How to Install Control Panel on VPS: cPanel, Plesk and DirectAdmin Step-by-Step Guide

Install Control Panel on VPS to make your server management easier and more efficient. Many users face difficulties managing files, emails, databases, and websites directly through SSH or command-line interfaces. This complexity often leads to configuration errors and downtime. A control panel simplifies everything, providing a graphical interface for managing hosting tasks smoothly.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to install control panel on VPS using cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin. Each section includes clear, actionable steps to help you set up your VPS quickly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will help you efficiently manage your hosting environment without relying on complex terminal commands.

Steps to Install Control Panel on VPS

Before starting, ensure your VPS meets system requirements and you have root access. Follow these steps to prepare your VPS for installation:

1. Log in via SSH: Connect to your VPS using PuTTY or a terminal.
2. Update System Packages: Run apt update or yum update to ensure compatibility.
3. Check OS Version: Verify the operating system supported by your control panel.
4. Download Installer Script: Visit the control panel’s official site and get the installation command.
5. Run the Installer: Execute the command and wait for the installation to complete.
6. Access the Panel: Use the provided IP and port (e.g., https://your-ip:2087) to log in.
7. Complete Setup Wizard: Configure hostname, license, and other initial settings for your VPS.

Steps to Install cPanel on VPS

To install cPanel on VPS, make sure your VPS runs on CentOS, AlmaLinux, or CloudLinux. Follow these steps to install it properly:

1. Connect to VPS: Use SSH to access your VPS as root.
2. Update System: Run yum update -y to update packages.
3. Download Installer: cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest
4. Run Installation: Execute sh latest and wait for it to finish.
5. Access cPanel: Open https://your-server-ip:2087 in a browser.
6. Login: Use root credentials to log in and finish setup.
7. Activate License: Add your license key to start managing your server via cPanel.

Steps to Install Plesk on VPS

To install Plesk on VPS, ensure your system meets the requirements and that SSH access is enabled. Then proceed with these steps:

1. Connect via SSH: Log in to your VPS as root.
2. Update Packages: Run apt update && apt upgrade -y.
3. Download Plesk Installer: wget https://autoinstall.plesk.com/plesk-installer
4. Make Executable: Use chmod +x plesk-installer.
5. Start Installation: Run ./plesk-installer and follow the prompts.
6. Access Dashboard: Visit https://your-server-ip:8443.
7. Complete Setup: Enter credentials and choose the installation type (Recommended or Full).

Also, Read | How to Set Up and Manage VPS Server Backups: Step-by-Step Guide

Steps to Install DirectAdmin on VPS

To install DirectAdmin on a VPS, use a clean VPS installation and follow these easy steps:

1. Connect to VPS: Log in as root via SSH.
2. Update OS: Run apt update or yum update based on your distro.
3. Download Installer: wget -O setup.sh https://www.directadmin.com/setup.sh
4. Set Permissions: Execute chmod 755 setup.sh.
5. Start Installation: Run ./setup.sh auto and wait for completion.
6. Access Panel: Go to https://your-server-ip:2222 in your browser.
7. Login and Configure: Use your admin credentials and begin setup.

Also, Read | How to Perform Regular Maintenance on Dedicated Server (Step-by-Step Guide)

Conclusion

Installing a control panel is the easiest way to simplify VPS management. In this guide, you learned how to install a control panel on VPS using cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin. Each of these panels offers unique tools for managing websites, emails, and databases from one interface. With your chosen control panel installed, you can easily handle server tasks without deep technical knowledge. If you encounter setup issues or configuration errors, contact your VPS hosting support—they’ll help you complete the installation and keep your server running smoothly.