# How to install WHMCS from Softaculous

> Install WHMCS on your hosting account in a few steps using the Softaculous app installer in cPanel.

Source: https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/softaculous/how-to-install-whmcs-from-softaculous
Updated: 2026-06-09

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You can install WHMCS quickly through the Softaculous app installer in cPanel. Before you begin, make sure you have a valid WHMCS licence key - a free trial licence is available from the WHMCS website if you do not yet have one.

## Finding WHMCS in Softaculous

1. Log in to cPanel and open **Softaculous Apps Installer**.
2. Scroll through the left-hand menu or use the search box to find **WHMCS**.
3. Click **WHMCS** to open the overview page, which shows information about the software.

![WHMCS in Softaculous](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/93/7b/937b1cfbdc953098ade5e3efec2b7326c9d37ec3.png)

## Installing WHMCS

1. Click **Install Now** on the WHMCS overview page.

   ![WHMCS overview page](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/52/0d/520de0cde9fc7f01ac979b5a9862acb627b61741.png)

2. Under **Software Setup**, choose the domain you want to install WHMCS on. If you have multiple domains on your account, select the correct one from the drop-down.
3. Set the **Directory** and **Data Directory** fields. Leave these blank to install in your domain root, or enter a subdirectory name (for example, `billing`).
4. Under **Settings**, enter your **Company Name** and **Email** address.

   ![WHMCS settings](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/7b/e4/7be4f9b5129913c78499451634513722b27d7a5e.png)

## Adding your WHMCS licence key

WHMCS requires a valid licence key before you can use it. If you do not have one, visit the WHMCS website to sign up for a free 15-day trial licence. Once you have signed up, WHMCS will email the trial key to the address you provided.

1. Retrieve the licence key from your email.
2. Paste the key into the **License Key** field in the Softaculous installation form.

   ![Licence key field](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/6b/b0/6bb01103f3c02bd132ebed3d33130c83a99cd2ab.png)

:::info
A trial licence lets you test WHMCS for 15 days. You will need to purchase a full licence before the trial expires to continue using the software.
:::

## Completing the installation

1. Enter a **Username**, **Password**, **First Name**, **Last Name**, and **Email** for the WHMCS admin account.
2. Click **Install**.
3. Once the installation finishes, click the link provided by Softaculous to visit your new WHMCS installation.

   ![Completed WHMCS installation](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/57/9b/579b391bb220c152ab38c348ae556bf7ccef157d.png)


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_Source: Kualo Knowledgebase — https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/softaculous/how-to-install-whmcs-from-softaculous · © Kualo Ltd._