How to Install cPanel on a Debian 11 Server

Introduction

cPanel is a widely used web hosting control panel that simplifies server management tasks and provides a user-friendly interface for website and server administration. While cPanel is primarily designed for CentOS-based systems, you can still install it on a Debian 11 server with some additional setup. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing cPanel on a Debian 11 server.

Please note that while installing cPanel on Debian is possible, it’s not officially supported, and you may encounter some limitations and issues. Consider using CentOS or CloudLinux for the best cPanel experience.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

1. A Debian 11 server with root or sudo access.
2. A valid cPanel license or access to a cPanel license provider.
3. A freshly installed server with a minimal installation of Debian 11.

Step 1: Update Your System

Start by updating your Debian 11 server to ensure you have the latest software packages and security updates:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Prepare Your Server

cPanel requires a fresh installation of the operating system with specific settings. Ensure the following prerequisites are met:

• A hostname that resolves to the server’s primary IP address.
• Perl installed on your server.
• Additional software dependencies like wget and screen.

You can set the hostname using the following command:

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname yourhostname

Replace “yourhostname” with your desired hostname.

Step 3: Disable NetworkManager

cPanel recommends disabling NetworkManager and using the traditional networking service. Edit the NetworkManager configuration:

sudo systemctl stop NetworkManager
sudo systemctl disable NetworkManager

Enable and start the network service:

sudo systemctl enable networking
sudo systemctl start networking

Step 4: Install cPanel

Visit the cPanel website to access the installation command for Debian 11. Log in to your server and run the command as root or with sudo privileges:

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

This script will download and install the cPanel software on your Debian 11 server. The process may take some time, and you’ll need to follow on-screen instructions during the installation.

Step 5: Configure cPanel

Once the installation is complete, you will receive a URL to access cPanel’s web-based setup wizard. Open a web browser and enter the URL to access the configuration interface.

You’ll need to complete the setup by providing your license information, setting up your server, and configuring your DNS settings.

Conclusion

Installing cPanel on a Debian 11 server requires some additional steps and considerations due to its primary compatibility with CentOS-based systems. While it’s possible to use cPanel on Debian, it’s essential to be aware of potential limitations and issues.

Once cPanel is successfully installed and configured, you can take full advantage of its features for managing websites and server resources efficiently. Remember to regularly update your cPanel installation and maintain the security of your server to ensure a smooth and secure hosting experience.