How to install WHM/cPanel on Almalinux 8.10

In this guide, we will install WHM/cPanel on AlmaLinux 8.10 step by step using simple commands.

Requirements

Before starting, make sure you have:

• A VPS or Dedicated Server with AlmaLinux 8.10
• Root access to the server
• A public IPv4 address
• A valid hostname, for example srv.yourdomain.com
• A cPanel license
• A clean server without another hosting control panel installed

It is also recommended to point your hostname’s A record to the server IP before installing cPanel.

Step 1: Connect to Your Server Using SSH

First, open Terminal on your computer and connect to the server using SSH.

ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

Example:

ssh root@36.50.40.152

When connecting for the first time, you may see:

Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?

Type:

yes

Then enter your server’s root password.

After successful login, you will be connected to your AlmaLinux server.

Step 2: Update the Server

Before installing cPanel, update all existing packages.

Run:

yum update

The server may ask:

Is this ok [y/N]:

Type:

y

and press Enter.

The server will download and install the available updates.

You can also automatically accept the confirmation by running:

yum update -y

Wait until the update process finishes.

Step 3: Upgrade Installed Packages

After updating the package information, run:

yum upgrade

Or:

yum upgrade -y

This ensures that the installed system packages are upgraded to the latest available versions.

If everything is already updated, you may see:

Nothing to do.
Complete!

That is completely normal.

Step 4: Set the Server Hostname

cPanel requires a valid Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) as the server hostname.

For example:

srv.clouds-manager.com

Set the hostname using:

hostnamectl set-hostname srv.clouds-manager.com

You can also use:

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname srv.clouds-manager.com

Then verify the hostname:

hostname

You should see:

srv.clouds-manager.com

You can also check it with:

hostnamectl

Important

Make sure an A record exists for your hostname.

Example:

srv.clouds-manager.com → YOUR_SERVER_IP

This should be configured from your domain’s DNS management panel.

Step 5: Download and Install cPanel/WHM

Now go to the /home directory:

cd /home

Then download and run the official cPanel installer:

curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latest

The installation will now begin.

cPanel will automatically install all required packages and services.

This process can take some time depending on your server specifications and internet connection.
cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latest

Step 6: Open WHM in Your Browser

After the installation is complete, open WHM using port 2087.

You can use your server IP:

https://YOUR_SERVER_IP:2087

Example:

https://36.50.40.152:2087

Or, if your hostname is already configured correctly:

https://srv.clouds-manager.com:2087

Your browser may initially show a security warning if the SSL certificate has not yet been fully configured.

Open the page and you should see the WHM Login screen.

Login using:

Username:

root

Password: Your server’s root password.

Step 7: Accept the cPanel Legal Documents

After logging into WHM for the first time, cPanel will show its Legal Documents page.

You will see documents such as:

• End User License Agreement
• Privacy Policy
• Pricing and Term Agreement
• Technical Support Agreement

Read the documents and check:

I accept the legal terms, conditions, and policies.

Then click:

Continue

Step 8: Activate Your cPanel License

cPanel requires an active license to use WHM/cPanel.

If your server IP already has an active cPanel license, WHM should detect and activate it automatically.

If you do not have a license yet, you can purchase one directly from the official cPanel website. However, direct retail pricing from cPanel is generally higher.

Hexazn is an official cPanel NOC Partner, so you can also purchase your cPanel license through Hexazn, often at a more affordable price compared to the standard direct retail price.

Once the license has been activated for your server IP, refresh or log in to WHM again. After WHM successfully detects the license, you can continue with the initial server configuration and setup.