If you’re looking to build and test your WordPress website without going live just yet, installing WordPress on localhost is a fantastic option. Running WordPress on localhost allows you to develop your website on your personal computer before you deploy it to a live server. This process ensures you can make changes, test plugins, themes, and custom features without affecting a live website.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing WordPress on localhost using XAMPP, one of the best local development environments. We’ll also cover how to download XAMPP and set up the required environment to run your WordPress website smoothly.
What is Localhost and Why Should You Use It?
When you install WordPress on localhost, you’re setting up a local server on your own computer. This means that the website is only accessible on your machine, and no one else can see it. It’s the ideal solution for:
- Testing new themes and plugins.
- Building and customizing a site before making it public.
- Practicing WordPress development without risk.
By using localhost, you can avoid dealing with server configurations or paying for hosting during the development phase. Once your site is ready, you can transfer it to a live web server.
What is XAMPP?
XAMPP stands for Cross-Platform (X), Apache (A), MySQL (M), PHP (P), and Perl (P). It’s a free and open-source software stack that provides all the components necessary to run a local server on your computer, including Apache, MySQL, and PHP. These components work together to allow WordPress to function locally, as WordPress requires a server environment to operate.
XAMPP creates an environment where you can test WordPress locally without having to set up a web server manually. You can use XAMPP to run WordPress on localhost and develop or experiment with your site before taking it online.
How to Download XAMPP?
Before you can install WordPress on localhost, you need to download XAMPP. Here’s how you can do that:
Step 1: Go to the XAMPP Official Website
To start, go to the official XAMPP website at https://www.apachefriends.org
Step 2: Download XAMPP for Your Operating System
On the homepage, you’ll see download buttons for different operating systems (Windows, Linux, and macOS). Click on the download button for your operating system. For example, if you’re using Windows, click the “XAMPP for Windows“ button.
Step 3: Install XAMPP
After the download finishes, open the installer file. The installation process is simple. Follow these steps:
- Run the XAMPP Installer: Open the installer and click “Next.”
- Choose Components: Select the components you want to install. By default, Apache, MySQL, and PHP will be selected, which are all required to run WordPress. You can leave these settings as they are.
- Select Installation Folder: Choose the folder where you want to install XAMPP or leave the default folder.
- Start the Installation: Click “Next” and then “Install.”
Once the installation is complete, click “Finish.” You can now proceed with running XAMPP and setting up WordPress on localhost.
How to Install WordPress on Localhost?
Now that you’ve downloaded and installed XAMPP, it’s time to install WordPress on localhost. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Start Apache and MySQL in XAMPP
- Open XAMPP Control Panel on your computer.
- In the XAMPP Control Panel, you’ll see options for starting both Apache (the server) and MySQL (the database).
- Click the Start buttons next to Apache and MySQL. These services are required to run WordPress on localhost.
- If both services are running (you should see a green “Running” status), you’re ready to proceed.
Step 2: Create a Database for WordPress
- Open your browser and go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/. This will open phpMyAdmin, which is a tool that allows you to manage MySQL databases.
- In phpMyAdmin, click on Databases tab at the top of the screen.
- Under the “Create database” section, enter a name for your database (e.g., wordpress_db). You can name it anything you like, as long as it’s relevant.
Click the Create button. Your new database will now be ready for WordPress.
Step 3: Download and Extract WordPress
- Go to the official WordPress website at https://wordpress.org/download/.
- Click the Download WordPress button. This will download a ZIP file containing the latest version of WordPress.
- After the download is complete, extract the ZIP file.
- Copy the extracted folder (it will be named something like wordpress) and paste it into the htdocs folder located in your XAMPP installation directory. The path will look something like this: C:\xampp\htdocs\wordpress.
Step 4: Configure WordPress
- Open your browser and type http://localhost/wordpress in the address bar. This will launch the WordPress installation
- Select your language and click Continue.
- On the next screen, click Let’s Go to begin configuring WordPress.
- You’ll be asked to provide database details:
- Database Name: Enter the database name you created earlier (e.g., wordpress_db).
- Username: Type root (this is the default username for MySQL on XAMPP).
- Password: Leave the password field blank (this is the default setting for XAMPP).
- Database Host: Enter localhost.
- Table Prefix: You can leave this as wp_, but you can change it for added security if desired.
- Click Submit to proceed.
Step 5: Complete the Installation
- After clicking Submit, you will be directed to a page that asks you to run the WordPress installation. Click Run the installation.
- Fill in your website information, including:
- Site Title: Name your site.
- Username: Create a username for the WordPress admin panel.
- Password: Set a password (make sure it’s strong).
- Your Email: Enter your email address.
- Choose whether to allow search engines to index your site.
- Click Install WordPress. After a few seconds, the installation will be complete.
Step 6: Access Your WordPress Website
Once the installation is finished, you’ll see a success message. You can now log in to the WordPress dashboard by going to http://localhost/wordpress/wp-admin in your browser.
Log in using the username and password you created during the installation process, and you’ll be taken to your WordPress website‘s admin panel. From here, you can start customizing your site, adding themes, installing plugins in WordPress, and creating content.
Conclusion
Installing WordPress on localhost using XAMPP is an excellent way to develop and test your WordPress website before going live. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll have a local WordPress environment up and running in no time. This process allows you to experiment freely without worrying about affecting a live website, making it the perfect option for developers and beginners alike.
Now that you’ve successfully installed WordPress on localhost, you can begin building your website, installing plugins in WordPress, customizing themes, and learning the ins and outs of WordPress development. Once you’re satisfied with your work, you can migrate your WordPress website to a live server and share it with the world.
