How to Set Up WordPress Locally Using XAMPP

Want to build or test a WordPress website on your own computer before making it live? Setting up WordPress locally with XAMPP is the best way to do that.

In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to install WordPress locally using XAMPP — no technical background needed!

Step 1: Download & Install XAMPP

1. Go to the XAMPP official website.
   
   
2. Download the version suitable for your operating system (Windows/macOS/Linux).
   
   
3. Install it just like any other software — keep default settings and finish the setup.
   
   
4. After installation, open the XAMPP Control Panel.
   
   
5. Start Apache and MySQL modules.
   
   

🟢 If both turn green, you’re good to go!

Step 2: Download WordPress

1. Visit the official WordPress website.
   
   
2. Click “Download WordPress” and save the .zip file.
   
   
3. Extract the .zip file.
   
   
4. Copy the WordPress folder and paste it into this path:
   C:\xampp\htdocs\ (For Windows)
   or
   /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs/ (For macOS)
   
   

🔁 You can rename the folder to your project name (e.g., mywebsite).

Step 3: Create a Database in phpMyAdmin

1. Open your browser and go to:
   http://localhost/phpmyadmin
   
   
2. Click on the Databases tab.
   
   
3. Enter a name for your new database (e.g., mywebsite_db).
   
   
4. Click Create.
   
   

📌 No need to add tables — WordPress will handle that.

Step 4: Run WordPress Setup

1. Go to your browser and type:
   http://localhost/mywebsite
   (Replace mywebsite with your folder name)
   
   
2. Select your language and click Continue.
   
   
3. Now fill in the database details:
   
   
   • Database Name: the one you just created
     
     
   • Username: root
     
     
   • Password: leave it empty
     
     
   • Database Host: localhost
     
     
   • Table Prefix: wp_ (you can leave this as it is)
     
     
4. Click Submit → then click Run the Installation.
   
   

Step 5: Configure Your WordPress Site

Now, fill out your site details:

• Site Title: Anything you want
  
  
• Username: Your admin login name
  
  
• Password: Choose a strong password
  
  
• Email: Your email (for password recovery)
  
  

Uncheck the search engine visibility (optional for local setup).
Click Install WordPress.

Done! You’ll see a success message. Click Log In to access your local WordPress dashboard.

You’re All Set!

You’ve now installed WordPress locally with XAMPP!

Use this setup to:

• Build your website before going live
  
  
• Test plugins/themes safely
  
  
• Learn WordPress without any risk
  
  

Bonus Tip

Want to make your local site look like the live one? You can import themes, demo data, and plugins easily.

Need a Professional Website?

At Odiware Digital, we help businesses like yours get fully customized, high-performing WordPress websites — whether it’s for blogging, business, or eCommerce.

👉 Let’s build something great together!
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