Installing and managing web applications manually can be time-consuming — from creating databases to uploading files and configuring permissions. That’s where Softaculous comes in.

Softaculous is a one-click application installer available in cPanel on Sternhost hosting accounts. It allows you to install, update, clone, and manage hundreds of popular web apps like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, and more — all in just a few clicks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install and update web applications using Softaculous in cPanel on Sternhost.

What Is Softaculous?

Softaculous is a powerful automation tool integrated with cPanel that simplifies web application management.
It provides:

• 🧰 One-click installation of 400+ web apps

• 🔁 Automatic updates and backups

• 🧑‍💻 Easy management from your control panel

• ⚙️ Options for staging, cloning, and restoring apps

Whether you’re setting up a blog, online store, or CMS, Softaculous handles the heavy lifting.

Step 1: Log in to Your Sternhost cPanel

1. Go to your Sternhost cPanel login page (usually yourdomain.com/cpanel).

2. Enter your username and password.

3. Once logged in, scroll down to the Software section.

4. Click Softaculous Apps Installer.

Step 2: Choose the Application to Install

You’ll be greeted with a dashboard of popular applications.
Some common ones include:

• WordPress – for blogs and websites

• Joomla – for content management

• Magento – for eCommerce

• Laravel – for web development frameworks

To install one:

1. Click on the app’s icon (e.g., WordPress).

2. Click Install Now.

Step 3: Configure Installation Settings

Softaculous will prompt you to fill out installation details:

• Choose Installation URL: Select the domain or subdomain where the app should be installed.

• Site Name & Description: Customize these fields as needed.

• Admin Username & Password: Create secure login credentials.

• Admin Email: Enter a valid email address for notifications.

Once you review the settings, click Install.

Within seconds, Softaculous will install your application and display a success message along with your admin login link.

Step 4: Access Your New Application

After installation:

• Click the Admin URL link provided by Softaculous.

• Log in using the credentials you created.

For example, if you installed WordPress, you’ll be redirected to:

From there, you can begin customizing your site immediately.

Step 5: Update Applications via Softaculous

Keeping your applications updated ensures better performance and security.
Here’s how to update:

1. Go back to Softaculous Apps Installer in cPanel.

2. Click Installations (the box icon at the top).

3. You’ll see a list of all installed applications.

4. If updates are available, you’ll see an Update icon next to each app.

5. Click Update to automatically upgrade to the latest version.

Softaculous will handle the update safely — no need to upload files manually.

Step 6: Enable Auto-Updates (Recommended)

To make management easier:

1. Go to the Edit Details section for your installed app.

2. Enable:

   • ✅ Auto Update

   • ✅ Auto Update WordPress Plugins (if applicable)

   • ✅ Auto Update WordPress Themes

This ensures your applications stay secure and up to date automatically.

Step 7: Backup and Restore with Softaculous

Before updating, you can create a quick backup in case anything goes wrong:

1. Go to Softaculous → Installations.

2. Click the Backup icon beside your app.

3. To restore later, go to Backups and click Restore.

This feature provides peace of mind — especially before big updates.

Why Use Softaculous on Sternhost

Sternhost integrates Softaculous seamlessly into cPanel, giving users:

• 🚀 One-click installs for hundreds of apps

• 🔒 Automatic updates & backups

• ☁️ Fast SSD hosting and free SSL

• 🧑‍💻 Easy management via cPanel

• 💬 24/7 expert support for setup or troubleshooting

Whether you’re a beginner or developer, Sternhost makes app deployment effortless.

With Softaculous in cPanel, installing and managing web applications is as easy as a few clicks.
From WordPress to Magento, you can deploy, update, and maintain your projects in minutes — without needing technical expertise.

If you haven’t already, get a Sternhost account today and experience the power of Softaculous automation.

👉 Start with Sternhost and deploy your favorite apps instantly!