Install Drupal
Step-by-step explanation of how to install Drupal on your hosting. For beginners and advanced users. Choose the method that suits you.
Before you start
- Make sure your hosting meets the Drupal system requirements
- Have FTP/SFTP access and database credentials ready
- Install Drupal 10 (latest stable version) for best support
Choose your installation method
There are different ways to install Drupal
One-click installation via control panel
The easiest way for beginners. Works with Softaculous, Installatron or cPanel Auto Installers.
Log in to your hosting control panel
Go to cPanel, DirectAdmin or your hosting provider's control panel.
Find the app installer
Look for "Softaculous", "Installatron" or "Website Software" in your control panel.
Select Drupal
Click on the Drupal icon and choose "Install". Select the latest version (Drupal 10).
Configure the installation
Fill in the following details:
- Domain: Choose your domain name
- Directory: Leave empty for root, or choose a subdirectory
- Admin credentials: Choose a secure username and password
Install and done!
Click "Install" and wait 1-2 minutes. You'll receive a confirmation with your login URL.
Tip: Store your admin credentials in a safe place!
Manual installation via FTP
For when your hosting doesn't have an auto-installer, or when you want more control.
Download Drupal
Go to drupal.org/download and download the latest version (ZIP or TAR.GZ).
Extract the archive
Unzip the file on your computer. You'll get a folder with all Drupal files.
Create a database
Log in to cPanel and go to MySQL Databases:
- Create a new database (e.g., "mysite_drupal")
- Create a database user with a strong password
- Link the user to the database with all privileges
Upload via FTP
Use FileZilla or another FTP client to upload all Drupal files to your public_html folder (or subdirectory).
Note: Upload the contents of the drupal folder, not the folder itself!
Installation wizard
Go to your-domain.com in your browser. The Drupal installation wizard starts automatically.
- Choose your language (Dutch or English)
- Choose installation profile (Standard is fine for most sites)
- Enter your database details (step 3)
- Configure site name, admin email and password
Installation via Composer (professional)
The best method for developers. Makes updates and module management much easier.
Requirements: SSH access to your server and Composer installed. Check with composer --version
Create a Drupal project
Log in via SSH and navigate to your desired folder. Run this command:
This creates a new folder "mysite" with a complete Drupal installation.
Configure your web server
Point your document root to the web/ folder within your project:
Create database
Via cPanel or command line:
CREATE DATABASE drupal_db;
GRANT ALL ON drupal_db.* TO 'drupal_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'secure_password';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
Install via browser or Drush
Option A: Go to your domain in the browser and follow the installation wizard.
Option B (faster): Install via Drush command line:
composer require drush/drush
vendor/bin/drush site:install --db-url=mysql://user:pass@localhost/drupal_db
Why Composer?
- • Install updates with one command:
composer update - • Dependency management: Drupal automatically installs required libraries
- • Install modules:
composer require drupal/modulename - • Professional workflow that aligns with modern development practices
After installation
Do these steps to make your Drupal site secure and ready for use
Security
- • Change the admin password to something strong
- • Remove /install.php file
- • Install security updates regularly
- • Read our Drupal security tips
Configuration
- • Go to Configuration > Performance and enable caching
- • Set your timezone (Amsterdam)
- • Configure automatic cron runs
- • Install a free SSL certificate
Essential modules
- • Pathauto (clean URLs)
- • Metatag (SEO)
- • Admin Toolbar (better UX)
- • See our recommended modules list
Backup
- • Make a backup of your clean installation immediately
- • Check if your hosting has automatic backups
- • Install Backup and Migrate module
- • Test if you can restore a backup
Common installation problems
Stuck? These are the most common problems and solutions
Database connection error
Problem: "Failed to connect to your database server"
Solution: Check your database name, username and password. Database host is usually "localhost", but can be different with some hosts.
Write permission errors
Problem: "The directory sites/default is not writable"
Solution: Set file permissions to 755 for directories and 644 for files. The sites/default/files folder must be writable (755 or 775).
PHP memory limit
Problem: "Allowed memory size exhausted"
Solution: Increase PHP memory_limit to at least 256MB in php.ini or .htaccess. Contact your hosting if you don't have access.
White page after installation
Problem: Empty white page, no error
Solution: Enable PHP error reporting. Check your error logs. Usually a memory or permission problem.
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