Step-by-Step: Running WordPress Locally with XAMPP in Minutes

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Installing WordPress on XAMPP
Prerequisites

• XAMPP: Download and install from apachefriends.org for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• WordPress: Download the latest version from wordpress.org.
• A web browser and a text editor (e.g., Notepad or VS Code).

Step 1: Install and Set Up XAMPP

1. Download XAMPP:
   • Visit apachefriends.org and download XAMPP for your OS.

1. Install XAMPP:
   • Run the installer, keeping the default directory (e.g., C:\xampp on Windows).
   • Ensure Apache and MySQL are selected.
2. Start XAMPP:
   • Open the XAMPP Control Panel and click “Start” for Apache and MySQL.
3. Test XAMPP:
   • Open a browser and go to http://localhost. You should see the XAMPP dashboard.

Step 2: Download and Prepare WordPress

1. Download WordPress:
   • Go to wordpress.org and download the latest .zip file.

1. Extract WordPress:
   • Unzip the downloaded file (e.g., wordpress-6.x.x.zip) to a temporary location.
2. Move WordPress to XAMPP:
   • Navigate to C:\xampp\htdocs (or equivalent).
   • Create a folder named wordpress in htdocs.
   • Copy all files from the extracted WordPress folder to C:\xampp\htdocs\wordpress.
   • renamed the copy folder name “mywebsite”

Step 3: Create a Database for WordPress

1. Access phpMyAdmin:
   • Go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin in your browser.

1. Create a New Database:
   • Click the “Databases” tab in phpMyAdmin.
   • Enter mywebsite_db in the “Create database” field and click “Create.”

1. Note the Database Details:
   • Database name: mywebsite_db.
   • Username: root (default for XAMPP).
   • Password: (leave blank, as XAMPP’s default root user has no password).

Step 4: Configure WordPress

1. Access WordPress Setup:
   • Go to http://localhost/mywebsite in your browser.
   • Select your preferred language and click “Continue.”
2. Enter Database Details:
   • Click “Let’s go!” on the next screen.
   • Fill in:
     • Database Name: mywebsite_db.
     • Username: root.
     • Password: Leave blank.
     • Database Host: localhost.
     • Table Prefix: wp_ (or your preference).
   • Click “Submit,” then “Run the installation.”
3. Complete Installation:
   • Enter site details:
     • Site Title: Your website’s name.
     • Username: Admin username (e.g., admin).
     • Password: Choose a strong password.
     • Your Email: Enter a valid email.
     • Search Engine Visibility: Uncheck for local testing.
   • Click “Install WordPress.”
4. Log In:
   • After installation, click “Log In” and use your credentials..

Step 5: Test Your WordPress Site

1. Access the Site:
   • Visit http://localhost/wordpress to view your site’s front end.
2. Access the Admin Dashboard:
   • Go to http://localhost/wordpress/wp-admin and log in.
   • Customize themes, plugins, or content as needed.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Apache/MySQL Won’t Start:
  • Check for port conflicts (80 for Apache, 3306 for MySQL). Adjust ports in XAMPP if needed.
• Database Connection Error:
  • Verify database name (mywebsite_db), username (root), and password (blank).
• Page Not Found:
  • Ensure WordPress files are in htdocs/wordpress and Apache is running.

Optional: Configure Permalinks

1. In the WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > Permalinks.
2. Select “Post name” and save.
3. If permalinks fail, enable mod_rewrite:
   • Open C:\xampp\apache\conf\httpd.conf.
   • Uncomment LoadModule rewrite_module modules/mod_rewrite.so by removing the #.
   • Restart Apache.

Summary of Key URLs

• WordPress site: http://localhost/wordpress
• Admin dashboard: http://localhost/wordpress/wp-admin
• phpMyAdmin: http://localhost/phpmyadmin

Notes

• This is for local development only. For a live site, use a web host.
• Back up htdocs/wordpress and mywebsite_db before changes.
• Search for “XAMPP WordPress installation” on Google or YouTube for visual guides if needed.