How to Install WordPress in cPanel and Complete the Essential First Setup Print

Install WordPress on Pakish shared hosting through Softaculous Apps Installer or WordPress Manager by Softaculous in cPanel, then complete a short security checklist before going live.

Requirements

• An active Pakish hosting account with cPanel access.
• A domain or subdomain pointed to your account.
• A strong administrator password and a real administrator email address.

Install WordPress

1. Log in to cPanel from my.pakish.net.
2. Open Softaculous Apps Installer or WordPress Manager by Softaculous.
3. Select WordPress and click Install.
4. Choose Domain: pick the correct domain — avoid installing into an unintended subdirectory unless you want the site at example.com/blog.
5. In Directory: leave empty for the site root (public_html) or enter a folder name only if you need a subfolder install.
6. Enable HTTPS if SSL is already active for the domain.
7. Set a unique Administrator Username — never use admin.
8. Set a strong Administrator Password and save it in a password manager.
9. Enter a valid Administrator Email — WordPress recovery messages go here.
10. Set Site Name and choose your Language.
11. Click Install and wait for the success message.

Log in after installation

Your WordPress dashboard is usually at https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/. Replace yourdomain.com with your domain.

Essential first setup

1. Go to Dashboard → Updates and apply WordPress core updates if offered.
2. Delete unused default plugins and themes you do not need.
3. Install only trusted plugins from the official directory.
4. Confirm Settings → General shows https:// addresses if SSL is enabled — see AutoSSL and HTTPS help.
5. Consider replacing virtual cron with a real cron job — disable WP-Cron and use cPanel Cron Jobs.
6. Create an off-site backup — WordPress backup guide.

Troubleshooting

• Wrong folder: if the site opens only at /wordpress, you installed into a subdirectory — reinstall to the correct path or move files carefully with a backup.
• Cannot log in: reset the password from Softaculous or use cPanel password help only for hosting access, not WordPress itself.

Need help choosing the install directory or fixing a failed install? Submit a ticket at my.pakish.net with your domain and the installer error message.