The default page (also called the directory index) is the file that loads when someone visits a directory on your website without specifying a filename. By default, the web server looks for index.html or index.php, but you can change this to any file you want.
Add a DirectoryIndex directive to .htaccess
To make the server load a different file as the default page, add this line to your .htaccess file in the relevant directory:DirectoryIndex mypage.html
Replace mypage.html with whatever filename you want to serve as the default.
01. How to Change the Default Page
Method 1: Rename your file
The simplest approach is to rename your main page to index.html (for static HTML) or index.php (for PHP). The web server looks for these filenames first, so no configuration changes are needed.
Method 2: Use .htaccess
If you want to keep your filename as-is, add a DirectoryIndex directive to the .htaccess file in the directory where your page lives:
DirectoryIndex home.htmlYou can list multiple filenames in order of priority:
DirectoryIndex home.html index.html index.php default.htmlThe server tries each file from left to right and serves the first one it finds.
Method 3: Via cPanel
cPanel has an "Indexes" tool under Advanced that lets you configure directory behavior. However, the .htaccess method gives you more control and is the preferred approach.
This works per-directory. A .htaccess file in public_html sets the default for your main site, while a .htaccess in a subdirectory only affects that subdirectory. For more on .htaccess, see our Complete Guide to .htaccess.
02. Removing the Ultra Web Hosting Default Page
If you still see the Ultra Web Hosting "Under Construction" default page, you need to either delete or replace the index.html file that came with your account. See Removing the Under Construction Default Page for step-by-step instructions.
Need Help?
If you are having trouble getting your site to load the correct page, our support team can check your configuration.
Open a Support TicketFrequently Asked Questions
What is the default page or directory index?
It is the file the web server loads when someone visits a directory without naming a file, for example yourdomain.com/. By default the server looks for index.html or index.php. You can change which file is used.
How do I change the default page?
Add a DirectoryIndex line to the .htaccess file in that directory, listing your preferred file first, for example: DirectoryIndex home.html index.php. The server then loads the first one it finds.
Why does my site show a directory listing instead of my page?
There is no recognized index file in that directory, so the server lists the files instead. Add an index.html or index.php, or set a DirectoryIndex in .htaccess pointing to your main file.
How do I stop the Ultra Web Hosting default page from showing?
Upload your own index file (index.html or index.php) to public_html. The server shows its placeholder only when no index file is present; once yours exists, it loads instead.
Quick Recap
- Rename your file to index.html or index.php - Simplest approach
- Or use DirectoryIndex in .htaccess -
DirectoryIndex mypage.html - Multiple fallbacks are supported - List files in priority order
- Works per-directory - Each directory can have its own default
- Delete the default index.html if you still see the Ultra Web Hosting page
Website configuration basics · Last updated November 2026 · Browse all General articles
