---
title: How do I change a domain’s document root in DirectAdmin?
description: "The document root is the folder on the server where a domain's website files live. Changing it lets you point a domain to a different folder, which is useful when reorganising sites or running an app from a subfolder. This…"
url: "https://disoh.com/support/how-do-i-change-a-domains-document-root-in-directadmin/"
updated: "2026-07-22"
category: Webhosting
---

# How do I change a domain’s document root in DirectAdmin?

The document root is the folder on the server where a domain's website files live. Changing it lets you point a domain to a different folder, which is useful when reorganising sites or running an app from a subfolder. This guide explains how in DirectAdmin.

## What the document root is

By default, a domain's files live in a folder like *public_html* (or a domain-specific folder). The document root is simply which folder the domain serves as the website. Changing it tells the server to load a different location.

## When you might change it

- Moving a site into a cleaner folder structure.
- Pointing a domain at a framework's public subfolder.
- Serving a rebuilt site from a new directory.

## Changing the document root

1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
2. Open **Domain Setup** and select the domain.
3. Find the option to set or change the document root / private_html handling.
4. Enter the new folder path.
5. Save.

## After changing

- Make sure your website files are actually in the new folder.
- Reload your site to confirm it serves the right content.
- Update any hardcoded paths if needed.

## Troubleshooting

- **Site shows a blank page or index list:** confirm your files, including index, are in the new document root.
- **Old content still loads:** clear caching and reload.

## Need help?

If changing the document root causes issues, our support team can help over live chat.