The Ultimate Guide to the WHM Control Panel (2025)
Liquid Web offers WHM (WebHost Manager) and cPanel as a unified software package that provides a comprehensive solution for managing web hosting environments. They work in tandem, fulfilling distinct but complementary roles.
WHM (WebHost Manager): The Administrator’s Dashboard WHM is the server-level control panel, primarily used by hosting providers, resellers, and server administrators. It grants the “root” or administrative access to the entire server (dedicated server or VPS). With WHM, you can:
- Create, suspend, and terminate individual cPanel accounts.
- Manage hosting packages and allocate server resources (disk space, bandwidth) to each account.
- Configure server-wide settings, security, and updates.
- Monitor server health and performance.
- Manage DNS, IP addresses, and SSL certificates for the entire server.
cPanel: The End-User’s Interface cPanel is the user-level control panel, designed for individual website owners or clients of a hosting provider. It’s a simplified interface that allows users to manage their specific hosting account without needing server administration knowledge. Through cPanel, users can:
- Manage their website files (via a file manager or FTP).
- Create and manage email accounts.
- Set up databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL).
- Install popular web applications (like WordPress, Joomla) with one-click installers.
- Manage domains, subdomains, and DNS settings for their websites.
- Monitor their website’s resource usage.
WHM / cPanel Control Panel Articles
The following resources will guide you through the server management tasks available in the WHM / cPanel control panel.
Security in WHM
Read more: Security in WHMLock down your server with WHM. Use Security Advisor, CSF firewall, cPHulk, and ModSecurity to protect against threats and secure data.
Setting Up Custom (Private) Nameservers in WHM
Read more: Setting Up Custom (Private) Nameservers in WHMThis article shows how to setup custom (private) nameservers in WHM.
Troubleshooting: Using /script/upcp for WHM and cPanel Issues
Read more: Troubleshooting: Using /script/upcp for WHM and cPanel IssuescPanel is set to update on a nightly basis for most server configurations. However, depending on changes made at different times, the update may need to be rerun as part of your troubleshooting process. The /script/upcp will update the cPanel and WHM services on your system. Running this update is a great first step in…
Understanding the basics of LVE Manager in WHM
Read more: Understanding the basics of LVE Manager in WHMLearn to navigate and use WHM’s LVE Manager on CloudLinux cPanel servers to monitor real-time usage, adjust user resource limits, and view historical stats.
Update WHM/cPanel
Read more: Update WHM/cPanelcPanel often releases new features and upgrades for WHM and cPanel. Keeping your control panel updated means you will always have access to the newest features. Keeping your control panel up to date will also help protect your from security vulnerabilities that have been identified in earlier releases of the software.
What is WHMCS?
Read more: What is WHMCS?WHMCS streamlines web hosting business operations, automating tasks for client management, billing, and support, freeing up time for growth.
WHM Backup and Restore
Read more: WHM Backup and RestoreProtect your server with WHM’s backup tools. Learn to configure, create, and restore accounts, and enhance security with off-server backups.
WHM Tutorial: DNS Tools and Functions
Read more: WHM Tutorial: DNS Tools and FunctionsThe WebHost Manager’s (WHM’s) interface very useful when it comes to updating, creating, or removing DNS zone files for your domains.