Assumptions
This documentation assumes the following:
- You're using cPanel to manage your WordPress sites
- You're running Softaculous within cPanel
- You've installed WordPress using some other method besides Softaculous
Why Use Softaculous?
Softaculous is primarily a software installation service that most folks use to install new applications with. However, Softaculous has a few other features, such as automatic updates, email notifications, and an easy-to-use interface that makes it appealing to use for existing software.
Import an Existing WordPress Installation
For this example I've got an install of WordPress that I installed by downloading WordPress as a ZIP file from the WordPress.org website. Now that it's installed, I'm kinda feelin' like I want Softaculous to install updates for WordPress and all my plugins on a regular basis.
To start, I'll need to log in to my cPanel server, and find the WordPress icon in Softaculous (Softactulous is usually located near the bottom of your cPanel home page right after you log in):
Once we're in there, we'll need to hit the "Import" tab, like so:
On the import screen, you'll be asked for a little information. For the "Choose Protocol" option, you'll need to indicate whether you use an SSL certificate (the "https" options), and if you use "www" in front of your domain or not. For this example, I'm NOT using a SSL certificate (shame on me!) and I'm also not using "www" in front of my domain, so I'm just going to pick "http://" for that drop-down.
Next, it will ask you for a domain. This might be pre-filled, but whether you have to enter it or it's pre-filled, CHECK IT to make sure it's correct.
Last, it will ask you what directory to look in. If you installed WordPress into a subdirectory - like mysite.com/wp/ - you'll need to enter in "wp/" here. Here are the settings I ended up with:
Once your settings check out, you'll get a "Congratulations" screen, like this one:
Your WordPress site should now be manageable from within Softaculous.
Configuring Softaculous to Auto-Update WordPress
One of the most useful features of Softaculous is that it can autoupdate not only your core WordPress versions, but also your plugins. Normally you'd need to log in and run an update on those, but with Softaculous updates can be checked and installed daily. This helps your site stay secure and bug-free.
To get started, go back to the Softaculous Wordpress screen, and scroll down a little to hit the "pencil icon" for your newly imported WordPress install:
On the edit screen for your Wordpress install, all you need to do is click the checkboxes next to what you want to auto-update in order to have Softaculous automatically check for and install updates to your WordPress core, plugins, and themes:
Once you've saved your settings, that's all there is to it! You're all set.
Good luck and have fun!
Important: Depending on the quality of your code, updating some plugins and themes could negatively affect your website. Please consult with your WordPress developer to ensure that applying updates to your themes and plugins do not negatively affect your site.