Install an app with Softaculous in cPanel (WordPress, Joomla, PrestaShop and more)

Softaculous is the one-click app installer included with MdmHost cPanel hosting. It installs WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop, Moodle, Nextcloud and hundreds more, creating the database and configuration for you. It also keeps track of each installation so you can update, back up, clone or remove it later.

Before you start

• The domain or subdomain is added in cPanel and points to MdmHost (see add a domain).
• The target folder is empty. Softaculous refuses to overwrite existing files unless you allow it.
• Ideally, AutoSSL has already issued a certificate for the domain so you can install on https://.

Install an app

1. Open cPanel → Software → Softaculous Apps Installer.
2. Pick an app from the top list or search, for example WordPress, and click Install (or Install Now). The Quick Install option uses defaults; Custom Install shows every option.
3. Software Setup:
   • Choose the version: the latest stable version is selected.
   • Choose Installation URL: protocol https:// (or https://www.), the domain, and In Directory. Leave the directory empty to install at the domain root; Softaculous suggests wp, which would put the site at example.com/wp.
4. Site Settings: site name and description (you can change them later).
5. Admin Account: choose an admin username that is not admin, a strong password and an email you check.
6. Choose Language.
7. Select Plugin(s) and Advanced Options:
   • Database name and table prefix (random by default, which is fine).
   • Disable Update Notifications Emails: leave unticked to stay informed.
   • Auto Upgrade, Auto Upgrade plugins/themes: see auto-upgrade settings.
   • Backup Location and Automated backups (e.g. once a week, keep 4).
8. Optionally pick a theme, then enter an email under Email installation details to and click Install.

Installation takes under a minute. Softaculous shows the site URL and the admin URL, e.g. https://example.com/wp-admin/.

Find and manage your installations

Click the All Installations icon (box at the top right of Softaculous). Each row has icons to:

• Open the admin panel (single sign-on)
• Edit details: auto-upgrade and backup settings
• Backup and Clone, Staging and Remove

Troubleshooting

• "The directory is not empty": an index.html or old files are in the folder. Remove them, or tick Overwrite Existing files if you are sure.
• Installed in the wrong folder (e.g. /wp): remove and reinstall with an empty directory, or move it with Clone.
• Site shows "Not secure": SSL was not ready. After AutoSSL issues the certificate, change the site URL to https://. See change the WordPress site URL.
• App missing from the list: some apps are disabled by the server. Ask support.

Next steps

• Back up and restore with Softaculous
• Create a staging site
• Import an existing site into Softaculous