How to Install WordPress Manually in cPanel (No Auto Installer)

Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation using tools like Softaculous. However, there are situations where you may need to install WordPress manually:

• Your hosting does not support auto installers
• You are migrating from another host
• You want full control over the installation

If you are new to WordPress, it’s a good idea to first try installing it locally before working on a live server. You can follow our guide on installing WordPress on WampServer to understand the basics before proceeding.

Step 1: Download WordPress

Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website.

Once downloaded:

• You will get a .zip file
• This contains all the core WordPress files

Step 2: Upload WordPress Files to Your Server

1. Log in to your cPanel
2. Go to File Manager
3. Navigate to your domain root directory:
   • public_html (main domain)
   • Or a subfolder/subdomain

Upload Options

Option A (Recommended):

• Upload the .zip file
• Extract it inside the root directory

Option B:

• Extract locally
• Upload using FTP (like FileZilla)

After extraction, ensure files are directly inside the root folder (not inside a nested wordpress folder unless intended).

Step 3: Create a Database

WordPress requires a MySQL database.

Using cPanel Database Wizard:

1. Go to MySQL® Database Wizard
2. Enter a database name → Click Next
3. Create a database user
   • Use a strong password
4. Assign the user to the database
5. Select All Privileges
6. Finish setup

Save these details:

• Database Name
• Username
• Password

If you are setting up WordPress on a local server instead of cPanel, the database creation process will be slightly different. You can refer to our WampServer guide for local setup instructions.

Step 4: Start WordPress Installation

Open your browser and visit:

http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php

If installed in a subfolder:

http://yourdomain.com/folder/wp-admin/install.php

Step 5: Configure Database Connection

1. Select your language → Click Continue
2. Click Let’s Go
3. Enter database details:
   • Database Name
   • Username
   • Password
   • Database Host: localhost
   • Table Prefix (optional)

Click Submit

If the details are correct, proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Complete Installation

Click Run the Installation

Now enter:

• Site Title
• Admin Username
• Password
• Email Address

Click Install WordPress

Once completed, you’ll be redirected to the login page.

Step 7: Log in to WordPress

Access your dashboard:

http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Log in using your admin credentials.

Your WordPress site is now ready.

Recommended Settings After Installation

Change Permalink Structure

After installation, it is recommended to update your permalink structure for better SEO.

Go to:

Settings → Permalinks

Select:

Post Name

If you are unsure how to configure this properly, check our guide on changing the permalink structure in WordPress.

Important Tips

• Make sure your domain is properly pointed to the server
• Ensure file permissions are correctly set (usually handled automatically)
• Always use strong database and admin passwords

If you are migrating your website from another host, always take a full backup before making changes. You can follow our guide on backing up WordPress to cloud storage using UpdraftPlus.

Final Thoughts

Manual WordPress installation in cPanel is straightforward and gives you full control over your setup. While one-click installers are convenient, understanding the manual process helps in troubleshooting, migration, and advanced configurations.

With proper setup, backups, and basic configuration, your WordPress site will be ready for development and deployment.