To install cPanel & WHM on AlmaLinux, start with a fresh AlmaLinux 8 or 9 server that has at least 2 GB of RAM and 20 GB of disk. Set a fully qualified hostname, then run the official installer as root:
cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latest --skip-cloudlinuxWhen it finishes, open WHM at https://YOUR_SERVER_IP:2087 and log in as root.
This guide follows that order and adds the checks that prevent a failed install.
Requirements
| Item | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | AlmaLinux 8 (cPanel & WHM 110 and later) or AlmaLinux 9 (version 114 and later), fresh install | AlmaLinux 9 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Disk | 20 GB | 40 GB |
| Hostname | Fully qualified domain name, for example server.example.com | A subdomain that is not used for a website |
| License | 15-day trial for new installs | Paid cPanel license afterwards |
These are the official cPanel figures for AlmaLinux. “Fresh” matters: the installer stops if Apache, MySQL or another control panel is already present. If you used the server for something else, reinstall AlmaLinux first (from the Client Area, or ask us in a ticket).
When you choose a plan and location, pick a VPS with 4 GB RAM or more if you will host several sites. Choose the location closest to your visitors.
Step 1: Connect and update the system
Connect as root over SSH (see How to Connect to Your Linux VPS with SSH). Then update the system:
dnf -y update
rebootReboot even if nothing seems to need it. A kernel update only takes effect after a restart.
Step 2: Set the hostname
cPanel requires a fully qualified hostname of up to 60 characters. It must not be the same as any domain you will host. Use a subdomain such as server.example.com:
hostnamectl set-hostname server.example.com
hostname -fIn the DNS of example.com, create an A record for server that points to your server IP. A missing record does not block the installation, but SSL for the hostname and some email checks need it later.
Step 3: Disable firewalld before installing
cPanel’s documentation recommends disabling the operating system firewall before the install, and configuring a firewall again afterwards. Save the current rules first:
iptables-save > ~/firewall.rules
systemctl stop firewalld.service
systemctl disable firewalld.serviceOn AlmaLinux 9 you don’t need to touch NetworkManager. On AlmaLinux 8, the installer switches the network service itself.
Step 4: Run the installer inside tmux
The installation runs for a long time. If your SSH connection drops halfway, a plain session stops the installer with it. Use tmux:
dnf -y install tmux
tmux new -s cpanel
cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latest --skip-cloudlinux--skip-cloudlinux keeps the server on AlmaLinux. Without it, the installer may offer to convert the system to another distribution.
If you get disconnected, log in again and run tmux attach -t cpanel. The full log is in /var/log/cpanel-install.log. If the install stops with an error, the reason is near the end of that file.
Step 5: First login to WHM
When the installer prints that the installation is complete, open:
https://203.0.113.10:2087Replace the IP with your own. The browser warns about the certificate on the first visit, because the server still uses a self-signed one. Continue to the site, then log in with root and the root password.
The setup wizard then asks you to:
- Accept the license agreement.
- Enter a contact email for server notifications.
- Set the nameservers. Keep the defaults if your domains will use external DNS.
Ports that cPanel uses
| Port | Service |
|---|---|
| 2087 | WHM (server administration, root) |
| 2083 | cPanel (per-account panel) |
| 2096 | Webmail |
| 80, 443 | Websites |
| 21 | FTP |
| 53 | DNS, if the server hosts your zones |
| 465, 587, 993, 995 | Secure mail sending and receiving |
Important: outgoing port 25
Outgoing connections on port 25 are closed on AVASERVER servers, as stated in our terms. Your server can’t deliver email directly to other mail servers on that port. Configure an external SMTP relay in WHM › Service Configuration › Exim Configuration Manager › Basic Editor (the smarthost setting). Ports 465 and 587 to your relay provider are not affected.
After the installation
- Change the root password if it was ever sent by email. See How to Change the Root Password on a Linux VPS.
- Set up a firewall again to replace the firewalld you disabled.
- Turn on cPHulk Brute Force Protection in WHM › Security Center.
- Create your first account in WHM › Account Functions › Create a New Account.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a cPanel installation take?
It depends on CPU and disk speed. On a typical VPS, expect it to run for tens of minutes. Keep it inside tmux so a dropped connection doesn’t interrupt it.
Can I install cPanel on AlmaLinux 10?
Check the current cPanel system requirements before you try. This guide covers AlmaLinux 8 and 9, which cPanel supports for versions 110 and 114 onward.
Is cPanel free?
No. New installations get a 15-day trial license. After that, the server needs a paid cPanel license.
Can I remove cPanel later?
There is no supported uninstaller. To go back to a clean server, reinstall the operating system.
