How to manage software versions on Cloud hosting using CPANEL

This guide will explain how to upgrade installed software versions for PHP/Mysql using cPanel, including how to update the cPanel version.

We would recommend taking backups of any important data before applying any updates/upgrades.

Updating PHP Version

You can update the PHP version installed for Apache on your server using cPanel by following the steps outlined below:

1. Log in to your WHM control panel
2. Locate the menu header ‘Software’ on the left hand menu and expand the section.
3. Select ‘EasyApache 3’ (it will then check the system to ensure it is ready for any changes)
4. Select the gear symbol located under the Actions heading for the ‘Default’ profile.
5. The next page will show you your current Apache Version – Select Next Step
6. Select the version of PHP you wish to update to, then select: Next Step
7. If you are updating the PHP version for a specific service such as ‘IonCube Loader’ or ‘Suhosin 0.9.36 for PHP’ then you can enable these in the ‘Short Options List’. If not the default settings will be already ticked and you can select the ‘Save and Build’ option at the bottom of the page.
8. At this point you will be made aware of the following:
   Termination of the build process will result in data loss! The build process is designed to run in the background until complete. Prematurely killing this process will leave your Apache configuration in an unusable state requiring restoration from backups
9. The build will then auto start after 5 seconds and begin the upgrade and can take up to 30 minutes to complete depending on your chosen configuration. – You may be prompted to save the config towards the end of the upgrade.

Updating MSQL Version

It is recommended to backup any active databases before updating Mysql versions

1. Log in to your WHM control panel.
2. Locate the menu header ‘Software’ on the left hand menu and expand the section.
3. Select the ‘MYSQL/MariaDB Upgrade’ option
4. The options for regrading are then presented and you can select the one you want and hit ‘Next’.
5. The system will then do a check to ensure the server is ready to complete the changeover and if it is it will ask you to agree to any potential consequences:
6. Select your upgrade type:

   Unattended Upgrade: This option automatically rebuilds Apache and PHP with the last saved defaults. It will also automatically update Ruby Gems, and rebuild Apache and PHP.

   Partially-Interactive Upgrade: This option automatically updates Ruby Gems, but it will not rebuild Apache and PHP until you choose to do so.

   Interactive Upgrade: This option steps you through the upgrade process. This process includes the update of Ruby Gems, the update of MySQL/MariaDB, and the rebuild of Apache and PHP.

7. Click to continue – The upgrade will then start and may take up to 30 minutes to complete.

Upgrading your control panel version

Updates are automatic but they can be released in stages or may require forcing through.

If your cPanel update is being affected by the staging process you will see a yellow alert at the top of your control panel:

The last attempt to update cPanel & WHM was blocked.
Details:

Upgrade to the next LTS is blocked until *Date* in order to distribute upgrades over a five day period. If you wish to upgrade now, you can do so now with the force option.

1. Log in to your WHM control panel.
2. Locate the menu header ‘cPanel’ on the left hand menu and expand the section.
3. Select Upgrade to Latest Version.
4. Select the option ‘Click to Upgrade’
5. The upgrade will then start and can take up to 30 minutes to complete.