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Last modified: 2026 July 15
Overview
The /usr/local/cpanel/scripts/upcp script lets you update cPanel & WHM on the command line.
Run the script
To run this script on the command line, use the following format:
/usr/local/cpanel/scripts/upcp [options]Options
Use the following options with this script:
| Options | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
bg |
Run the update as a background process. The system stores the output of the update in a log file in the /var/cpanel/updatelogs directory. The file uses the update.DATE format, where DATE is a timestamp, in Unix time format. |
--bg |
cron |
Configure the system to update using the settings in the /etc/cpupdate.conf file. For more information, read our cPanel & WHM Update Configuration File documentation. |
--cron |
force |
Force the system to reinstall all files, even if the system is up to date.
Important:
This command overrides your cPanel update preferences and updates the server to the latest version. If you do not know which tier your server uses, read our Update Preferences documentation.
Note:
You cannot pass this option with the
sync option.
|
--force |
log |
Override the default log file and use the log file in the defined file path. | --log=/path/to/file |
security |
Apply critical security updates, if available. This option runs in an hourly cron job.
Note:
You can disable this option in WHM’s Update Preferences interface (WHM » Home » Server Configuration » Update Preferences) or in the server’s
/etc/cpupdate.conf file.
|
--security |
sync |
Update the system’s installed version of cPanel & WHM and do not download a newer version. This option ensures that the current version installed has the correct files.
Note:
You cannot pass this option with the
force option.
|
--sync |
help |
Displays additional information. | --help |