Download XAMPP & Install WordPress on PC – Offline Setup

Running WordPress locally on your computer is the best way to develop and test your websites before going live. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install XAMPP and WordPress on your Windows or Mac system. We’ll walk through each step, from downloading XAMPP to accessing your local WordPress site via localhost.

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP is a free and open-source software package that includes:

• X (Cross-platform)

• Apache (Web server)

• MySQL (Database)

• PHP (Scripting language)

• Perl

It turns your computer into a local server environment that lets you install and run PHP-based applications like WordPress.

Why Install WordPress Locally?

Installing WordPress on your local machine is useful for:

• Developing and designing websites offline

• Learning and testing WordPress without a hosting plan

• Creating themes or plugins safely before publishing

• Speeding up development without dealing with upload times

Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP

Where to Download XAMPP

Visit the official Apache Friends website:
1. https://www.apachefriends.org

OR

2. Click here to download from Google Drive

Download for Your Operating System

Choose the version of XAMPP compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). For example, Windows users should download the XAMPP for Windows.

Installing XAMPP on Windows

1. Open the downloaded .exe file.

2. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes.

3. Follow the installation wizard:

   • Click Next

   • Choose components (keep default: Apache, MySQL, PHP)

   • Select the installation folder (e.g., C:\xampp)

   • Uncheck the Bitnami option (optional)

4. Click Next and then Finish.

Starting XAMPP Control Panel

After installation:

• Open the XAMPP Control Panel.

• Click Start next to both Apache and MySQL modules.

• Make sure both turn green, indicating they are running.

Step 2: Download and Set Up WordPress

Download WordPress

Go to the official WordPress site:
👉 https://wordpress.org/download/

Download the ZIP file of the latest version of WordPress.

Extract WordPress Files

1. Unzip the downloaded file.

2. Rename the folder to your site name (e.g., mytestsite).

3. Move this folder to C:\xampp\htdocs\ (Windows) or /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs/ (Mac).

Step 3: Create a Database for WordPress

Access phpMyAdmin

1. Open your browser and go to:
   http://localhost/phpmyadmin/

2. Click on Databases in the top menu.

3. Under “Create database,” enter a name like mytestsite_db.

4. Click Create. No need to change collation settings.

Step 4: Configure wp-config.php

Set Up WordPress Configuration

1. Navigate to your WordPress site folder inside htdocs.

2. Find the file named wp-config-sample.php.

3. Rename it to wp-config.php.

4. Open it in a text editor like Notepad++ or VS Code.

5. Locate the following lines and update them:

⚠️ Note: By default, XAMPP uses root as username and an empty password for MySQL.

6. Save and close the file.

Step 5: Install WordPress via Browser

1. Open your browser and visit:
   http://localhost/mytestsite/

2. Select your language and click Continue.

3. Enter your site details:

   • Site Title

   • Username

   • Password

   • Email

4. Click Install WordPress.

5. After successful installation, click Log In and enter your credentials.

Congratulations! 🎉 You now have a fully working local WordPress website.

Step 6: Common Troubleshooting Tips

Apache or MySQL Won’t Start

• Port Conflict: Skype or another program may be using port 80 or 443.

  • Solution: Change Apache port in httpd.conf or close the conflicting program.

• Firewall Blocking: Allow XAMPP through your firewall.

Can’t Access phpMyAdmin

• Check if MySQL is running in XAMPP Control Panel.

• Try accessing: http://127.0.0.1/phpmyadmin/ instead of localhost.

Bonus Tips for Better Local Development

Use Pretty URLs

1. Open your WordPress Dashboard.

2. Go to Settings > Permalinks.

3. Choose a structure like “Post name” and save changes.

Note: If permalinks don’t work, enable mod_rewrite in Apache and restart XAMPP.

Enable SSL on Localhost (Optional)

You can simulate HTTPS locally by configuring SSL certificates, but it’s only needed for advanced testing.

Installing WordPress locally using XAMPP is a great way to practice, experiment, and build sites without needing web hosting. Once your website is complete and fully tested, you can move it to a live server using a migration plugin like All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator.

This setup is completely free and suitable for developers, students, and beginners alike. Now that you’ve learned how to install XAMPP and WordPress step by step, you can start building WordPress sites with confidence.