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DirectAdmin Installation Guide for Linux Servers

This guide explains the complete process of installing DirectAdmin on a Linux server. It covers system requirements, license validation, running the installation script using both web-based and command-line methods, accessing the control panel, and customizing the installation using predefined configuration files or environment variables.

DirectAdmininstallation guideLinux control panel

~2 min read • Updated Feb 26, 2026

1. Step 1: Check System Requirements


Before installing DirectAdmin, ensure that your server is running a supported Linux distribution and is a completely clean installation. Installing DirectAdmin on servers with pre-installed services like Apache, MySQL, or other control panels is not recommended.


Refer to the System Requirements page for full details.


2. Step 2: Make Sure You Have a Valid License


To install DirectAdmin, you must have an active license. Log into your client account and verify that your license status is Active and Verified. If not, the billing system may not have processed your order yet.


3. Step 3: Run the Install Script (Web-Based Installer)


Log in as root and run the following command:


sh <(curl -fsSL https://download.directadmin.com/setup.sh)

Note: Running this command with sudo from a non-root shell will not work. Use sudo -s to switch to a root shell first.


After the initial setup, the script will display a URL to continue the installation in your browser. Example:


http://192.168.0.1:35222/?key=DAdYbfkB5JIAQmCqYtziZ9vyTaCucbei

4. Step 3: Run the Install Script (Command-Line Installer)


To install DirectAdmin without using the web interface, run:


sh <(curl -fsSL https://download.directadmin.com/setup.sh) '__insert_your_license_key_here__'

The CLI installer uses default configuration settings. You can customize the installation by preparing options.conf or directadmin.conf files beforehand or by exporting environment variables.


5. Accessing the Control Panel


Once installed, DirectAdmin can be accessed at:


http://server.ip.address:2222

The installer will display the administrator username and password at the end of the installation. These credentials are also stored in:


/usr/local/directadmin/conf/setup.txt

6. Predefined Installation Options


You can automate the installation by exporting environment variables. Example for PHP version:


export php1_release=8.0
export php_imap=yes

Then run the installer:


bash setup.sh LICENSE_KEY

Setting a Custom Hostname


export DA_HOSTNAME="server.yourdomain.com"

7. Using Predefined Configuration Files


If options.conf or directadmin.conf already exist, DirectAdmin will use your custom settings instead of defaults. Example:


mkdir -p /usr/local/directadmin/custombuild
wget -O /usr/local/directadmin/custombuild/options.conf "http://yourdomain.com/options.conf"
mkdir -p /usr/local/directadmin/conf/
wget -O /usr/local/directadmin/conf/directadmin.conf "http://yourdomain.com/directadmin.conf"

8. Hardware and Partition Requirements


Minimum recommended hardware:


  • CPU: 500 MHz or higher
  • RAM: at least 4 GB
  • Disk space: at least 2 GB free

Suggested partition layout:


  • /boot: 500 MB
  • swap: 2 × RAM (up to 16 GB)
  • /: remaining disk space

9. Need More Information?


You can contact support at [email protected] or use the contact page. The community forums are also a great place to find answers.


Written & researched by Dr. Shahin Siami

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