How to Install WordPress in DirectAdmin Using Softaculous
WordPress is the world's most popular website platform, powering over 43% of all websites. Installing it on your Hostking account takes less than 5 minutes using Softaculous — a built-in installer in DirectAdmin that handles everything automatically.
Before You Start
- Your hosting account must be active
- Your domain must be pointed to Hostking — see: How to Point Your Domain to Hostking
- You must be logged into DirectAdmin — see: How to Log Into DirectAdmin on Hostking
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1 — Open Softaculous in DirectAdmin
Log into DirectAdmin. In the menu look for Softaculous Apps Installer under Extra Features, or type "Softaculous" in the DirectAdmin search bar at the top.
Step 2 — Find WordPress
Softaculous opens showing available applications. WordPress is displayed prominently on the home screen. Click the WordPress icon then click Install Now.
Step 3 — Choose Your Protocol
Under Choose Protocol, select https:// if your domain already has an SSL certificate installed. If you're not sure, select http:// for now — you can switch to HTTPS later after installing SSL.
Step 4 — Choose Your Domain
Under Choose Domain, select the domain you want to install WordPress on from the dropdown. If you only have one domain it will already be selected.
Step 5 — Choose a Directory
Leave the In Directory field blank if you want WordPress at your root domain (e.g. yourdomain.com).
Only enter a folder name if you want WordPress in a subdirectory — for example entering blog would install WordPress at yourdomain.com/blog.
Step 6 — Fill in Your Site Details
Site Name — your website or business name, e.g. "Smith Plumbing" or "My Online Store". You can change this later.
Site Description — a short tagline. This can also be changed later.
Step 7 — Create Your Admin Account
Admin Username — choose a unique username. Do not use "admin" — it's the most common username targeted by hackers. Use your name or something unique.
Admin Password — choose a strong password or click the key icon to generate one. Copy it somewhere safe.
Admin Email — enter your email address. This is where WordPress sends notifications and password reset emails. Use your business email if possible.
Step 8 — Select Language
Leave as English unless you need another language.
Step 9 — Click Install
Scroll to the bottom and click Install. Softaculous will now create a database, configure WordPress and set everything up automatically. This takes 30–60 seconds.
Step 10 — Access Your WordPress Site
Once complete, Softaculous shows two links:
- Website URL — the front end of your site (what visitors see)
- Admin URL — your WordPress dashboard at
yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Click the admin URL, enter your username and password and you're in.
First Things to Do After Installing WordPress
Install LiteSpeed Cache
Hostking servers run LiteSpeed — pair them with the free LiteSpeed Cache plugin for significantly faster load times. Go to Plugins → Add New, search for "LiteSpeed Cache", install and activate.
Set Your Permalinks
Go to Settings → Permalinks and select Post name. Click Save Changes — this gives your pages clean URLs like yourdomain.com/about instead of yourdomain.com/?p=1.
Delete Default Content
WordPress installs with a sample post, page and comment. Delete these from your dashboard before going live.
Install an SSL Certificate
If your site shows "Not Secure" in the browser, install a free Let's Encrypt SSL. See: How to Create a Free SSL Certificate in DirectAdmin
Common Problems
"This site can't be reached" after installing
DNS is still propagating. This can take up to 24 hours after first pointing your domain to Hostking. Use whatsmydns.net to check progress.
WP-Admin showing a 404 error
See our article: WordPress Login Issues: WP-Admin Showing 404 Error Page
"Error Establishing a Database Connection"
The installation may not have completed. Try uninstalling via Softaculous and reinstalling. If it continues open a support ticket.
Need Help?
Our support team is available every day from 7am to 10pm via live chat at hostking.host or by opening a ticket at my.hostking.host.
