# Installing Magento using Softaculous

> Install Magento, a powerful e-commerce platform, on your hosting account in a few clicks with the Softaculous Apps Installer in cPanel.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/softaculous/installing-magento-using-softaculous/

**Magento** is a powerful, open‑source e‑commerce platform widely used for building online stores. With **Softaculous**, you can install Magento quickly and easily through cPanel.

## Why Use Magento?

- Enterprise‑grade e‑commerce features.
- Highly customizable with themes and extensions.
- Supports multiple stores, languages, and currencies.
- Scalable for small shops to large enterprises.
- Quick one‑click installation via Softaculous.

## Steps to Install Magento

1. **Log in to cPanel.**

   - Navigate to the **Softaculous Apps Installer** section.
2. **Search for Magento.**

   - In the Softaculous dashboard, type *Magento* in the search box.
   - Or browse under **E‑Commerce → Magento**.
3. **Click Install.**

   - The installation page will open.
4. **Choose Protocol.**

   - Select `https://` or `https://www` if your site has an SSL certificate.
   - Select `http://` or `http://www` if SSL is not installed.
5. **Choose Domain.**

   - Select the domain where Magento will be installed.
6. **Set Directory.**

   - Leave blank if you want Magento installed at the root (e.g., `example.com`).
   - Enter a folder name (e.g., `store`) if you want Magento installed at `example.com/store`.
7. **Configure Site Settings.**

   - **Admin Path** → Choose the URL path for the admin panel (e.g., `admin`).
   - **Admin Username** → Choose a unique username.
   - **Admin Password** → Use a strong password (Softaculous provides a strength meter or can generate one).
   - **Admin Email** → Enter the administrator’s email address.
   - **First/Last Name** → Enter administrator details.
8. **Database Settings.**

   - Provide a database name or accept the default.
   - Configure table prefix if needed.
9. **Advanced Options (Optional).**

   - Configure automated backups and rotation.
   - Enable email notifications for updates.
   - Choose auto‑upgrade options for Magento.
10. **Install.**

    - Review settings and click **Install**.
    - Wait for confirmation. Softaculous will display the Magento login URL (e.g., `example.com/admin`).

> **Note:**
- Magento is **resource‑intensive**. For best results, run Magento on a **Managed VPS**. Shared hosting accounts may not have sufficient resources.
- Softaculous does **not install Elasticsearch or OpenSearch**. These require additional server resources (typically a VPS with at least 16GB RAM).
- If CSS and images don’t load correctly after installation, edit the `.htaccess` file in the `pub/static` directory and comment out the `php_flag engine 0` lines.
- Always use a strong admin password and enable SSL for security.
- Keep Magento updated to prevent vulnerabilities.

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