What this procedure is
How to install PrestaShop using Softaculous inside cPanel. This is the fastest method when your hosting includes Softaculous.
Applies to: PrestaShop 8.x.
Why you would do this
- Fast wizard-based installation.
- Your hosting provides cPanel + Softaculous.
- You do not want to use the terminal.
Prerequisites
- Access to cPanel.
- A domain/subdomain added in the hosting.
- SSL available (recommended).
- Admin account details ready.
Quick diagnosis (before you change anything)
1) Decide install location (root or subfolder)
Expected result: you know whether the store will be at / or /shop.
2) Confirm SSL
Expected result: you can use https:// from day one.
Install with Softaculous (cPanel)
Step 1) Open Softaculous
In cPanel open Softaculous Apps Installer.
Expected result: you see the catalog.
Step 2) Find PrestaShop and click “Install”
Select PrestaShop and start the wizard.
Step 3) Set protocol, domain, and directory
Choose https://, the correct domain, and leave “In Directory” empty to install in the root.
Expected result: the final URL matches what you want.
Step 4) Create the admin user
Use a real email and a strong password.
Expected result: you can log into the Back Office.
Step 5) Review advanced options
If available, disable auto-upgrades at first and upgrade manually with backups.
Step 6) Run the installation
Confirm and install.
Expected result: Softaculous shows the store URL and admin URL.
Final verification
- Store loads over HTTPS.
- Back Office opens using the provided URL.
- You can complete the initial wizard without errors.
If something doesn’t work (common issues)
Softaculous finishes but you see a 500 error
- Switch PHP version in cPanel (MultiPHP Manager).
- Check the cPanel Error Log.
- Clear PrestaShop cache if you logged in before.
Best practices
- Save the admin URL securely.
- Enable automated backups in your hosting.
- Before installing modules, update PrestaShop to a stable 8.x release.