Softaculous is a one-click auto-installer available in cPanel that lets you install WordPress (and 400+ other applications) in under a minute. This is the recommended method for installing WordPress on Cynet Business Hosting plans.
On a WordPress Hosting plan? Your WordPress is pre-installed and managed via WP Toolkit instead. See How to Use WP Toolkit.
Prerequisites
- A Cynet Business Hosting plan (or any plan with Softaculous)
- A domain pointed to your hosting (
ns1.cynethost.comthroughns4.cynethost.com) - Access to cPanel
Steps
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
Navigate to yourdomain.com/cpanel or log in via the Cynet client area at manage.cynet.com.my → My Services → Web Hosting → Manage → cPanel Login.
Step 2: Open Softaculous
In the cPanel dashboard, scroll to the Software section and click Softaculous Apps Installer.
You may also see a WordPress quick-install icon directly on the cPanel homepage — clicking that takes you straight to the WordPress installer.
Step 3: Select WordPress
- In Softaculous, click WordPress (it's usually featured prominently on the homepage)
- Click the Install tab
Step 4: Configure the Installation
Fill in the following settings:
Software Setup
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Choose Protocol | https:// (if SSL is active) or https://www. |
| Choose Domain | Select your domain from the dropdown |
| In Directory | Leave blank to install on the root domain (yourdomain.com). Enter a folder name (e.g., blog) to install at yourdomain.com/blog |
Site Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Site Name | Your website name (e.g., "My Business") |
| Site Description | A short tagline (e.g., "Quality products and services") |
Admin Account
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Admin Username | Choose a unique username (do not use "admin" for security) |
| Admin Password | Use a strong password — click the key icon to generate one |
| Admin Email | Your email address for login recovery and notifications |
Important: Write down or save your admin username and password. You'll need them to log in to WordPress.
Language
Select your preferred language (default: English).
Select Plugins (Optional)
Softaculous may offer optional plugins to pre-install. Recommended:
- ☑ Limit Login Attempts — Protects against brute-force attacks
- ☐ Skip others unless you know you need them
Advanced Options (Optional)
Expand this section if you want to:
- Change the database name and table prefix (useful for security)
- Set up automatic backups (recommended — set to backup once a day, keep 4 copies)
- Choose a specific theme to pre-install
Step 5: Click Install
Click the Install button at the bottom. Softaculous will:
- Create the database
- Download and install WordPress files
- Configure the
wp-config.phpfile - Set up the admin account
Step 6: Done!
Softaculous will display a success message with two important links:
- Website URL:
https://yourdomain.com— Your live website - Admin URL:
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin— Your WordPress dashboard
First Steps After Installation
Log in to WordPress Admin
- Go to
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin - Enter the admin username and password you set during installation
- You'll see the WordPress Dashboard
Essential First Tasks
- Set permalinks: Go to Settings → Permalinks → Select Post name → Save (best for SEO)
- Delete sample content: Remove the sample "Hello World" post and "Sample Page"
- Install a theme: Go to Appearance → Themes → Add New → Search and install your preferred theme
- Install essential plugins:
- Set up SSL redirect: If not already done, go to Settings → General → Ensure both URLs use
https://
Installing WordPress on a Subdomain or Addon Domain
The process is identical — just select the subdomain or addon domain from the Choose Domain dropdown in Step 4. Ensure the domain is already added in cPanel → Domains before installing.
Troubleshooting
"Installation directory is not empty"
The target folder already contains files. Either:
- Delete the existing files in that directory (cPanel → File Manager)
- Choose a different directory for the installation
WordPress installed but shows "Not Secure"
AutoSSL may not have issued yet. Go to cPanel → SSL/TLS Status → Run AutoSSL. Then update your WordPress URLs to https:// in Settings → General.
Forgot admin password
- Go to
yourdomain.com/wp-admin - Click Lost your password?
- Enter your admin email — a reset link will be sent
- Alternatively, reset via Softaculous: cPanel → Softaculous → WordPress Installations → Edit → change the admin password
Can't find Softaculous in cPanel
Softaculous is available on Business Hosting and most shared plans. If you're on a WordPress Hosting plan, use WP Toolkit instead. If it's missing, contact Cynet support.