How to Install WordPress on Localhost Using XAMPP

Introduction

WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) worldwide, powering millions of websites. Before publishing a WordPress site online, you can test and develop it locally using XAMPP, a free and open-source cross-platform web server solution. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing WordPress on a localhost environment using XAMPP.

By the end of this tutorial, you will have a fully functional WordPress website running on your computer, allowing you to develop and experiment without affecting a live site.

Prerequisites

Before installing WordPress on XAMPP, ensure you have the following:

A Windows, macOS, or Linux computer – XAMPP is compatible with all major operating systems.
XAMPP installed – Download it from Apache Friends.
WordPress files – Download the latest version from WordPress.org.
A web browser – Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for testing.

Now that you're ready, let's proceed with the installation.

1. Install and Configure XAMPP

Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP

Go to Apache Friends and download the XAMPP installer for your operating system.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
During installation, select the following components:
- Apache (webserver)
- MySQL (database)
- PHP (scripting language)
- phpMyAdmin (database management tool)

Click "Next" and complete the installation.

Step 2: Start Apache and MySQL

After installing XAMPP:

Open the XAMPP Control Panel.
Click "Start" next to Apache and MySQL.
- If the services start successfully, you will see a green indicator.
- If they fail to start, check for conflicts (e.g., port 80 may be blocked by Skype or another application).

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open your web browser and visit:
```
http://localhost
```
You should see the XAMPP dashboard, confirming that the server is running.

Now that XAMPP is set up, we can proceed to install WordPress.

2. Set Up a Database for WordPress

WordPress requires a MySQL database to store its data. We'll create one using phpMyAdmin.

Step 1: Access phpMyAdmin

In your browser, navigate to:
```
http://localhost/phpmyadmin
```
Log in (default credentials are usually Username: root, Password: blank).

Step 2: Create a New Database

Click on "Databases" in the top menu.
Under "Create database", enter a name (e.g., wordpress_db).
Choose "utf8_general_ci" as the collation.
Click "Create".

Step 3: Create a Database User (Optional)

For security, it's best to create a dedicated MySQL user for WordPress.

Go to the "User accounts" tab.
Click "Add user account".
Fill in the details:
- Username: wordpress_user
- Hostname: localhost
- Password: Choose a strong password
Under "Database-specific privileges", select your newly created database (wordpress_db).
Grant All privileges and click "Go".

Now that the database is ready, we can proceed with WordPress installation.

3. Install WordPress on Localhost

Step 1: Download and Extract WordPress

Go to WordPress.org/download and download the latest version.
Extract the ZIP file into the "htdocs" folder inside your XAMPP installation directory (usually C:\xampp\htdocs on Windows or /opt/lampp/htdocs on Linux/macOS).
Rename the extracted folder to your preferred site name (e.g., mysite).

Step 2: Configure WordPress

Open your browser and navigate to:
```
http://localhost/mysite
```
WordPress will prompt you to begin the installation.

Step 3: Run the WordPress Installation Wizard

Select your language and click "Continue".
Click "Let's go!" on the next screen.
Enter your database details:
- Database Name: wordpress_db
- Username: root (or wordpress_user if you created a separate user)
- Password: (Leave blank or use the one you set)
- Database Host: localhost
- Table Prefix: wp_ (default)
Click "Submit", then "Run the installation".

Step 4: Complete the Setup

Enter your site details:
- Site Title
- Username (admin account)
- Password (keep it secure)
- Email
Click "Install WordPress".
Once installed, click "Log In" to access the WordPress dashboard.

Congratulations! WordPress is now installed on your localhost.

4. Accessing and Customizing Your WordPress Site

Step 1: Log in to the WordPress Dashboard

Go to:
```
http://localhost/mysite/wp-admin
```
Enter your username and password.

Step 2: Install a Theme

Navigate to: Appearance > Themes.
Click "Add New", browse themes, and install your preferred one.

Step 3: Install Plugins

Go to Plugins > Add New.
Search for essential plugins (e.g., Yoast SEO, Elementor, Contact Form 7) and install them.

Step 4: Create Pages and Posts

For posts: Posts > Add New.
For pages: Pages > Add New.

Now you have a fully functional WordPress site running locally!

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. XAMPP Apache/MySQL Not Starting

Solution: Check for port conflicts (e.g., Skype using port 80). Change the ports in XAMPP's httpd.conf or stop conflicting applications.

2. Database Connection Error

Solution: Double-check your MySQL credentials in wp-config.php.

3. WordPress Installation Stuck

Solution: Ensure mod_rewrite is enabled in Apache and the .htaccess file is properly configured.

4. White Screen After Installation

Solution: Increase PHP memory limit in php.ini (located in XAMPP's PHP folder).

Conclusion

Setting up WordPress on localhost using XAMPP is a straightforward process that allows you to develop, test, and experiment without affecting a live website. By following this guide, you’ve successfully:

✅ Installed XAMPP and configured Apache & MySQL
✅ Created a MySQL database for WordPress
✅ Installed WordPress and completed the setup
✅ Accessed & customized your local WordPress site

Now you can safely build and test plugins, themes, and content before deploying them to a live server. Happy WordPress development! 🚀

How to install wordpress on localhost by using xampp