How to Install LiteSpeed in cPanel
This guide will help you install LiteSpeed Web Server (Enterprise) on a server running cPanel/WHM — using both SSH and the WHM interface.
⚙️ Requirements
- ● Root SSH access
- ● cPanel already installed
- ● A valid LiteSpeed license
- ● Apache must already be installed (comes with cPanel)
Method 1: Install via SSH
Step 1: Log in via SSH
ssh root@your-server-ip
Step 2: Install WHM Plugin for LiteSpeed
cd /usr/src
wget https://www.litespeedtech.com/packages/cpanel/lsws_whm_plugin_install.sh
bash lsws_whm_plugin_install.sh
Step 3: Activate LiteSpeed via WHM
Then open WHM and go to:
WHM » Plugins » LiteSpeed Web Server
Click “Switch to LiteSpeed” and enter your license or trial key.
Step 4: Verify LiteSpeed is Running
ps aux | grep litespeed
Or verify via the WHM plugin — it should show "LiteSpeed is running."
Access LiteSpeed WebAdmin
After installation, access the WebAdmin console at:
https://your-server-ip:7080
To set the admin password:
/usr/local/lsws/admin/misc/admpass.sh
Method 2: Install LiteSpeed from Within WHM
Step 1: Launch the Installer
- 1. Log in to WHM at
https://your-server-ip:2087 - 2. Go to Plugins » LiteSpeed Web Server Plugin for WHM
- 3. Click “Install LiteSpeed Web Server”
- 4. Fill out the installation form with the following details:
- ● Trial license key or your serial number
- ● Target installation directory for LiteSpeed
- ● Port Offset (set to 0 to replace Apache, or e.g. 2000 to run alongside it)
- ● Enable or disable PHP SuEXEC
- ● Set username and password for the LiteSpeed WebAdmin console
- ● Enter your email address (admin contact)
- 5. Click “Next” to install LiteSpeed
If you set Port Offset to 0, Apache will be stopped and LiteSpeed will replace it immediately. You can switch back to Apache temporarily if needed.
Step 2: Build Matching PHP Binary
A pre-built PHP 4 binary comes with LSWS, but you should build your own using the same options Apache uses (via EasyApache):
- ● If LiteSpeed is running, click “Switch to Apache”
- ● Then click “Build Matching PHP Binary”
- ● This process may take several minutes to complete
Step 3: Start LiteSpeed
Once PHP has been built:
- ● Click “Restart LiteSpeed” to start the server again
- ● If Port Offset was non-zero, you can now click “Switch to LiteSpeed” to replace Apache
✅ Tip: Use /usr/local/lsws/admin/misc/build_php_lsapi.sh if you prefer CLI-based PHP build.
❗ Need Help?
Our support team can install and configure LiteSpeed for you. Contact Support
