Server Setup & Configuration
January 16, 2026
Plesk is one of the most versatile web hosting control panels available today, trusted by hosting providers and system administrators worldwide. Whether you’re managing a single website or running a reseller hosting business with hundreds of clients, this comprehensive Plesk setup guide will walk you through everything from initial installation to advanced configuration.
In this Plesk configuration tutorial, we’ll cover how to install Plesk server on Ubuntu, Debian, and Windows, configure essential security settings, set up domains, and leverage powerful features like the WordPress Toolkit and Plesk extensions.
What is Plesk and Why Choose It?
Plesk is a commercial web admin panel that simplifies server management through an intuitive graphical interface. Unlike command-line server administration, Plesk allows you to manage websites, databases, email accounts, and security settings through a user-friendly dashboard.
Key Benefits of Plesk
- Cross-Platform Support: Works on both Linux and Windows hosting servers
- WordPress Toolkit: Advanced WordPress hosting management with staging, cloning, and security hardening
- Multi-Server Management: Control multiple servers from a single dashboard
- Reseller Ready: Built-in service plans and client management
- Extensive Extensions: Over 100 Plesk extensions for additional functionality
- Security Focused: Integrated Plesk firewall, Fail2Ban, and ModSecurity
Plesk vs cPanel: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Plesk | cPanel |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Linux & Windows | Linux Only |
| WordPress Management | Advanced Toolkit | Basic (WP Squared) |
| Interface | Modern, Single Dashboard | Traditional, Split (WHM/cPanel) |
| Git Integration | Built-in | Limited |
| Docker Support | Yes | No |
| Pricing (Web Admin) | $12.75/month | $15/month |
System Requirements for Plesk Installation
Before you install Plesk server, ensure your dedicated server meets the minimum requirements.
Hardware Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 1 core (2.0 GHz) | 2+ cores |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB+ |
| Disk Space | 20 GB | 40 GB+ SSD |
| Network | 1 static IP | Multiple IPs for reseller |
Supported Operating Systems
Linux Distributions
- Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, 24.04 LTS
- Debian 11, 12
- CentOS 7 (legacy support)
- AlmaLinux 8, 9
- Rocky Linux 8, 9
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8, 9
Windows Server Versions
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2022
Note: For production environments, we recommend using the latest LTS version of Ubuntu (24.04) or Debian 12 for optimal stability and security updates.
How to Install Plesk on Ubuntu
Installing Plesk on Ubuntu is straightforward using the official installer script. This section covers Plesk install Ubuntu procedures for versions 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04.
Step 1: Prepare Your Server
First, update your system and ensure you have a clean server:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo rebootStep 2: Set the Hostname
Plesk requires a valid fully qualified domain name (FQDN):
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname server.yourdomain.comVerify the hostname:
hostname -fStep 3: Download and Run Plesk Installer
Download the Plesk installer script:
wget https://autoinstall.plesk.com/plesk-installerMake it executable and run:
chmod +x plesk-installer
sudo ./plesk-installerStep 4: Choose Installation Type
The installer offers three options:
- Recommended: Installs the most common components
- Full: Installs all available components
- Custom: Select specific components manually
For most users, select Recommended to get started quickly.
Tip: For a headless installation (non-interactive), use:
sudo ./plesk-installer --select-product-id plesk --select-release-latest --installation-type recommendedStep 5: Complete Initial Setup
Once installation completes, access Plesk at:
https://your-server-ip:8443You’ll be prompted to:
- Create an admin account
- Enter your license key (or start a trial)
- Set your administrator contact information
How to Install Plesk on Debian 12
The process to install Plesk on Debian 12 is nearly identical to Ubuntu. Here’s the complete procedure:
Step 1: Update System
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install wget curl -yStep 2: Configure Hostname
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname plesk.yourdomain.com
echo "127.0.0.1 plesk.yourdomain.com plesk" | sudo tee -a /etc/hostsStep 3: Run One-Click Installation
For the fastest installation, use the one-liner:
sudo sh <<< "$(wget -qO - https://autoinstall.plesk.com/one-click-installer)"This automatically installs Plesk Obsidian with recommended components.
Step 4: Retrieve Admin Credentials
After installation, get your one-time login link:
sudo plesk loginThis generates a secure URL for initial Plesk Obsidian login without needing a password.
How to Install Plesk on Windows Server
Plesk on Windows provides an excellent solution for hosting ASP.NET applications alongside PHP websites. Here’s how to install Plesk Windows:
Step 1: Prepare Windows Server
- Ensure Windows Server 2019/2022 is freshly installed
- Install all Windows Updates
- Disable Windows Firewall temporarily during installation
- Set a static IP address
Step 2: Download Plesk Installer
- Visit Plesk Installer Download Page
- Download the Windows installer (plesk-installer.exe)
- Run as Administrator
Step 3: Run Installation Wizard
The graphical installer will guide you through:
- Selecting installation type (Recommended/Full/Custom)
- Choosing components (IIS, SQL Server, Mail Server)
- Setting administrator password
- Configuring initial settings
Step 4: Access Plesk Panel
After installation, access via:
https://your-server-ip:8443Important: Remember to re-enable Windows Firewall and configure rules for ports 80, 443, 8443, and 8447 after installation.
Initial Plesk Configuration Tutorial
After installation, this Plesk configuration tutorial for beginners will help you set up essential features.
Accessing Plesk Admin Panel
The Plesk admin login URL is:
https://your-server-ip:8443Or use the hostname:
https://server.yourdomain.com:8443Configuring Server Settings
Navigate to Tools & Settings to configure:
1. Server Identity
- Set full hostname
- Configure administrator email
- Set default IP address
2. Mail Server Settings
- Configure outgoing mail (SMTP)
- Set up mail relay if needed
- Enable SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
3. Database Server
- MySQL/MariaDB configuration
- PostgreSQL setup (if needed)
- Remote database access settings
Installing SSL Certificate
Plesk includes free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates:
- Go to Tools & Settings → SSL/TLS Certificates
- Click Install under Let’s Encrypt
- Enter email and select “Secure the panel”
- Click Install
Domain Management in Plesk
Domain management is one of Plesk’s core features. Here’s how to add and configure domains.
Adding a New Domain
- Click Add Domain from the dashboard
- Enter domain name (e.g., example.com)
- Choose hosting type:
- Website hosting: Full hosting with files and databases
- Redirect: Forward to another URL
- No hosting: DNS or mail only
- Select document root location
- Click OK to create
Configuring DNS Settings
For each domain, you can manage DNS records:
- Select the domain
- Go to Hosting & DNS → DNS Settings
- Add or modify records (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT)
Setting Up Subdomains
- Select parent domain
- Click Add Subdomain
- Enter subdomain prefix (e.g., “blog” for blog.example.com)
- Choose document root
- Click OK
How to Delete a Website in Plesk
To remove a domain using Plesk delete website function:
- Go to Websites & Domains
- Click on the domain name
- Select Remove Website
- Choose whether to delete files and databases
- Confirm deletion
Warning: Deleting a website permanently removes all associated files, databases, and email accounts. Always create a backup first.
WordPress Toolkit: Complete Guide
The WordPress Toolkit is one of Plesk’s most powerful features, offering advanced WordPress management capabilities.
Installing WordPress
- Select your domain
- Click WordPress → Install
- Configure installation:
- Installation path
- Site title
- Admin username and password
- Admin email
- Database settings
- Click Install
WordPress Toolkit Features
Security Scanner
Automatically check and fix WordPress security issues:
- File permissions
- Database prefix
- Directory indexing
- Security keys
- XML-RPC protection
Staging Environment
Create a copy of your site for testing:
- Click Clone on your WordPress instance
- Choose staging subdomain
- Make changes and test
- Sync back to production when ready
Smart Updates
Test updates in a sandbox before applying:
- Enable Smart Updates in WordPress Toolkit
- System creates automatic snapshot
- Updates are tested in isolated environment
- Rollback automatically if issues detected
Mass Management
Manage multiple WordPress sites simultaneously:
- Bulk update plugins and themes
- Apply security settings to all sites
- Monitor all installations from one screen
Plesk Security Configuration
Securing your Plesk server is crucial. Follow these steps to harden your installation.
Configuring Plesk Firewall
Enable and configure the built-in Plesk firewall:
- Go to Tools & Settings → Firewall
- Click Enable Firewall Rules Management
- Review default rules
- Add custom rules as needed
- Click Apply Changes
Recommended Firewall Rules
| Port | Service | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | SSH | Allow (restrict to specific IPs) |
| 80 | HTTP | Allow All |
| 443 | HTTPS | Allow All |
| 8443 | Plesk Panel | Allow (restrict if possible) |
| 8447 | Plesk Updates | Allow |
Enabling Fail2Ban
Fail2Ban protects against brute-force attacks:
- Go to Tools & Settings → IP Address Banning (Fail2Ban)
- Click Enable intrusion detection
- Configure:
- Ban period: 600 seconds (recommended)
- Max failures: 5 attempts
- Ban time: 10 minutes to 24 hours
- Enable jails for SSH, Plesk, and web services
ModSecurity Web Application Firewall
Enable ModSecurity for web application protection:
- Go to Tools & Settings → Web Application Firewall (ModSecurity)
- Set mode to On
- Select ruleset (OWASP recommended)
- Configure for each domain as needed
Tip: Start with ModSecurity in “Detection only” mode to identify false positives before switching to full protection.
Two-Factor Authentication
Enable 2FA for admin accounts:
- Go to Tools & Settings → Panel Security Policy
- Enable Multi-factor authentication
- Require for all administrators
- Users set up via Google Authenticator or similar app
Plesk Extensions for Enhanced Functionality
Plesk extensions expand your server’s capabilities. Here are the essential ones:
How to Install Extensions
- Go to Extensions in the left menu
- Browse or search for extensions
- Click Get It Free or Buy
- Click Install
Recommended Free Extensions
| Extension | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Let’s Encrypt | Free SSL certificates |
| Advisor | Performance and security recommendations |
| SEO Toolkit | Basic SEO analysis |
| Site Import | Migrate websites from other servers |
| Git | Version control integration |
| Docker | Container management |
| Node.js | Node.js application support |
Popular Premium Extensions
| Extension | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Imunify360 | Advanced security suite | From $6/month |
| Speed Kit | Website acceleration | From $5/month |
| Backup to Cloud | Cloud backup integration | From $2/month |
| Acronis Backup | Enterprise backup solution | From $4/month |
Service Plans for Reseller Hosting
Plesk’s service plans feature enables reseller hosting businesses to offer tiered hosting packages.
Creating Service Plans
- Go to Service Plans
- Click Add Plan
- Configure resources:
- Disk space quota
- Bandwidth limits
- Number of domains
- Database limits
- Email account limits
- Set permissions (what features customers can access)
- Configure PHP settings
- Save the plan
Example Service Plan Structure
| Feature | Starter | Business | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Websites | 1 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Disk Space | 5 GB | 25 GB | 100 GB |
| Bandwidth | 50 GB | 250 GB | Unlimited |
| Databases | 1 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Email Accounts | 5 | 50 | Unlimited |
| SSL Certificates | Let’s Encrypt | Let’s Encrypt | Wildcard SSL |
Managing Customers
- Go to Customers
- Click Add Customer
- Enter customer details
- Assign a service plan
- Customer receives login credentials
Plesk Migration: Moving Sites to Your Server
Plesk migration tools make it easy to transfer websites from other servers or control panels.
Using the Migration & Transfer Manager
- Install the Migration & Transfer Manager extension
- Go to Tools & Settings → Migration & Transfer Manager
- Click Start New Migration
- Enter source server details:
- IP address
- SSH/Panel credentials
- Panel type (Plesk, cPanel, or none)
- Select subscriptions/accounts to migrate
- Start migration
Supported Migration Sources
- Another Plesk server
- cPanel/WHM server (Learn how to install cPanel)
- Confixx server
- Plain Linux hosting server (manual configuration)
Manual Website Migration
For individual websites:
- Export files via FTP or file manager
- Export database via phpMyAdmin
- Create new domain in Plesk
- Upload files to new location
- Import database
- Update configuration files with new database credentials
- Update DNS to point to new server
Multi-Server Setup with Plesk
For larger deployments, Plesk supports multi-server setup configurations.
Architecture Options
1. Centralized Management
One Plesk server manages multiple backend servers:
- Separate web servers
- Dedicated database servers
- External mail servers
2. Plesk Multi Server Extension
Manage multiple Plesk installations from a single dashboard:
- Monitor all servers
- Deploy configurations across servers
- Centralized customer management
Setting Up External Database Server
- Go to Tools & Settings → Database Servers
- Click Add Database Server
- Enter remote server details:
- Hostname/IP
- Port (default: 3306)
- Admin credentials
- Set as default for new subscriptions
Backup and Restore in Plesk
Regular backups are essential for disaster recovery.
Configuring Scheduled Backups
- Go to Tools & Settings → Backup Manager
- Click Schedule
- Configure:
- Backup frequency (daily/weekly/monthly)
- Retention period
- What to back up (full server, configurations, websites)
- Storage location (local, FTP, cloud)
- Enable and save
Cloud Backup Storage
Connect cloud storage for off-server backups:
- Amazon S3
- Google Cloud Storage
- Azure Blob Storage
- Dropbox
- Any S3-compatible storage
Restoring from Backup
- Go to Backup Manager
- Select the backup file
- Click Restore
- Choose what to restore:
- Entire server
- Specific subscriptions
- Individual domains
- Files only
- Databases only
- Confirm and start restoration
Plesk Command Line Interface
For advanced users, Plesk offers powerful CLI tools.
Common Plesk CLI Commands
Generate Admin Login Link
plesk loginCreate New Subscription
plesk bin subscription --create example.com -owner admin -service-plan "Default Domain"List All Domains
plesk bin domain --listRestart Services
plesk repair web -yUpdate Plesk
plesk installer --select-release-current --upgrade-installed-componentsCheck Plesk Version
plesk versionTroubleshooting Common Plesk Issues
Cannot Access Plesk Panel
Check if Plesk is Running
systemctl status plesk-web-configuratorRestart Plesk Services
systemctl restart sw-cp-server
systemctl restart plesk-web-configuratorCheck Firewall
iptables -L -n | grep 8443Website Not Loading
Check Web Server Status
# Apache
systemctl status httpdsystemctl status nginx
Repair Web Server Configuration
plesk repair web -yDatabase Connection Issues
Check MySQL Status
systemctl status mariadbRepair Database Server
plesk repair db -yMail Not Sending
Check Mail Server Status
systemctl status postfixRepair Mail Configuration
plesk repair mail -yPlesk Licensing and Pricing
Understanding Plesk costs helps you choose the right edition.
Plesk Editions
| Edition | Domains | Price/Month | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Admin | Up to 10 | $12.75 | Personal/Small Business |
| Web Pro | Up to 30 | $20.25 | Professionals/Agencies |
| Web Host | Unlimited | $40.50 | Hosting Companies |
License Features Comparison
| Feature | Web Admin | Web Pro | Web Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress Toolkit | Basic | Full | Full |
| Reseller Features | No | Limited | Full |
| Technical Support | Basic | Priority | Premium |
| Security Extensions | Limited | Most | All |
Tip: Many hosting providers like ASPGulf include Plesk licenses with dedicated server packages at discounted rates.
Conclusion
This comprehensive Plesk setup guide has covered everything from initial installation to advanced configuration. Whether you chose to install Plesk on Ubuntu, Debian 12, or Windows Server, you now have the knowledge to manage a professional hosting environment.
Key takeaways from this Plesk configuration tutorial:
- Installation is straightforward with one-click installers for all supported platforms
- Security should be prioritized using the built-in Plesk firewall, Fail2Ban, and ModSecurity
- WordPress Toolkit provides powerful management features for WordPress sites
- Service plans enable reseller hosting business models
- Extensions expand functionality for specific needs
- Regular backups protect against data loss
For professional dedicated server solutions with Plesk pre-installed and configured, consider ASPGulf’s managed hosting services in UAE with 24/7 technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plesk used for?
Plesk is a web hosting control panel used for managing dedicated servers and VPS hosting environments. It provides a graphical interface to manage websites, domains, email accounts, databases, DNS settings, and server security without requiring command-line expertise. System administrators and hosting companies use Plesk to simplify server management, while website owners use it to manage their hosting accounts. Key uses include deploying websites, installing applications like WordPress, managing SSL certificates, configuring email services, setting up backups, and monitoring server resources.
Is Plesk free or paid?
Plesk is a paid commercial software with subscription-based licensing. Prices start at $12.75 per month for the Web Admin edition (up to 10 domains), $20.25 per month for Web Pro (up to 30 domains), and $40.50 per month for Web Host (unlimited domains). However, Plesk offers a 14-day free trial with full functionality, allowing you to test all features before purchasing. Some hosting providers include Plesk licenses with their server packages at discounted or no additional cost. There is no permanently free version of Plesk, unlike some alternatives such as Webmin or CyberPanel.
What is Plesk on Windows?
Plesk on Windows is the Windows Server version of the Plesk control panel, designed to manage Windows-based hosting environments. It integrates with Windows Server components including IIS (Internet Information Services), Microsoft SQL Server, and ASP.NET frameworks. This makes it ideal for hosting .NET applications, ASP websites, and Windows-specific services alongside traditional PHP websites. Plesk on Windows supports Windows Server 2019 and 2022, providing the same user-friendly interface as the Linux version but optimized for Windows server management and Microsoft technologies.
What is better, cPanel or Plesk?
Neither is universally better; each has strengths for different use cases. Plesk is better if you need Windows server support, want superior WordPress management through the WordPress Toolkit, prefer a modern single-dashboard interface, or require features like Git integration and Docker support. cPanel is better if you exclusively use Linux, prefer the traditional WHM/cPanel split interface familiar to many users, or your clients specifically request cPanel. Plesk generally offers better value with slightly lower pricing and more features at base tiers, while cPanel has a larger market share in the shared hosting industry.
Who uses Plesk?
Plesk is used by a diverse range of users including web hosting companies offering shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting services, web developers and agencies managing multiple client websites, small to medium businesses managing their own servers, IT administrators in corporate environments, reseller hosting providers, and individual website owners who want easier server management. According to Plesk, their software manages over 11 million websites globally. Notable users include hosting providers, digital agencies, and enterprises running both Linux and Windows server environments.
What is better than Plesk?
Whether something is better than Plesk depends on your specific needs. For Linux-only environments where cost is a concern, alternatives include cPanel (industry standard, more expensive), DirectAdmin (lightweight, lower cost), CyberPanel (free, OpenLiteSpeed-focused), CloudPanel (free, modern), and Webmin/Virtualmin (free, open-source). For Windows servers, Plesk has limited competition with only a few alternatives like SolidCP (free) and WebsitePanel. However, Plesk’s combination of cross-platform support, WordPress Toolkit, and comprehensive feature set makes it the top choice for many professional hosting scenarios.
How much does Plesk cost?
Plesk pricing is subscription-based with three main editions: Web Admin at $12.75 per month for managing up to 10 domains (ideal for personal sites and small businesses), Web Pro at $20.25 per month for up to 30 domains (suited for professionals and agencies), and Web Host at $40.50 per month for unlimited domains (designed for hosting companies). Annual subscriptions offer discounts. Additional costs may include premium extensions like Imunify360 for security or backup solutions. Many hosting providers bundle Plesk licenses with server packages, often at reduced rates compared to purchasing directly from Plesk.
Who owns Plesk?
Plesk is owned by WebPros, a company that also owns cPanel. WebPros was formed when Oakley Capital Private Equity acquired both Plesk and cPanel, merging them under a single parent company in 2021. This acquisition brought the two largest web hosting control panel providers under common ownership while maintaining them as separate competing products. Plesk was originally developed by SWSoft (later renamed Parallels) in 2001 and has changed ownership several times, including periods under Parallels and then Ingram Micro, before the WebPros acquisition.
Is Plesk a web server?
No, Plesk is not a web server itself but rather a control panel that manages web servers. Plesk works with and configures web server software like Apache, Nginx, or IIS (on Windows). When you install Plesk, it installs and configures the actual web server software (typically Nginx as a reverse proxy with Apache, or Nginx standalone on Linux, and IIS on Windows). Plesk provides the graphical interface to manage these web servers, configure virtual hosts, set up domains, and handle all the complex configuration files that web servers require.
What is the difference between Plesk and WordPress?
Plesk and WordPress serve completely different purposes. WordPress is a content management system (CMS) for building and managing websites, blogs, and online stores. Plesk is a server control panel for managing the hosting environment where WordPress and other applications run. You use Plesk to manage server settings, create databases, configure domains, and install applications including WordPress. You use WordPress to create website content, design pages, and manage your site’s appearance. Plesk can host multiple WordPress installations (or other applications), and its WordPress Toolkit provides advanced WordPress-specific management features.
What is the difference between Plesk and Apache?
Plesk is a web hosting control panel (management interface), while Apache is a web server software that serves web pages to visitors. Apache handles the actual HTTP requests and delivers website content, while Plesk provides a graphical interface to configure Apache and manage all hosting-related tasks. When you use Plesk, it automatically installs and configures Apache (or Nginx) and manages its configuration files, virtual hosts, and modules. You could run Apache without Plesk by managing everything through command-line and configuration files, but Plesk makes Apache management significantly easier through its GUI.
Is Plesk Apache or Nginx?
Plesk can work with both Apache and Nginx, and by default uses both in combination. The standard Plesk configuration on Linux uses Nginx as a reverse proxy in front of Apache, combining Nginx’s speed for serving static content with Apache’s flexibility for dynamic content and .htaccess support. You can also configure Plesk to use Nginx-only mode for better performance if your applications don’t require Apache-specific features. On Windows, Plesk uses IIS (Internet Information Services) as the web server instead of Apache or Nginx. You can switch between these configurations in Plesk’s Apache and Nginx settings.
