How to Install XAMPP and WordPress Locally on Windows PC (32-bit & 64-bit)

If you want to build a WordPress website without buying hosting or a domain name, installing XAMPP and WordPress locally is the best option. A local setup lets you design, test, and modify your site without affecting a live website.

Table of Contents

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to install XAMPP and WordPress locally on your Windows PC, whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit.

How to Install XAMPP and WordPress Locally on Windows PC

Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP

Search and Download XAMPP
- Go to Google and type XAMPP 32-bit download (or XAMPP download if you’re using 64-bit).
- Open the official Apache Friends website link.
- Click on XAMPP for Windows (choose the 32-bit or 64-bit version according to your system).
Start the Installation
- Once downloaded, open the XAMPP installer file.
- Click Next on the setup screen.
- Continue clicking Next until you reach the final screen.
- Click Finish to complete the installation.
Choose Language
- Select your preferred language (English or any available option).
- XAMPP is now installed on your PC.

Step 2: Start Apache and MySQL Modules

To run WordPress locally, XAMPP needs two main modules: Apache (to run the server) and MySQL (to store your site’s database).

Open the XAMPP Control Panel.
Start both Apache and MySQL by clicking the Start buttons.
Once running, the module indicators will turn green.
Test if the server works by visiting: http://localhost/dashboard If you see the dashboard, your local server is working perfectly.

Step 3: Download and Add WordPress Files

Go to wordpress.org and download the latest version of WordPress.
Navigate to the XAMPP installation folder on your PC (usually C://xampp).
Find and open the htdocs folder.
Create a new folder for your WordPress site, for example, wordpress_site.
Extract the WordPress ZIP file into this folder.

Now, your WordPress files are ready for installation.

Step 4: Create a Database for WordPress

In the XAMPP Control Panel, click the Admin button next to MySQL. This will open phpMyAdmin in your browser.
Click on the Databases tab.
Enter a name for your database (e.g., wp_test) and click Create.

💡 Tip: Remember the database name — you’ll need it in the next step.

Step 5: Install WordPress Locally

In your browser, go to: http://localhost/foldername For example, if your folder is wordpress_site, enter: http://localhost/wordpress_site
Click Continue on the WordPress setup screen.
Enter your database details:
- Database Name: The one you created in phpMyAdmin
- Username: root
- Password: Leave blank
Click Submit and then Run the Install.
Fill in your site details:
- Site Title
- Username (for admin login)
- Password (choose a strong one)
- Email address
Click Install WordPress.
Once installed, click Log In and enter your username and password.

Congratulations! 🎉 You now have WordPress running locally on your Windows PC.

Why Install XAMPP and WordPress Locally?

Free Testing Environment – No need for a live server.
Safe Experimentation – Test themes, plugins, and custom code without risk.
Offline Work – Design your site without internet access.
Faster Development – No upload/download delays like with live hosting.

Final Thoughts

Setting up XAMPP and WordPress locally is a must-know skill for web developers, designers, and beginners. It gives you a risk-free playground to learn and create stunning websites without spending a rupee on hosting.

Once your site is ready, you can easily migrate it from your local PC to a live hosting environment.

If you follow this guide step-by-step, you’ll have a fully functional local WordPress website in under 20 minutes.