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If you’ve just launched a new VPS and want a reliable, feature-rich control panel to manage websites, emails, and hosting services, cPanel remains a top choice in 2025. It simplifies server management through an intuitive interface while offering powerful backend tools for system administrators.

This guide walks you through installing cPanel on a freshly provisioned VPS step by step.

Prerequisites

Before starting the installation, make sure your VPS meets the following requirements:

Operating System: AlmaLinux 8 or 9, Rocky Linux 8 or 9, or CloudLinux (CentOS is no longer recommended)
RAM: Minimum 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
Storage: Minimum 20 GB (SSD preferred)
Root Access: Required
Static IP Address: Required

Visit https://linkdata.com/shared-servers/ for list of compatible VPS with Cpanel.

Note: cPanel is a licensed product. You’ll need a valid cPanel license after the 15-day free trial. You can purchase a license from cPanel.net.

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Update Your System

ssh root@your-server-ip

Update all installed packages:

nf update -y

Disable NetworkManager (as cPanel recommends not using it):

systemctl stop NetworkManager
systemctl disable NetworkManager

Step 2: Set a Hostname

Set a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) for your server:

hostnamectl set-hostname server.yourdomain.com

Verify with:

hostname

Step 3: Install Required Packages

Install Perl and Curl, which are required for the installation:

nf install perl curl -y

Step 4: Download and Run the cPanel Installer

Navigate to the /home directory:

/home

Download the latest cPanel installation script:

curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest

Run the installer (this may take up to an hour depending on server speed):

sh latest

What the Installer Does

During installation, the script automatically:

Installs WHM/cPanel
Sets up web services including Apache, PHP, and MySQL or MariaDB
Installs Exim (mail server), Dovecot (IMAP/POP3 server), FTP services, and DNS management
Configures the system with secure defaults

Accessing WHM After Installation

Once the installer finishes, open your browser and go to:

https://your-server-ip:2087

Username: root
Password: your VPS root password

You’ll be guided through the WHM setup wizard, where you can configure your:

Contact email
Nameservers
Services and preferences

Post-Installation Recommendations

Set up a firewall: Install and configure CSF (ConfigServer Security & Firewall)
Enable security features: Activate cPHulk for brute force protection
Set up mail authentication: Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
Install PHP extensions and utilities: Use WHM’s EasyApache 4

Licensing

Once your trial ends, activate your license via the command line:

/usr/local/cpanel/cpkeyclt

Or follow the licensing instructions in WHM.

Uninstallation Warning

cPanel does not support uninstallation. If you need to remove it, you must reinstall the operating system on your VPS.

Conclusion

Installing cPanel on a fresh VPS transforms it into a powerful web hosting environment. Whether you’re managing a single website or a full hosting business, cPanel provides the tools to streamline operations and scale efficiently.

If you’d like a VPS with cPanel pre-installed and ready to go, visit Linkdata.com for optimized plans and expert support.