Installing WordPress via WP Toolkit

With WP Toolkit in cPanel, launching your own WordPress site is now as easy as answering a few questions and clicking “Install”.

Whether you’re starting a blog, building a business site, or just want to tinker, this guide will walk you through it step by step.

And if you want a head start? Try installing with a Set—like our AI Starter Set, which installs some additional tools so you can create a complete, good-looking website using the magic of AI.

Step 1: Open WordPress Management

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Click WordPress Management from the left-hand menu.
   
   
   
   
3. Click the Install button at the top of the dashboard.
   
   
   
   

A configuration panel will open on the left, which looks as follows:

Step 2: Complete the Installation Form

🔹 General

• Installation Path
  
  
  • Protocol: Choose https:// (recommended) or http://. If SSL is set up on your domain, https:// will be preselected.
    
    
  • Domain: Select the domain or subdomain you want to use. Don’t see your domain there?
    
    📘 How to add a domain →
    📘 How to create a subdomain →
    
    
  • Directory (optional):
    
    
    • Leave this blank to install WordPress at the root of the domain (e.g. https://example.com).
    • To install in a subdirectory (e.g. https://example.com/blog), enter a folder name such as blog.
      
      
• Website Title:
  The name of your website. This can be changed later from within WordPress.
  
  
• Plugin/Theme Set:
  Select a predefined set of plugins and themes. You can choose None, or select a Set like our AI Starter Set (see Using Sets).
  
  
• Website Language:
  Choose the language you want WordPress to use.
  
  
• Version:
  The current version is pre-selected. Ordinarily, you should run on the latest version of WordPress. Only choose an older version if absolutely required (not recommended).
  
  

Step 3: WordPress Administrator Details

• Username:
  A random username is suggested, but you can enter your own. Avoid generic names like admin or wpadmin for better security.
  
  
• Password:
  Choose a strong password that you’ll remember. You can use the “Generate” button to create one automatically.
  
  
• Email Address:
  Enter a valid email. This is used for account recovery and notifications.
  
  

Step 4: Advanced Settings (Optional) 

🔸 Database

This section is hidden by default. You can expand it if you want to customise the database details.

• Database Name:
  If you're installing multiple WordPress sites in an account, you may wish to give this a recognisable name so you know which site this database relates to.
• Table Prefix:
  A unique prefix (like wp6x_) helps prevent conflicts and improves security.
• Database Username & Password:
  Automatically generated unless changed. Only customise if you have a specific requirement.
  
  

🔸 Automatic Update Settings

Also hidden by default, these control how WordPress updates are handled. WP Toolkit can manage updates for WordPress core, plugins, and themes. While the defaults are fine for most users, you can customise these settings to match your update strategy.

To access these options, expand the Automatic Update Settings section in the install form.

🔹 Update WordPress Automatically

Controls how WP Toolkit handles updates to the WordPress core:

• No
  • ❌ Neither minor nor major updates will be installed automatically.
  • Useful if you prefer full manual control but not recommended unless you have a staging workflow in place.
    
    
• Yes, but only minor (security) updates
  • ✔️ Applies security patches (e.g. 6.8.1) but not major upgrades (e.g. 6.9).
  • A safe and common choice if you want to avoid potential compatibility issues from major updates.
    
    
• Yes, all (minor and major) updates(Default)
  • ✅ Automatically installs all updates, including major releases.
  • Recommended for most users to ensure your site is always secure and up to date.
    
    

🔹 Update Plugins Automatically

Controls how plugins are kept up to date. You’ll also see check boxes for finer control under each option.

• Defined individually(Default)
  
  
  • 🔄 Each plugin uses its own update setting (can be enabled or disabled in the WP dashboard).
  • Optional:
    • Enable autoupdates by default for any new plugins installed via WP Toolkit.
      
      
• Defined individually, but security updates are autoinstalled
  
  
  • 🔐 Same as above, but known vulnerable plugins will be updated automatically—even if their individual setting says not to.
  • Optional:
    • Enable autoupdates by default for new plugins.
    • Deactivate vulnerable plugins instead of updating them.
      ➜ This is helpful for users concerned about their website running insecure/vulnerable plugins, but want to avoid auto updates to limit breaking changes.
      
      
• Forced
  • 🚨 All plugins will be auto-updated, regardless of their individual settings.
  • Optional:
    • Deactivate vulnerable plugins instead of updating, if preferred.
      ➜ Best for users who prioritise security and minimal manual maintenance.
      
      

🔹 Update Themes Automatically

Same structure and options as plugin updates:

• Defined individually(Default)
  • 🎨 Each theme controls its own update preference.
  • Optional:
    • Enable autoupdates by default for any new themes installed via WP Toolkit.
      
      
• Defined individually, but security updates are autoinstalled
  • 🔐 Themes follow their own settings, but security patches are forced through.
  • Optional:
    • Enable autoupdates by default for new themes.
      
      
• Forced
  • 🚨 All themes are updated automatically, regardless of their own settings.
  • Best suited for users who want zero manual intervention and don’t frequently customise themes.
    
    

🧠 Which Settings Should You Choose?

• For most users:
  • WordPress Core: Yes, all (minor and major)
  • Plugins: Defined individually, but security updates are autoinstalled
  • Themes: Defined individually, but security updates are autoinstalled
    
    
• For advanced users with staging workflows:
  • WordPress Core: Yes, but only minor or No
  • Plugins & Themes: Defined individually
    
    
• For "set it and forget it" users:
  • Consider enabling Forced updates for plugins/themes if you want maximum automation. Be sure to back up regularly.
    
    

Step 5: Using Sets

Sets are like a WordPress starter kit—pre-packed bundles of themes and plugins that save you from the “install → activate → configure → repeat” routine.

🌟 The AI Starter Set

If you want to go from zero to polished website without getting lost in a plugin rabbit hole, this one’s for you.

The AI Starter Set includes:

• 🧱 Astra theme – lightweight, flexible, and fast
• 🛠️ Spectra page builder – so you can actually build your site without swearing at blocks
• 🤖 AI Starter Website Creator plugin – just answer a few questions and let AI build your site for you

📘 Learn more about AI Starter Websites →

Step 6: Finalise and Install

Scroll to the bottom of the form and click Install.

WP Toolkit will set everything up and confirm when your site is live.

Step 7: What Next?

• Use the login link to access your new WordPress dashboard. If your domains not already pointed, take a look at this article to see how you can access right away.
• Start customising your site.
• If you used the AI Starter Set, this will launch automatically when you first log in so you can set up your site.