Quick answer: cPanel/WHM installs on a fresh AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux 8/9 server with one command from cpanel.net, but it requires a license — bring your own from the cPanel Store or ask Cloud2Y support about a licensed option. After installation, log in to WHM at https://your-server-ip:2087 and complete the setup wizard; a 15-day trial license is available for evaluation.
Overview
cPanel (the site-owner panel) plus WHM (the admin panel) is the most widely used commercial hosting stack: mature, fully documented, with mail, DNS, backups, AutoSSL and a huge ecosystem. At Cloud2Y you can also simply select cPanel as a configurable option when ordering the server and skip the manual install entirely.
Before you start
- A fresh, minimal AlmaLinux 8/9 or Rocky Linux 8/9 install — no web/DB packages preinstalled; reinstall the OS if unsure.
- 2 GB+ RAM (more for busy mail/sites) and 20 GB+ free disk.
- A valid license for the server's main IP (cPanel Store, or ask us), or plan to activate the 15-day trial.
- A fully qualified hostname (e.g.
srv1.example.com) — set it before installing.
Step-by-step guide
- Set the hostname:
hostnamectl set-hostname srv1.example.com - Update the OS and disable conflicting services if any (
dnf -y update). - Run the official installer (takes 20–60 minutes):
cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latest - Log in to WHM at
https://your-server-ip:2087asrootand complete the initial setup wizard (nameservers, contact email). - Activate your license (or the trial) when prompted, create your first cPanel account and add sites (guide).
Common issues
- "OS not supported": cPanel does not install on Ubuntu/Debian for production use — use AlmaLinux/Rocky.
- License errors: the license is bound to the main public IP — verify it at cpanel.net's license check and make sure the server's outbound IP matches.
- Installer aborts: usually leftover packages on a non-minimal OS — reinstall and rerun.
- Port 2087 blocked: open WHM/cPanel service ports in the firewall (2083, 2087, plus 80/443 and mail ports if used).
When to contact support
Ask us via support ticket if you want cPanel preinstalled or a licensing option arranged, need the OS reinstalled to a minimal image, or the license IP does not match after a migration.
Frequently asked questions
Can I try cPanel before buying a license?
Yes. A 15-day trial license is available and activates during installation on a fresh server, which is enough time to evaluate WHM, AutoSSL, backups and the migration tools.
Does cPanel run on Ubuntu or Debian?
For production use cPanel targets RHEL-family systems: AlmaLinux 8/9, Rocky Linux and CloudLinux. On Cloud2Y, order or reinstall the server with AlmaLinux to install cPanel.
Why does my cPanel license show as invalid?
Licenses are bound to the server's main public IP. Verify the licensed IP matches the server's outbound IP, then re-run the license script; if it still fails, contact support.
Related articles
- Which control panel should I choose?
- How to add a domain in a control panel
- How to create backups in a control panel
- Control panel security checklist
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