (Optional)

1. You can choose to install Limit Login Attempts (recommended) to protect your site from brute-force attacks, or any other plugin Softaculous may offer at this step.

Step 9: Advanced Options (Optional)

1. Click on Advanced Options to reveal more settings (optional):
   • Database Name: You can leave the default name or set a custom one.
   • Table Prefix: It's recommended to leave the table prefix as wp_, but you can change it for security purposes.
   • Auto Upgrade: Choose whether to enable automatic upgrades for WordPress, themes, and plugins.
   • Backup: You can set up automatic backups here. It’s recommended to schedule regular backups to safeguard your site.

Step 10: Choose a Theme (Optional)

1. You may select a theme from the list of free WordPress themes displayed by Softaculous, or skip this step and install a theme later from the WordPress dashboard.

Step 11: Install WordPress

1. After reviewing all your settings, click on the Install button.
2. Softaculous will begin the WordPress installation process, which typically takes a few seconds.

Step 12: Completion and Accessing WordPress

1. Once the installation is complete, you will see a success message with a link to your newly installed WordPress site.
2. You will also see a link to your WordPress admin login (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin). Click on this link to access the WordPress dashboard.

Step 13: Logging into WordPress

1. Use the admin username and password you created during the installation to log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. From the WordPress dashboard, you can customize your site, install plugins, manage content, and more.

Conclusion

You have successfully installed WordPress using Softaculous in cPanel. From here, you can begin building your website by choosing a theme, adding content, and configuring plugins. Softaculous makes WordPress installation quick and easy, allowing you to get started with your website without any technical complications.