To install ISPConfig on Ubuntu 24.04, set a valid FQDN, open required ports, and run the official auto installer. Update the system, configure hostname and DNS, then execute: curl -sSL https://get.ispconfig.org | sudo bash. Choose Apache or Nginx, enable mail, DNS, and SSL. Log in at https://your server:8080 to manage websites, mail, and DNS.
This step by step guide shows how to install ISPConfig on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS safely and correctly, using best practices from real world hosting deployments. Whether you’re building a personal hosting stack or a small reseller platform, you’ll learn the fastest path to a secure, production ready ISPConfig server.
What is ISPConfig and Why Use Ubuntu 24.04?
ISPConfig is an open source hosting control panel that lets you manage websites, mail, DNS, FTP, databases, and more via a web interface. Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat) is the latest LTS, offering long term security updates, PHP 8.3, and modern system libraries, ideal for a stable, performant hosting stack.
Before You Start: Prerequisites and Planning
- Server: Fresh Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (VPS or Dedicated). 2 vCPU/4 GB RAM minimum for full stack (web + mail + DNS).
- Root or sudo access.
- Domain: Create an A record for a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), e.g., panel.yourdomain.com pointing to your server’s public IP.
- Reverse DNS (for mail): Ask your provider to set PTR to the same FQDN.
- Firewall: Ability to open ports 22, 80, 443, 8080, mail ports (25, 465, 587, 110, 143, 993, 995), DNS (53 TCP/UDP), FTP (20, 21, plus passive range).
If you prefer a managed start, YouStable’s VPS plans can be provisioned and optimized for ISPConfig, leaving you to focus on sites, not server plumbing.
Install ISPConfig on Ubuntu 24.04 – Step-by-Step
1) Update and Secure Your Server
sudo apt update && sudo apt -y upgrade
sudo apt -y install curl wget ufw software-properties-commonEnable the firewall and allow essential services:
sudo ufw allow OpenSSH
sudo ufw allow 80,443/tcp
sudo ufw allow 8080/tcp
sudo ufw allow 25,465,587/tcp
sudo ufw allow 110,143,993,995/tcp
sudo ufw allow 53
sudo ufw allow 20,21/tcp
sudo ufw allow 40110:40210/tcp
echo "y" | sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw status2) Set Hostname and Hosts File (FQDN)
Replace panel.example.com with your FQDN that already points to your server’s public IP:
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname panel.example.com
echo "127.0.1.1 panel.example.com panel" | sudo tee -a /etc/hosts
hostnamectlA correct FQDN is critical for SSL, mail deliverability, and the installer’s checks.
3) Optional: Create a Sudo User
sudo adduser devops
sudo usermod -aG sudo devopsYou can continue as your sudo user for the remaining steps.
4) Run the Official ISPConfig Auto Installer
The auto installer provisions the full stack (web, mail, DNS, FTP, database, malware/spam filters and more) with minimal prompts:
curl -sSL https://get.ispconfig.org | sudo bashCommon choices you’ll be asked for:
- Web server: Apache or Nginx (both work; see comparison below).
- Database: MariaDB (default on 24.04; good performance).
- Mail stack: Postfix + Dovecot, with SpamAssassin, ClamAV, and Rspamd options depending on prompts.
- DNS: Bind9 for authoritative DNS.
- SSL: Let’s Encrypt (recommended). Ensure your FQDN resolves before enabling.
Unattended installs are also possible (view flags):
curl -sSL https://get.ispconfig.org | sudo bash -s -- --helpExample unattended pattern (adjust to your needs; verify available flags via –help):
# Example: prefer Nginx and PHP 8.3, set admin email and hostname
curl -sSL https://get.ispconfig.org | sudo bash -s -- \
--use-nginx \
--use-php=8.3 \
--unattended \
--admin-email admin@example.com \
--hostname panel.example.comAt the end, the installer prints ISPConfig admin credentials and whether Let’s Encrypt succeeded. Save these details securely.
5) Apache vs Nginx for ISPConfig (Quick Guidance)
- Nginx: Faster static file delivery, leaner memory usage, excellent for high concurrency sites. Fewer .htaccess style overrides (rules are defined in vhost templates).
- Apache: Broad .htaccess compatibility (useful for many PHP apps), rich module ecosystem, slightly heavier under load than Nginx.
- Recommendation: Nginx for performance first stacks; Apache for compatibility first stacks.
6) First Login and Panel Access
Open the panel at:
https://<server-ip>:8080
https://panel.example.com:8080Use the admin username and the password shown by the installer. If Let’s Encrypt wasn’t issued during install, you can add an LE certificate from within ISPConfig once DNS is correct.
Verify Services After Installation
Ensure all core services are running. Depending on your choices, check the following:
# Web
sudo systemctl status nginx || sudo systemctl status apache2
# PHP-FPM (adjust version if different)
sudo systemctl status php8.3-fpm
# Database
sudo systemctl status mariadb
# Mail
sudo systemctl status postfix
sudo systemctl status dovecot
# DNS
sudo systemctl status bind9
# FTP
sudo systemctl status pure-ftpd-mysql
# Security/antispam (if installed)
sudo systemctl status spamassassin
sudo systemctl status clamav-daemon
sudo systemctl status fail2banConfirm listening ports:
sudo ss -tulpn | egrep ':80|:443|:8080|:25|:465|:587|:110|:143|:993|:995|:53|:21|:3306'Quick PHP test: Create a website in ISPConfig and place a phpinfo.php file to verify PHP-FPM works end to end.
Post Install Best Practices
- Change admin password immediately and store it in a password manager.
- Create a non admin user and delegate site management where possible.
- Set server time zone and NTP: sudo timedatectl set timezone Region/City.
- Configure automatic updates for security patches: sudo dpkg reconfigure unattended upgrades.
- Set Let’s Encrypt for panel and all virtual hosts. Ensure DNS points correctly first.
- For mail deliverability: set SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in your DNS; align rDNS with your FQDN.
- Backups: enable per site backups and offsite copies (object storage or remote rsync).
Creating Your First Website, DNS Zone, and Mailbox
- Website: Sites → Add new website → choose client, domain, PHP mode (PHP-FPM), and enable Let’s Encrypt.
- DNS: DNS → Add new zone → set NS records and A/AAAA/CNAME records as needed. Point your registrar’s nameservers or use glue records if operating your own DNS.
- Mail: Email → Add domain → Add mailbox → enable spam/virus filters as required. Test via IMAP (993) and SMTP submission (587).
If you’re migrating from cPanel/Plesk, plan a staged cutover (DNS TTL reduction, data sync, final sync, then go live) to minimize downtime. YouStable’s migration desk can assist with zero downtime strategies.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Let’s Encrypt failed during install
- Ensure the FQDN resolves to your server’s public IP.
- Port 80 and 443 must be open and not blocked by your provider.
- Retry from the panel or install a certificate manually once DNS propagates.
Port 8080 not accessible
- Confirm firewall rules (UFW) and any cloud provider security group rules.
- Verify the service is running and listening: sudo ss -tulpn | grep :8080.
Mail deliverability issues
- Set PTR/rDNS to your mail server’s FQDN.
- Publish SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
- Avoid sending from newly created IPs at volume; warm up gradually.
Apache/Nginx conflicts or PHP errors
- Check vhost configs generated by ISPConfig; adjust per site PHP-FPM versions in site settings.
- Examine web server logs inside the website’s log directory for exact error messages.
Why Consider YouStable for ISPConfig Hosting
- Ready for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with modern CPUs and NVMe storage.
- Optional pre-optimization for Nginx/PHP-FPM, MariaDB tuning, and mail deliverability.
- 24×7 support with seasoned Linux admins who know ISPConfig in production.
If you need managed assistance, our team can pre-install ISPConfig, harden the stack, and help migrate your first sites.
FAQ’s – How to Install ISPConfig on Ubuntu 24.04
1. Is ISPConfig compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS?
Yes. ISPConfig works on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and supports current packages like PHP 8.3 and MariaDB. Use the official auto installer to handle dependencies and correct configurations for Noble Numbat.
2. Which is better for ISPConfig: Apache or Nginx?
Both are supported. Choose Nginx for higher concurrency and performance; choose Apache for maximum compatibility with .htaccess driven applications. For new deployments, Nginx + PHP-FPM is a strong default.
3. Can I use the auto installer for a multi server setup?
The auto installer is designed to streamline single server installs. Multi server clusters are possible with ISPConfig but require a more manual, planned setup following the official multi server documentation.
4. What ports must be open for ISPConfig to work?
Minimum: 22 (SSH), 8080 (panel), 80/443 (web), 25/465/587 (SMTP), 110/143/993/995 (POP3/IMAP), 53 TCP/UDP (DNS), 20/21 and 40110–40210 (FTP passive range). Adjust your firewall and cloud security groups accordingly.
5. How do I secure mail and improve deliverability?
Set your server’s rDNS to the mail FQDN, publish SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, enable malware/spam scanning, and maintain a clean IP reputation. Warm up new IPs slowly and monitor bounces and feedback loops.
Conclusion
With a correct FQDN, open ports, and the official auto installer, installing ISPConfig on Ubuntu 24.04 is fast and reliable. Follow the verification and hardening steps above and you’ll have a secure, modern hosting panel ready for production workloads. If you want a head start, YouStable can provision and optimize an ISPConfig ready VPS for you.
