How to Install CloudPanel on Ubuntu 24.04 Server and Essential Post-Installation Setup
CloudPanel is a modern, free web hosting control panel that provides an intuitive interface for managing websites, databases, and server configurations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through installing CloudPanel on Ubuntu 24.04 and configuring essential settings for optimal performance and security.
Prerequisites
Before beginning the installation, ensure your Ubuntu 24.04 server meets these requirements:
- Fresh Ubuntu 24.04 LTS installation
- Minimum 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
- At least 10 GB free disk space
- Root or sudo access
- Public IP address for external access
- Domain name pointing to your server (optional but recommended)
Step 1: Update Your System
Start by updating your Ubuntu system to ensure all packages are current:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Reboot the server if kernel updates were installed:
sudo reboot
Step 2: Install CloudPanel
CloudPanel provides an automated installation script that handles all dependencies and configurations. Download and execute the installer:
curl -sS https://installer.cloudpanel.io/ce/v2/install.sh | sudo bash
The installation process typically takes 5-10 minutes and will automatically:
- Install required packages (Nginx, PHP, MySQL, Node.js, etc.)
- Configure the web server
- Set up SSL certificates
- Create the CloudPanel interface
- Configure firewall rules
Step 3: Access CloudPanel
Once installation completes, you can access CloudPanel through your web browser:
https://your-server-ip:8443
Or if you have a domain configured:
https://your-domain.com:8443
The installer will display the admin credentials at the end of the installation. Make note of these credentials as you'll need them for initial login.
Post-Installation Configuration
1. Change Default Admin Password
Immediately after logging in, change the default admin password:
- Navigate to Users in the left sidebar
- Click on the admin user
- Update the password with a strong, unique password
- Save the changes
2. Configure Firewall Settings
Verify that your firewall is properly configured. CloudPanel installation should have set up basic rules, but confirm these ports are open:
sudo ufw status
Essential ports that should be open:
- 22 (SSH)
- 80 (HTTP)
- 443 (HTTPS)
- 8443 (CloudPanel)
- 3306 (MySQL - only if external access needed)
If needed, manually open ports:
sudo ufw allow 80
sudo ufw allow 443
sudo ufw allow 8443
3. Set Up SSL Certificate
Configure SSL for your CloudPanel interface:
- Go to Admin Area → Settings → CloudPanel
- Enter your domain name
- Enable Let's Encrypt SSL
- Save the configuration
This ensures encrypted access to your control panel.
4. Configure Backup Settings
Set up automated backups to protect your data:
- Navigate to Admin Area → Settings → Backup
- Configure backup storage (local, S3, FTP, etc.)
- Set backup frequency (daily recommended)
- Choose retention period
- Test the backup configuration
5. Update System Settings
Configure essential system settings:
Timezone Configuration:
- Go to Admin Area → Settings → CloudPanel
- Set your correct timezone
- Save changes
Email Settings:
- Navigate to Admin Area → Settings → Mail
- Configure SMTP settings for system notifications
- Test email delivery
6. Create Your First Website
Set up your first website to test the installation:
- Click Sites in the left sidebar
- Click Add Site
- Choose your preferred application (WordPress, PHP, Node.js, etc.)
- Enter domain name and configure settings
- Complete the installation
7. Database Management
Configure database settings:
- Access Databases from the sidebar
- Create a new database user with appropriate permissions
- Consider changing the MySQL root password
- Enable automatic database backups
8. Security Hardening
Implement additional security measures:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication:
- Go to Users → select your admin user
- Enable 2FA using Google Authenticator or similar app
- Save the backup codes securely
Configure IP Restrictions:
- Navigate to Admin Area → Settings → CloudPanel
- Add trusted IP addresses for admin access
- Consider restricting access to specific IPs
Update Security Settings:
# Disable root login via SSH
sudo sed -i 's/#PermitRootLogin yes/PermitRootLogin no/' /etc/ssh/sshd_config
sudo systemctl restart ssh
# Configure automatic security updates
sudo apt install unattended-upgrades -y
sudo dpkg-reconfigure -plow unattended-upgrades
9. Performance Optimization
Optimize your server for better performance:
PHP Configuration:
- Go to Admin Area → Settings → PHP
- Adjust memory limits based on your applications
- Configure upload limits as needed
- Enable OPcache for better performance
Nginx Optimization:
CloudPanel uses Nginx by default. Monitor resource usage and adjust worker processes if needed.
10. Monitoring and Maintenance
Set up monitoring for ongoing maintenance:
Resource Monitoring:
- Check Admin Area → System → System Info regularly
- Monitor disk usage, memory, and CPU utilization
- Set up alerts for resource thresholds
Log Management:
- Review logs regularly in Admin Area → Logs
- Configure log rotation to prevent disk space issues
- Monitor error logs for security issues
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cannot Access CloudPanel Interface:
- Verify firewall settings
- Check if CloudPanel service is running:
sudo systemctl status cloudpanel
- Ensure port 8443 is not blocked by your hosting provider
SSL Certificate Issues:
- Verify domain DNS is pointing to your server
- Check if domain is accessible via HTTP first
- Review Let's Encrypt logs for specific errors
Performance Issues:
- Monitor resource usage in the admin panel
- Consider upgrading server specifications
- Optimize database queries and enable caching
Conclusion
CloudPanel provides a powerful and user-friendly interface for managing web hosting environments on Ubuntu 24.04. Following this installation guide and completing the post-installation steps will give you a secure, optimized hosting platform ready for production use.
Remember to keep CloudPanel updated by regularly checking for updates in the admin interface, maintain regular backups, and monitor your server's performance to ensure optimal operation. With proper configuration and maintenance, CloudPanel will serve as an excellent foundation for hosting multiple websites and applications.
For ongoing support and advanced configurations, consult the official CloudPanel documentation and community forums.
