What Is WHM?
What WebHost Manager (WHM) Is
WebHost Manager, usually called WHM, is the server administration interface for cPanel. Server administrators and resellers use it to create and manage the cPanel accounts that run on a server. Where cPanel is what a site owner logs into, WHM is what the server owner uses.
WHM is not designed for website owners. Its tools cover the whole server and every account on it. For the account-level tool, see what cPanel is and why so many hosts use it.
How WHM and cPanel Work Together
The two interfaces form layers. WHM sits at the top and controls the server. cPanel sits underneath and manages each hosting account.
- Server level (WHM): software updates, service settings, security, server-wide backups, DNS settings and licence status.
- Reseller level (WHM with limited rights): creating and managing accounts within a reseller's allowance.
- Account level (cPanel): the site owner's files, domains, email and databases.
Packages link the layers. A package is a template that sets limits for an account, such as disk space, bandwidth, number of email accounts and available features. The administrator creates packages in WHM, and each new cPanel account is built from one. Account hierarchies across panels are explained in admin, reseller and user levels.
How a Hosting Company Divides the Work
A hosting company runs one server with several hundred customer sites. Its administrator uses WHM to install updates, configure the server and create packages for each plan the company sells. When a customer signs up, the administrator creates a cPanel account from the right package.
A reseller who sells hosting under their own brand logs into WHM with limited rights. They create accounts for their own clients without access to the rest of the server. Each client then logs into cPanel to manage their own site.
Frequently asked questions
Who should use WHM?
WHM is for server administrators, hosting companies and resellers. A site owner who buys a standard shared hosting plan normally uses only cPanel. If you manage a server that runs cPanel accounts for others, WHM is the tool for the server-wide work.
Are WHM and cPanel licensed separately?
Usually not. On a typical server, cPanel and WHM are licensed together under one server licence, so you do not buy them as separate products. Licence terms can change, so check the current details with the vendor before you decide. The licensing models are explained in how control panel licensing works.