Installing WordPress with Custom Settings via Softaculous

WordPress is the most popular CMS for building websites, and cPanel’s Softaculous installer makes deployment fast and easy. However, using custom settings during installation is critical for security, performance, and scalability. This guide walks you through an advanced WordPress installation process using Softaculous in cPanel.

Why Use Custom Settings?

The default installation options in Softaculous are convenient but often insecure and inefficient. Customizing settings ensures:

• Security: Prevents common exploits by changing database prefixes and enforcing strong credentials.
• Performance: Optimizes PHP settings and caching from the start.
• Scalability: Prepares your site for future growth with proper configurations.

Step 1: Access Softaculous in cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Scroll down to Softaculous Apps Installer.
3. Click WordPress → Install Now.

Step 2: Configure Installation Settings

Choose Installation URL

• Select the domain where WordPress will be installed.
• Remove /wp from the directory field if you want WordPress in the root folder.

Set Protocol

• Always choose https:// if SSL is installed.
• If SSL is not installed, set it up first (see our guide: Securing Your Website with SSL and Force HTTPS).

Step 3: Advanced Site Settings

• Site Name & Description: Enter your brand name and tagline.
• Enable Multisite (Optional): If you plan to run multiple sites under one WordPress installation, enable this feature.

Step 4: Secure Admin Account

• Admin Username: Avoid admin or administrator.
• Admin Password: Use a strong password (minimum 12 characters).
• Admin Email: Use a valid email for password recovery.

Step 5: Database Settings

• Database Name: Use a unique name.
• Table Prefix: Change from wp_ to something random like x9t_ for security.
• Disable Sample Data: Avoid installing demo content unless necessary.

Step 6: Advanced Options

• Auto Upgrade: Enable automatic updates for WordPress core, plugins, and themes.
• Backup Location: Configure backups to external storage (Google Drive, S3).
• Disable Email Notifications: Optional, but recommended for reducing spam alerts.

Step 7: Select Plugins & Themes

• Install essential plugins during setup:
  • Security: Wordfence or iThemes Security.
  • Caching: LiteSpeed Cache or W3 Total Cache.
  • SEO: Yoast SEO or Rank Math.

Step 8: Optimize PHP Settings

After installation:

• Go to MultiPHP INI Editor in cPanel.
• Increase:
  • memory_limit to 256M
  • upload_max_filesize to 64M
  • max_execution_time to 300

Step 9: Post-Installation Security Hardening

• Remove unused themes and plugins.
• Enable SSL and force HTTPS via .htaccess:
   

   

   

  RewriteEngine On

  RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off

  RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

   
• Configure file permissions:
  • wp-config.php → 600
  • Directories → 755
  • Files → 644

Troubleshooting

• Installation Fails: Check PHP version compatibility (WordPress requires PHP 7.4+).
• SSL Errors: Ensure AutoSSL or custom SSL is installed before forcing HTTPS.
• Database Connection Error: Verify credentials and privileges in MySQL Databases.