What Is CloudLinux OS?
CloudLinux OS is a commercial Linux distribution based on CentOS/RHEL, built specifically for web hosting servers. It’s widely used by hosting providers and sysadmins who want better security, stability, and resource isolation for shared hosting environments.
By converting your existing CentOS, AlmaLinux, or Rocky Linux installation into CloudLinux, you can take advantage of advanced features like LVE, CageFS, and PHP Selector, which help prevent one user from overloading the entire server.
Why Use CloudLinux?
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) | Isolates users so one account can’t slow down others. |
| CageFS | Virtualized file system — each user sees only their files. |
| PHP Selector | Users can choose PHP versions per account. |
| MySQL Governor | Controls and monitors MySQL usage. |
| KernelCare Integration | Automatically applies security patches without rebooting. |
| Improved Security & Stability | Perfect for shared hosting and cPanel environments. |
In short: CloudLinux improves server performance, security, and hosting quality — all critical for SEO, uptime, and client trust.
Prerequisites
Before installing CloudLinux, ensure you have:
-
A server running CentOS, RHEL, AlmaLinux, or Rocky Linux (version 7, 8, or 9).
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Root (administrator) SSH access.
-
An active CloudLinux license key (you can get a free trial at https://cln.cloudlinux.com).
-
A stable internet connection.
⚙️ Step-by-Step Installation (Convert from CentOS/RHEL/AlmaLinux)
Step 1: Log in as Root
SSH into your server:
Step 2: Download the CloudLinux Conversion Script
Run:
Make it executable:
Step 3: Run the CloudLinux Installation Script
Option 1: Using a License Key
If you have a license key:
Option 2: Using a Trial License
If you don’t have a key yet:
This will automatically request and activate a trial license.
Step 4: Wait for the Conversion to Complete
The script will:
-
Replace CentOS/AlmaLinux repositories with CloudLinux repos.
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Install the CloudLinux kernel and packages.
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Migrate your system automatically.
This process can take 5–10 minutes depending on your server speed.
Step 5: Reboot the Server
After installation, reboot to load the new CloudLinux kernel:
Step 6: Verify the Installation
After reboot, check your OS version:
You should see something like:
You can also verify the kernel:
It should contain lve, indicating the CloudLinux kernel is active.
???? Optional: Integrate with cPanel/WHM or DirectAdmin
If you use cPanel/WHM, you can activate CloudLinux LVE and CageFS directly in WHM after installation.
WHM → LVE Manager → Enable LVE Features
Then run:
Enable CageFS:
???? Alternative: Fresh CloudLinux Installation from ISO
You can also install CloudLinux directly (clean install) instead of converting an existing system.
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Download the ISO from: https://www.cloudlinux.com/downloads/
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Mount or boot from the ISO on your VPS/dedicated server.
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Follow the guided installation (similar to CentOS setup).
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Register your license:
???? Updating CloudLinux
To keep your CloudLinux system secure and up to date:
or for newer versions:
???? Final Thoughts
Installing CloudLinux OS is one of the best ways to improve performance, security, and stability of shared hosting servers. It isolates users, prevents resource abuse, and integrates perfectly with popular control panels like cPanel, DirectAdmin, and Plesk.
If you already run CentOS, RHEL, or AlmaLinux — converting to CloudLinux is fast, safe, and fully reversible.
✅ Quick Summary
| Step | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | wget https://repo.cloudlinux.com/cloudlinux/sources/cln/cldeploy |
Download installer |
| 2 | chmod +x cldeploy |
Make script executable |
| 3 | sh cldeploy -k YOUR_LICENSE_KEY |
Install CloudLinux |
| 4 | reboot |
Boot into CloudLinux kernel |
| 5 | cat /etc/redhat-release |
Verify installation |