HestiaCP in 2025: Installing and Configuring the Hosting Panel

HestiaCP is a free alternative to cPanel for a VPS. Here is how to install and configure it in 2025.

Requirements

• Ubuntu 22.04 or Debian 12 (recommended)
• RAM: 1 GB minimum, 2 GB+ recommended
• A clean server with no Apache, Nginx or MySQL installed

Installation

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hestiacp/hestiacp/release/install/hst-install.sh
bash hst-install.sh --nginx yes --php yes --mysql yes   --exim yes --dovecot yes --sieve yes --clamav no   --spamassassin no --iptables yes --fail2ban yes   --lang en --hostname srv.yourdomain.com --email admin@yourdomain.com

It takes 10–20 minutes. Write down the admin password printed at the end.

First steps after installation

1. Change the SSH port (22 by default) in /etc/ssh/sshd_config
2. Point the fail2ban jails at your new SSH port
3. Add domains through Admin → Web → Add Domain
4. Configure DNS if the nameservers live on this same server

Common pitfalls

open_basedir errors: if the site stores files outside public_html, add that path in the domain settings or the PHP pool.

SFTP not working: make sure sshd_config has PermitRootLogin prohibit-password, not no.

Need a hand? Order a HestiaCP installation.