Install LiteSpeed on cPanel and Switch from Apache

LiteSpeed Web Server Enterprise replaces Apache on a cPanel server while reading the same configuration and .htaccess files. It installs as a WHM plugin, so you can switch between Apache and LiteSpeed from WHM at any time.

MdmHost shared, reseller and master reseller plans already include this, fully managed. This guide is for administrators running their own cPanel VPS or dedicated server with root access.

Before you start

A cPanel server with root SSH access and EasyApache 4 working on Apache.
A LiteSpeed licence serial number, or use a trial licence.
A quiet maintenance window; switching web servers restarts the web service briefly.

Install LiteSpeed

Connect as root over SSH.
Run LiteSpeed's installer with your serial:
```
bash <( curl https://get.litespeed.sh ) YOUR_SERIAL_NO
```
Use TRIAL instead of a serial for a trial licence.
The script installs LiteSpeed in /usr/local/lsws and adds WHM → Plugins → LiteSpeed Web Server.

Switch from Apache to LiteSpeed

Open WHM → Plugins → LiteSpeed Web Server.
Check the PHP handler settings: LiteSpeed uses LSAPI with your EasyApache or CloudLinux alt-php versions (see LSAPI explained).
Click Switch to LiteSpeed. Apache is stopped and LiteSpeed starts on ports 80 and 443.
Test several sites, including HTTPS and a WordPress site.

Set the WebAdmin password

LiteSpeed has its own admin console on port 7080. Set a strong password in the WHM plugin (Change WebAdmin Console Password) and restrict port 7080 to your IP in the firewall.

Enable LSCache for users

In the WHM plugin open LiteSpeed Cache Management (or Cache Manager).
Make sure the cache root is configured, then use Scan and Mass Enable to install the LiteSpeed Cache plugin on WordPress sites, if you want caching on by default.
Users manage it themselves in cPanel (see LiteSpeed Web Cache Manager).

Warning: Mass enabling caching on sites you do not maintain can surprise customers with dynamic sites. Announce it first, or let customers enable it themselves.

Switch back to Apache

In WHM → Plugins → LiteSpeed Web Server, click Switch to Apache. Your Apache configuration is untouched, so this is a quick rollback.

Troubleshooting

Licence errors

Run /usr/local/lsws/bin/lshttpd -V to check the licence. Outbound access to LiteSpeed's licence servers must be allowed.

Some sites break after switching

Look for unsupported Apache modules or directives (see .htaccess on LiteSpeed) and check /usr/local/lsws/logs/error.log.

Rebuilt Apache config not picked up

LiteSpeed reloads automatically after EasyApache or account changes; if not, use Restart LiteSpeed in the plugin.

Frequently asked questions

Is OpenLiteSpeed the same?

No. OpenLiteSpeed is the free edition without cPanel integration or .htaccess support for every directive. cPanel servers use LiteSpeed Enterprise.

Do I need to change anything for customers?

No. Accounts keep working; they simply get the speed benefits (see LiteSpeed Web Server explained).

How much faster will sites be?

Uncached PHP pages improve modestly; cached pages with LSCache are served in milliseconds. The biggest gain comes from enabling LiteSpeed Cache on busy WordPress sites.

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