Welcome to this step-by-step guide on how to install WordPress locally on Windows 10. If you’re new to WordPress or just getting started with building websites, then you’ve come to the right place. Installing WordPress locally on your computer can help you create and test your website before making it live on the internet.
WordPress is a powerful content management system that allows you to create, manage, and publish content on the web. Installing WordPress locally on your Windows 10 computer is easy, and you don’t need any programming knowledge to get started.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the entire process of installing WordPress on your Windows 10 machine using XAMPP, a popular web development environment. We’ll cover everything from downloading and installing XAMPP to setting up a database and installing WordPress.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a fully functioning WordPress website running on your Windows 10 computer, and you’ll be ready to start creating your own custom designs and content. So, let’s get started!
What’s a WordPress Localhost Website?
A WordPress localhost website is a website that is created on a local computer using software such as XAMPP, WAMP or MAMP, which simulate a server environment. This means that the website is not accessible to the public over the internet, but only on the local machine where it is installed.
The website is built using WordPress, a popular content management system (CMS), and all the files and databases are stored locally on the computer. This allows developers and designers to work on the website offline, without the need for a live server or an internet connection.
A WordPress localhost website can be used for testing, development, and staging purposes. It enables developers to experiment with new plugins, themes, and functionality without affecting a live website. Once the changes have been made and tested locally, the website can then be migrated to a live server for public access.
Why Should You Install WordPress on Windows?
WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) used by millions of websites around the world. While many users choose to run WordPress on a web server, it is also possible to install it on a Windows computer. There are several reasons why someone might choose to install WordPress on a Windows computer, including the ability to create a local development environment, compatibility with Windows-based tools, and cost-effectiveness. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
There are several reasons why someone might choose to install WordPress on a Windows computer. Here are a few:
- Local development environment: Installing WordPress on a Windows computer can provide a local development environment for developers and designers to work on their website without having to upload files to a remote server. This can make the development process faster and more efficient.
- Familiarity with Windows: Some users might prefer to use a Windows computer because they are more familiar with the operating system and feel more comfortable working in that environment.
- Compatibility with Windows-based tools: If a user is already using Windows-based tools such as Visual Studio, they may find it easier to work with WordPress on a Windows computer.
- Cost: Using a Windows-based computer can be more cost-effective than using a Mac, which is traditionally associated with web development.
However, it’s worth noting that installing WordPress on a Windows computer requires additional software, such as XAMPP, MAMP, or WAMP, to create a local development environment. This can add some complexity to the setup process, and there may be some performance differences compared to using a dedicated web server. Ultimately, the decision to install WordPress on a Windows computer will depend on the user’s individual needs and preferences.
How to Install WordPress Locally on Windows Using XAMPP
Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP.
Go to the Apache Friends website and download the latest version of XAMPP for Windows. Follow the installation instructions to install it on your computer.
Download XAMPP and go for the on screen installation process.
To complete the installation click Next and go for step by step procedure.
Now choose the components that you want to install. Here MySQL and phpMyAdmin are selected.
Select the folder to install XAMPP and click on Next.
After installing unpacking files click on Next and go for the finishing step.
If you want to start the control panel now, click on the Finish button and that’s the finishing step of installing XAMPP.
Now click on the Start button of Apache and MySQL in the XAMPP control panel .
After starting Apache and MySQL, XAMPP is fully ready to support. If you want pause then click on stop and the XAMPP will pause the total process for support.
Step 2: Download WordPress.
Go to the WordPress website and download the latest version of WordPress.
Go to the https://wordpress.org/download/ and download WordPress and extract the files.
Step 3: Add the WordPress files.
Create a folder in xampp >> htdocs >> siteone. After extracting the files of WordPress copy the containing files in the new folder named siteone in htdocs.
Step 4: Create a localhost database for WordPress.
Now, you need to create a MySQL database for your WordPress install. For doing that, you have to launch PHPMyAdmin from your XAMPP control panel. Or directly go for this link http://localhost/phpmyadmin/.
Now click on Database.
Then set the name of the site and clock on create. Your database is successfully created and go for the next step.
Step 5: Install and set up WordPress locally.
Once the database is created, launch the WordPress installation setup by visiting the following URL http://localhost/FOLDERNAME/wp-admin. So here the site name will be siteone and the link format will be http://localhost/siteone/wp-admin.
Now click on Let’s go.
Now fill up the required field of database name and username. Password and other fields will remain empty. After inserting the data click on Submit.
Your WordPress has been successfully installed and ready to log in.
Provide the required username and password to log in your WordPress site named siteone.
Finally here is the dashboard of the siteone. So log into the dashboard and access the WordPress site locally for testing purposes.
Some Common XAMPP Errors
XAMPP is a popular web server solution for running local development environments on Windows, but like any software, it can sometimes encounter errors or issues. If you encounter any other issues with XAMPP, try searching online forums or contacting XAMPP support for assistance. With a little troubleshooting, you can usually resolve most XAMPP errors and get your local development environment up and running again.
Here are some common XAMPP errors and their potential solutions:
- Apache won’t start: If Apache fails to start, the most common cause is a conflict with another application using the same port. Check your XAMPP Control Panel to see if any other services are running on the same port as Apache. If so, stop those services and try starting Apache again.
- MySQL won’t start: If MySQL won’t start, it could be due to a variety of issues, such as a corrupted database or a conflict with another application. Try checking the MySQL error logs in the XAMPP Control Panel to see if there are any error messages that might indicate the issue. You can also try restarting your computer or reinstalling XAMPP.
- PHP errors: If you encounter PHP errors, it could be due to a problem with your PHP configuration or syntax errors in your code. Check your PHP error logs to see if there are any error messages that might indicate the issue. You can also try updating your PHP version or checking your code for syntax errors.
- Port conflicts: XAMPP uses a number of ports to run its services, and sometimes these ports can conflict with other applications. If you encounter port conflicts, try changing the ports that XAMPP uses in the configuration files. You can also check your system logs to see if there are any other applications using the same ports.
- Firewall issues: Sometimes firewalls can block XAMPP services from running properly. Check your firewall settings to make sure that XAMPP is allowed to access the network. You may also need to configure your firewall to allow inbound connections to the ports used by XAMPP.
Final Words
In conclusion, installing WordPress locally on Windows 10 can be a great way to develop and test your website before going live. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install WordPress on your local machine using a local server environment such as XAMPP or WAMP. Once installed, you can start customizing your site, creating content, and experimenting with different themes and plugins without the need for an internet connection or web hosting. Whether you’re a blogger, small business owner, or web developer, WordPress is a versatile platform that can be tailored to meet your unique needs. So why wait? Start your journey with WordPress today and unleash your creativity.
