# Install CentOS Web Panel
Source: https://docs.webgee.com/en/servers/centos-web-panel



Install **CentOS Web Panel (CWP)**, a free control panel for RHEL-family Linux
distributions. Applies to VPS and dedicated servers.

<Callout type="warn">
  This is an **unmanaged** installation. WebGee supports the server and the
  network; CWP, its updates and its security are yours. See
  [What server management includes](/en/servers/vps-cloud-server-management-whats-included).
</Callout>

## Consider the alternatives first [#consider-the-alternatives-first]

CWP works, but it is worth knowing what you are choosing:

* **The name is misleading.** CentOS Linux is discontinued. CWP now targets
  AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, and it does not support Debian or Ubuntu at all.
* **It is RHEL-family only.** If you prefer Debian or Ubuntu, CWP is not an
  option — [aaPanel](/en/servers/aapanel) supports both.
* **Its interface is dated** compared with
  [CyberPanel](/en/servers/cyberpanel) or aaPanel, and it has historically had a
  poorer security record.

Choose CWP if you specifically want a cPanel-like layout on a RHEL-family server
and are comfortable maintaining it. Otherwise CyberPanel or aaPanel is an easier
starting point.

## Before you begin [#before-you-begin]

* **A clean server** — CWP must be installed on a fresh system and cannot be
  added to one already running web software. See
  [Rebuild your server](/en/servers/rebuild-server).
* **AlmaLinux 8 or 9, or Rocky Linux 8 or 9.**
* **Root access** — see [Connect over SSH](/en/development/connect-via-ssh).
* **At least 1 GB of memory**, and more if you enable the mail stack.
* **A hostname set correctly**, as a fully qualified name such as
  `server1.example.com`. CWP's installer checks this and fails without it.

## Install [#install]

As root:

```bash
cd /usr/local/src
wget https://centos-webpanel.com/cwp-el8-latest
sh cwp-el8-latest
```

Use `cwp-el9-latest` on AlmaLinux 9 or Rocky 9.

Installation takes 30–60 minutes and **reboots the server** when it finishes.

The installer prints the **panel URL and root credentials**. Save them.

## First steps [#first-steps]

1. Sign in at `https://your-server-ip:2031`.
2. **Change the root password.**
3. Set the panel hostname and issue a certificate for it.
4. Create your first account under **User Accounts → New Account**.

## Secure it before going live [#secure-it-before-going-live]

* **Restrict the panel ports** — 2030–2031, and 2082–2087 — to your own IP.
* **Keep it updated.** CWP has had serious vulnerabilities; running an old
  version on a public IP is a genuine risk.
* **Set reverse DNS** before sending mail — see
  [Networking and reverse DNS](/en/servers/server-networking).

## Related [#related]

* [Install CyberPanel](/en/servers/cyberpanel)
* [Install aaPanel](/en/servers/aapanel)
* [Rebuild your server](/en/servers/rebuild-server)