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Want to build and test WordPress sites on your own computer before pushing them live? Great — this guide walks you through the entire process from zero to login, with clear, numbered steps and helpful tips. I’ll keep it beginner-friendly and show commands/paths for Windows and macOS where needed.
Why use XAMPP + WordPress locally?
- No internet required for development.
- Safe place to test themes, plugins, or edits.
- Faster iteration — make changes and see them instantly.
- Perfect for learning WordPress without breaking a live site.
What you’ll need
- A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- XAMPP (includes Apache, PHP, MySQL/phpMyAdmin) — free
- WordPress (latest ZIP from wordpress.org)
- Basic comfort with downloading files and opening folder paths
Step 1 — Download & Install XAMPP
- Go to https://www.apachefriends.org and download the XAMPP installer for your OS.
- Run the installer and follow the wizard. Keep default components Apache, MySQL, PHP, and phpMyAdmin checked.
- Choose an install folder:
- Windows default: C:\xampp\
- macOS default: /Applications/XAMPP/
- Windows default: C:\xampp\
- Complete installation. If Windows asks about firewall access for Apache, allow it for private networks.
Tip: On macOS, you may need to allow XAMPP in System Preferences → Security & Privacy if blocked.
Step 2 — Start Apache & MySQL
- Open the XAMPP Control Panel:
- Windows: Run xampp-control.exe (from Start Menu or C:\xampp)
- macOS: Launch the XAMPP app or use the manager tool
- Windows: Run xampp-control.exe (from Start Menu or C:\xampp)
- Start these two services:
- Click Start next to Apache
- Click Start next to MySQL
- Click Start next to Apache
- Confirm both are running (status shows green).
Quick test: Open your browser and visit http://localhost/. You should see the XAMPP dashboard or a welcome page.
Step 3 — Create a MySQL Database for WordPress
In your browser, go to:
http://localhost/phpmyadmin/
- Click the Databases tab.
- Under Create database, enter a name (e.g., wordpress_local) and click Create.
You now have a database ready for WordPress.
Step 4 — Download & Extract WordPress
- Download WordPress from https://wordpress.org/download/ — you’ll get a .zip file.
- Extract the ZIP. You’ll get a wordpress folder.
- Move this folder into your XAMPP web root:
- Windows: C:\xampp\htdocs\ → paste the wordpress folder there
- macOS: /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs/ → paste the folder there
- Windows: C:\xampp\htdocs\ → paste the wordpress folder there
- (Optional) Rename the folder to your site name, e.g., mywebsite. The folder name becomes the local site URL: http://localhost/mywebsite/
Step 5 — Begin WordPress Installation in Browser
Open your browser and navigate to:
http://localhost/your-folder-name/
- Example: http://localhost/mywebsite/
- Choose your language and click Continue.
- Click Let’s go! when the database setup screen appears.
Step 6 — Enter Database Details
Fill in the fields on the setup page:
- Database Name: the name you created in phpMyAdmin (e.g., wordpress_local)
- Username: root
- Password: (leave blank) — default for XAMPP is an empty password
- Database Host: localhost
- Table Prefix: wp_ (default — you can change for security)
Click Submit, then Run the installation.
Step 7 — Create Admin Account & Finish Setup
On the next screen fill site/account info:
- Site Title: e.g., My Local Site
- Username: choose an admin username (avoid admin for security in production)
- Password: pick a strong password and note it down
- Your Email: enter an email (for local dev this can be anything)
- Search Engine Visibility: irrelevant on localhost, leave default
Click Install WordPress. When it finishes, click Log In to access your site dashboard.
Step 8 — Access WordPress Dashboard
Visit:
http://localhost/your-folder-name/wp-admin/
Log in with the admin username and password you created. You’re now inside the WordPress Dashboard — build pages, install themes, add plugins, and experiment freely.
Troubleshooting (common issues)
- Apache won’t start / port 80 in use
- Skype, IIS, or another program may use port 80. Stop that program or change Apache ports in XAMPP (e.g., to 8080). If you change to 8080, access via http://localhost:8080/.
- Skype, IIS, or another program may use port 80. Stop that program or change Apache ports in XAMPP (e.g., to 8080). If you change to 8080, access via http://localhost:8080/.
- MySQL won’t start
- Check XAMPP logs (/xampp/mysql/data/mysql_error.log) or change MySQL port if conflict exists.
- Check XAMPP logs (/xampp/mysql/data/mysql_error.log) or change MySQL port if conflict exists.
- Database connection error (wpdb)
- Re-check db name, username (root), and password (blank). Ensure MySQL is running.
- Re-check db name, username (root), and password (blank). Ensure MySQL is running.
- Blank page after install (white screen)
Enable WP debug in wp-config.php by adding:
define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);
- This shows errors that help diagnose the problem.
- Emails don’t send from localhost
- Local installs don’t send email by default. Use a plugin like WP Mail SMTP and configure SMTP for testing, or use MailHog/Mailtrap.
- Local installs don’t send email by default. Use a plugin like WP Mail SMTP and configure SMTP for testing, or use MailHog/Mailtrap.
Extra Tips & Useful Tweaks
- Create multiple local sites: each site = a separate folder in htdocs + its own database.
- Back up your local site: copy the site folder and export the DB via phpMyAdmin.
- Use a tool for easy local WP development: alternatives like Local by Flywheel, DesktopServer, or Docker-based setups exist and simplify some tasks. (Optional — only if you want to try another approach.)
- Permalink issue: if pretty permalinks break, go to Settings → Permalinks and re-save. Make sure .htaccess is writable (Windows permissions).
- Enable pretty permalinks: You may need Apache’s mod_rewrite enabled (XAMPP usually has it on).
Security reminders (for future live sites)
- Never use root user for live DBs; create a dedicated DB user with a strong password.
- Don’t leave default usernames like admin on a live site.
- Local dev sites are safe, but when migrating to live hosting, make sure file permissions and secrets are handled properly.
Quick Reference — Commands & Paths
Windows:
- XAMPP folder: C:\xampp\
- Web root: C:\xampp\htdocs\
- Local URL: http://localhost/foldername/
macOS:
- XAMPP folder: /Applications/XAMPP/
- Web root: /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs/
- Local URL: http://localhost/foldername/
phpMyAdmin:
- http://localhost/phpmyadmin/
FAQ
Q: Can I use a password for the MySQL root user in XAMPP?
A: Yes — you can set one for extra safety, but then update wp-config.php or the WordPress installer to use it.
Q: How do I move my local site to a live host?
A: Use a migration plugin (e.g., All-in-One WP Migration, Duplicator) or export/import the DB, copy files, and update wp-config.php and site URLs.
Q: Can I run multiple WordPress versions on localhost?
A: Yes — each site folder can hold a different WordPress version and its own DB.
Conclusion
That’s it — you’ve installed WordPress on your local machine using XAMPP and learned how to troubleshoot common issues. Local WordPress development is a powerful way to practice, build prototypes, and test changes before going live. 🎉
