Step-by-Step Guide: Installing WordPress on Your Local Machine Using XAMPP

Suhailul Aslam KC

January 8, 2024

Installing WordPress on your local machine using XAMPP allows you to create and test your WordPress site before making it live. This setup is particularly beneficial for developers and designers who want to experiment with themes, plugins, and configurations without affecting a live site. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing WordPress on your local machine using XAMPP.

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP is a free and open-source cross-platform web server solution stack package developed by Apache Friends, consisting mainly of the Apache HTTP Server, MariaDB database, and interpreters for scripts written in the PHP and Perl programming languages. XAMPP allows you to create a local server environment on your machine, which is essential for developing and testing web applications.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

  1. A computer with a working internet connection.
  2. Basic knowledge of navigating your computer’s file system.
  3. A web browser to access your local WordPress site.

Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP

  1. Download XAMPP: Visit the Apache Friends website and download the XAMPP installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  2. Install XAMPP: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. It’s recommended to keep the default installation settings unless you have specific needs. Once the installation is complete, launch the XAMPP Control Panel.
  3. Start Apache and MySQL: Open the XAMPP Control Panel and start the Apache and MySQL modules by clicking the “Start” buttons next to each module. Ensure both modules are running (indicated by green highlights).

Step 2: Download WordPress

  1. Visit the WordPress Website: Go to the official WordPress website and download the latest version of WordPress.
  2. Extract WordPress: Once the download is complete, extract the WordPress zip file to a convenient location on your computer. You will get a folder named “wordpress” containing all the necessary files.

Step 3: Set Up the WordPress Database

  1. Access phpMyAdmin: Open your web browser and go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin. This will take you to the phpMyAdmin interface where you can manage your databases.
  2. Create a New Database: In phpMyAdmin, click on the “Databases” tab. Enter a name for your new database (e.g., wordpress_db) and click the “Create” button. Note the database name as you will need it later.

Step 4: Configure WordPress

  1. Move WordPress Files: Copy the extracted WordPress folder to the htdocs directory in your XAMPP installation folder. Typically, the path is C:\xampp\htdocs on Windows or /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs on macOS. You can rename the WordPress folder to something like my_wordpress_site if you prefer.
  2. Open WordPress Setup: In your web browser, go to http://localhost/wordpress (or the name you chose for the folder). This will initiate the WordPress setup process.
  3. Select Language: Choose your preferred language and click “Continue”.
  4. Database Configuration: Fill in the database details as follows:
    • Database Name: Enter the name of the database you created in phpMyAdmin (e.g., wordpress_db).
    • Username: Enter root (the default XAMPP MySQL username).
    • Password: Leave this field empty (the default XAMPP MySQL password).
    • Database Host: Leave as localhost.
    • Table Prefix: Leave as default (wp_) unless you want to run multiple WordPress installations in one database.
  5. Run the Install: Click “Submit”, then “Run the installation”.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

  1. Site Information: Fill in the required information for your site:
    • Site Title: The name of your WordPress site.
    • Username: The username you will use to log into the WordPress admin panel.
    • Password: A strong password for your admin account.
    • Your Email: The email address for admin purposes.
    • Search Engine Visibility: Leave unchecked for a local installation.
  2. Install WordPress: Click “Install WordPress”. Once the installation is complete, you will see a success message.
  3. Log In: Click the “Log In” button to access the WordPress admin panel. Use the username and password you created during the installation process.

Step 6: Customize Your WordPress Site

Now that you have WordPress installed on your local machine, you can start customizing your site:

  • Themes: Go to Appearance > Themes to browse and install new themes. You can also upload custom themes if you have them.
  • Plugins: Go to Plugins > Add New to explore and install plugins to extend the functionality of your site.
  • Settings: Configure your site’s settings under the Settings menu.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Apache or MySQL Not Starting: Ensure no other programs (e.g., Skype, IIS) are using port 80 or 443. You can change the port in the XAMPP Control Panel settings if necessary.
  2. Database Connection Errors: Double-check your database name, username, and password. Ensure MySQL is running in the XAMPP Control Panel.
  3. phpMyAdmin Access Issues: Ensure Apache and MySQL are running. Clear your browser cache or try accessing http://127.0.0.1/phpmyadmin.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress on your local machine using XAMPP is a great way to create and test your WordPress site without affecting a live environment. This guide has provided you with a step-by-step process to set up your local server, create a database, and install WordPress. With your local installation ready, you can experiment with themes, plugins, and customizations confidently. Happy WordPress development!