Question

How to Install WordPress on XAMPP: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever wondered how web designers create and test websites before they go live? Setting up WordPress on your own computer using XAMPP is a popular solution. This approach gives you a safe, private space to experiment, learn, and build your site—without any risk or hosting costs.

In this article, you’ll find an easy, step-by-step guide to installing WordPress on XAMPP, plus helpful tips to make the process smooth and straightforward. Let’s get started!

How to Install WordPress on XAMPP: A Step-By-Step Guide

Running WordPress locally on your computer is one of the best ways to develop, test, or experiment with themes and plugins—without risking a live website. XAMPP makes this process simple by setting up a local server environment. Whether you’re a beginner or advancing your skills, this comprehensive guide walks you through installing WordPress on XAMPP step by step.

What Is XAMPP and Why Use It?

XAMPP is a free, open-source package that provides everything you need to run a PHP-based application like WordPress on your personal computer. It includes:

  • X (Cross-platform): Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Apache: The web server.
  • MySQL (or MariaDB): The database system.
  • PHP: The scripting language.
  • Perl: Another scripting language (optional for WordPress).

Why Use XAMPP with WordPress?

  • Build and test websites locally before deploying online.
  • Experiment without worrying about breaking a live site.
  • Develop themes, plugins, and custom code in a safe sandbox.
  • No need for web hosting while developing.


How to Install WordPress on XAMPP (Step by Step) - install wordpress on xampp

Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP

Follow these steps to set up your local server:

  1. Download XAMPP
  2. Go to the official XAMPP site and choose the right version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  3. Install XAMPP
  4. Launch the installer and follow the simple prompts. Most users can stick with default options.
  5. During installation, you may see security warnings. Accept and continue as XAMPP is trusted software.
  6. Launch XAMPP Control Panel
  7. After installation, open the XAMPP Control Panel.
  8. Start Apache and MySQL Modules
  9. Click “Start” for both Apache and MySQL. Their statuses should turn green, indicating they are running.

Tip: If Apache won’t start, check if another program (like Skype) is using port 80 or 443. You can change Apache’s ports in the settings if needed.

Step 2: Set Up a Database for WordPress

WordPress needs a MySQL database to store your website’s data. Here’s how to create one:

  1. Open your browser and type localhost/phpmyadmin in the address bar.
  2. Click on the “Databases” tab.
  3. Under “Create database,” enter a name (like wordpress_local).
  4. Set the database collation to utf8_general_ci for compatibility.
  5. Click “Create.”

That’s it—your database is ready!

Step 3: Download and Configure WordPress

Now it’s time to get the latest WordPress installation files:

  1. Get WordPress
  2. Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website.
  3. Extract WordPress Files
  4. Unzip the downloaded file. You’ll see a folder called wordpress.
  5. Move WordPress to XAMPP’s htdocs Directory
  6. Find your XAMPP installation directory.
  7. Open the htdocs folder (for example, C:\xampp\htdocs on Windows).
  8. Copy the entire wordpress folder here.
  9. (Optional) Rename the Folder
  10. You can rename the folder to anything—like mytestsite—if you want your local site accessible at localhost/mytestsite.

Step 4: Install WordPress Locally

With everything in place, you’ll now walk through the famous “five-minute install”:

  1. Access the WordPress Installer
  2. Open your browser and go to localhost/wordpress (or use the name of your folder).
  3. Select Your Language
  4. Choose your preferred language and click “Continue.”
  5. Fill in Database Details
  6. Database Name: The same name you created earlier (e.g., wordpress_local).
  7. Username: root (default XAMPP setting).
  8. Password: Leave blank (default for XAMPP).
  9. Database Host: localhost.
  10. Table Prefix: You can leave as wp_ or customize.
  11. Click “Submit.”
  12. Run the Installation
  13. Click “Run the Installation” to proceed.
  14. Set Up Your WordPress Site
  15. Site Title: Pick a name for your local site.
  16. Username and Password: Set up your admin login.
  17. Email Address: Any valid email (won’t send on localhost).
  18. Search Engine Visibility: This option doesn’t matter for local installs.
  19. Click “Install WordPress.”
  20. Login and Start Building
  21. Once you see the success message, log in with your new user credentials.

Congratulations! Your WordPress site is now running locally on XAMPP.

Benefits of Installing WordPress on XAMPP

  • Free and Private: Develop and test without purchasing hosting.
  • No Internet Required: Build anywhere, anytime.
  • Safe Experimentation: Try themes and plugins without risks.
  • Fast Testing: Instantly see changes without uploading files to a server.
  • Ideal for Learning: Practice WordPress skills in a risk-free setting.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Even though the process is straightforward, you may encounter some challenges along the way:

Apache or MySQL Won’t Start

  • Check for port conflicts (often with Skype or other web servers).
  • Try running XAMPP as administrator (on Windows).
  • Change the default ports in XAMPP Settings.

Access Issues

  • Ensure you extract WordPress files into the correct htdocs directory.
  • Confirm that Apache and MySQL are running.

Database Connection Errors

  • Double-check the database name, username, and password in the installer.
  • Remember: On XAMPP, the default user is root with no password.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Create Multiple Sites: To manage multiple test sites, simply add more folders under htdocs and repeat the installation process for each.
  • Backup Your Work: Even locally, it’s smart to occasionally copy your site folder and database for backup purposes.
  • Test With Different PHP Versions: XAMPP lets you switch PHP versions, perfect for compatibility checking.
  • Use Meaningful Folder Names: Name your site folders by project or client for easy navigation.
  • Upgrade Regularly: Keep both XAMPP and WordPress up to date for security and new features.

Cost Tips

One huge advantage of using XAMPP and developing WordPress sites locally is zero cost during your development phase.

  • No hosting fees: You don’t need to buy a domain or web hosting while you develop or test.
  • No software cost: Both XAMPP and WordPress are free.

When you’re ready to launch your site to the public, that’s when you’ll pay for web hosting and a domain name. Until then, everything stays budget-friendly.

Additional Practical Advice

  • Migration to Live Server: When it’s time to move your site live, plugins like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration can help package and transfer your WordPress site seamlessly.
  • Security Note: Running a local server is generally safe, but don’t use it to deploy confidential or sensitive projects unless your machine is secure.
  • Speed Up with Caching: Tools like WP Super Cache can help test caching locally before deploying to a live environment.
  • Explore Theme and Plugin Development: Use the safe local environment to learn about advanced topics like custom theme or plugin creation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I update WordPress on my local XAMPP install?
You can update WordPress locally just like you would on a live site. Log in to your dashboard, check for updates, and follow normal update procedures. Always back up your database and files first, just in case.

2. Can I use XAMPP for more than one local WordPress site?
Absolutely. Simply create another folder inside the htdocs directory and repeat the installation steps. Each folder acts as a unique site, such as localhost/site1, localhost/site2, and so on.

3. I forgot my WordPress admin password. How can I reset it in XAMPP?
Go to phpMyAdmin, select your website’s database, find the wp_users table, and edit your user’s password. Enter a new password and choose MD5 from the function dropdown before saving.

4. Why is my site not loading or showing a 404 error?
Double-check that Apache and MySQL are running in the XAMPP panel. Ensure you’ve typed the correct URL. Also, make sure you installed WordPress in the right folder and completed the setup process.

5. Do I need to be connected to the internet to use WordPress on XAMPP?
No, you do not need an internet connection once everything is set up. All files and services run locally on your machine.

Conclusion

Setting up WordPress on XAMPP is straightforward, even for beginners. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a powerful development sandbox to experiment, test, or build your next website project—all at zero cost. Local development protects your live sites and gives you the freedom to create without limits. So fire up XAMPP, spin up WordPress, and launch into your web development journey!

If you ever hit a roadblock, remember: local development is all about learning and experimentation, and solutions are always within reach. Happy building!

Post Views: 4