Web Disk is a cPanel feature that lets you manage your website files directly from your computer or mobile device using the WebDAV protocol. Instead of logging into cPanel every time you need to upload or edit files, you can mount your hosting space as a network drive and access your files just like any folder on your computer, making file management faster and more convenient.
This guide explains how Web Disk works, how to use your default account, and how to create additional Web Disk accounts for different purposes or team members.
How Web Disk Works
Web Disk uses the Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) protocol to connect your device to your hosting account. Once configured, your server space appears as a network location on your computer, allowing you to drag and drop files, create folders, and manage content without using FTP software or the File Manager in cPanel.
This makes Web Disk particularly useful for content creators, developers, and anyone who frequently updates website files. You can edit files locally with your preferred software and save changes directly to your server.
Your Main Web Disk Account
When you sign up with OBHost, the system automatically creates a default Web Disk account tied to your cPanel login credentials. This main account provides access to your entire home directory and cannot be deleted.
To use your main Web Disk account:
- Click Access Web Disk to open a web-based file browser and access your files directly through your browser
- Click Configure Client Access to view connection details or download configuration scripts for setting up Web Disk on your computer or mobile device
- If you use Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, or 11, you may need to enable or disable Digest Authentication by clicking the appropriate button (see the section below for details)
Creating Additional Web Disk Accounts
You can create extra Web Disk accounts with limited access to specific directories. This is useful when you want to give a team member, contractor, or client access to only certain folders without sharing your main cPanel password.
To create a new Web Disk account:
- Enter the username: Type a username for the new account. If your hosting account includes multiple domains or subdomains, select the appropriate one from the dropdown menu
- Set a strong password: Enter and confirm the password. The system displays a strength meter that rates your password on a scale of 0 to 100. A higher score means better security. You can also click Password Generator to create a random, secure password automatically. Note that passwords must contain at least five characters, and OBHost may require a minimum strength level (indicated by a green strength meter)
- Specify the directory: Enter the directory path that this account can access. The system automatically suggests a path like public_html/username, but you can change this to any folder within your account. The home icon represents your cPanel account's home directory, and the path you enter defines the top-level access for this Web Disk account
- Click Create: Save the new account. You can then share the login credentials with the intended user
Understanding Digest Authentication for Windows Users
If you use Microsoft Windows to connect to Web Disk, you may need to enable Digest Authentication. This security method is required for some Windows versions to establish a secure connection to your Web Disk account.
Digest Authentication works by encrypting your password during transmission, providing better security than Basic Authentication. Most modern Windows systems work better with this option enabled.
To enable or disable Digest Authentication, simply click the appropriate button next to your main Web Disk account in the cPanel interface.
Connecting Third-Party Software to Web Disk
Web Disk works with many file management applications, including Windows File Explorer, macOS Finder, and various WebDAV client programs. Each operating system and application has slightly different connection steps, but all require the same basic information: your server address, username, and password.
You can find all the connection details you need by clicking Configure Client Access next to any Web Disk account. The system provides ready-to-use configuration scripts for common platforms to simplify the setup process.
Managing Multiple Web Disk Accounts
Once you create additional Web Disk accounts, they appear in a table below the creation form. From this table, you can:
- View each account's username and assigned directory
- Access the account through your web browser
- Configure client access for desktop or mobile connections
- Change the account's password
- Delete accounts you no longer need (except the main account)
This flexibility makes it easy to grant temporary access to specific folders and revoke that access by simply deleting the Web Disk account when the project is complete.
Security Best Practices for Web Disk
To keep your Web Disk accounts secure:
- Always use strong, unique passwords for each account
- Limit directory access to only what each user needs
- Delete Web Disk accounts immediately when they are no longer required
- Enable Digest Authentication on Windows systems for encrypted password transmission
- Regularly review your active Web Disk accounts and remove unused ones
Can I access Web Disk from my smartphone or tablet?
Yes, you can access Web Disk from mobile devices using WebDAV-compatible apps. Many free and paid apps are available for both iOS and Android. Use the connection information from Configure Client Access to set up the connection in your chosen app.
What is the difference between Web Disk and FTP?
Both Web Disk and FTP allow you to transfer files to your hosting account, but Web Disk uses the WebDAV protocol and appears as a network drive on your computer, making it feel more integrated with your operating system. FTP requires dedicated client software and typically offers more advanced features for bulk transfers and automation.
Why can't I delete my main Web Disk account?
The main Web Disk account is tied directly to your cPanel credentials and provides essential access to your home directory. Deleting it would remove your ability to access files through Web Disk entirely. If you need to restrict access, create additional accounts with limited permissions instead.
How many Web Disk accounts can I create?
The number of Web Disk accounts you can create depends on your hosting plan and server resources. Most plans allow multiple accounts, but if you need to create many accounts or have specific limitations, contact your hosting provider to confirm your plan's limits.
The OBHost support team is available 24/7 to help with Web Disk setup, troubleshooting connection issues, or any questions about managing your hosting account. Visit https://www.obhost.net/contact or email support@obhost.org for assistance.
