Install WordPress on Localhost: WordPress is currently the most popular CMS (Content Management System) for designing websites without coding. The most common way to use WordPress CMS is to buy a domain and hosting plan and then install it. But what if you don’t have a domain and hosting and you want to use WordPress on a trial basis? Yes, of course, it is possible to use local WordPress through local WordPress installation. If you are new to the word and don’t know how to install WordPress on localhost, this blog is for you. Here I will walk you through all the steps of WordPress localhost installation.
WordPress Installation on Localhost
What is a local host?
Localhost works similarly to hosting plans. But with Localhost, instead of virtual hosting, Local PC will act as a storage device. To use PC storage as hosting, you need to use third-party software, which creates a local host environment for installing WordPress.
For example, you can install XAMPP on your PC, which will create a similar environment to virtual hosting. You can then install WordPress on the localhost, such as with the hosting package and the premium domain.
We should know why we need to install WordPress on Localhost?
You may be wondering why you would install WordPress on a local host because no one can see it. Or, you might think Localhost is only for those new to WordPress. But the fact is that installing WordPress on a local host is beneficial for anyone involved in web design and development. Newcomers can learn how to design a website using WordPress CMS, how to design a complete website with WordPress, and much more. For example, you can practice designing SaaS websites, WooCommerce websites, etc. on local hosts. For experts, installing WordPress Local makes it easy to test plugins, themes, and other third-party tools before installing them on a live website.
For example, suppose you want to design a SaaS website with some WordPress plugins before you try the tools on your live website, you can try them on localhost. This will help you to avoid any mistakes. Localhost is mandatory for developers because when they are creating a new WordPress plugin, they need to try locally to find bugs and fix them.
What are the options for installing WordPress on localhost?
Regardless of the operating system, installing localhost software is essential for installing WordPress localhost. The good news is, that you’ll find localhost software for all operating systems. Currently, you will find five popular platforms for installing WordPress and similar CMS.
Here are some popular localhost software for installing CMS locally:
XAMPP – It stands for Cross-Platform, MySQL, Apache, Perl, and PHP
Flywheel – Local WordPress Development Tool
WAMP means Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP
MAMP – means My Apache – MySQL – PHP
LAMP stands for Linux, Apache, PHP and MySQL
Of these, XAMPP and Local by FreeWheel support versatile and versatile operating systems.
Localhost is our recommended localhost software for WordPress installation
Of all the common localhost software, I recommend XAMPP. Compared to other platforms, XAMPP offers more features and is easier to use. So, I am going to share how to install WordPress in XAMPP.
The platform is so easy to set up that even a beginner can easily navigate all the features.
The best part is that it is open-source software, which means you can enjoy all the features for free.
However, the other software I mentioned for Localhost is also free. But XAMPP is more user-friendly.
Install WordPress Localhost in 4 Steps:
Installing WordPress on localhost is easier than you think. You will need to install the XAMPP software and follow simple steps like installing WordPress for a live website.
How to install local WordPress via XAMPP-
Step 1: Download XAMPP Localhost software
XAMPP supports all operating systems, and you can make your choice when downloading software. As mentioned earlier, this is open-source software, you do not need to provide any personal information. Just go to the official website of XAMPP and find your operating system in the list. For Windows, you can select XAMPP.
Choose other operating systems such as Linux and OS X if you use one of them. Once you press the download button, wait a while because the file size is about 160 MB.
Step 2: Install XAMPP server on local storage
Now it’s time to run the software to install WordPress. No special commands are required to install the software. Just run the file and it will start the installation process. By default, it will show that some options have been selected. But you do not have to enable all these options.
To use Localhost for WordPress, you only need to select Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
Once you have selected these options for the checkboxes, click the Next button This will start the installation process automatically.
If you want to know more about Bitnami for XAMPP it will show an alternative. Uncheck this box because it is not necessary for you.
However, if your PC has antivirus software, it may show some error messages. Just select Continue and run the installation process.
After the final installation, it will display a message with a box. Throughout the process, keep everything in default settings to avoid any complications.
Now you have XAMPP installed on your PC. Go to the next step to install WordPress on Localhost.
Step 3: Start the modules to test the server
To install WordPress, you need to run the Apache module and the MySQL module.
Just go to the XAMPP control panel and turn on these modules.
Click the Start button for both modules. These two modules will turn green after you activate them.
Step 4: Download WordPress for Localhost
When someone uses a domain and virtual hosting, they can install WordPress directly on the hosting server. For Localhost, you need to download the latest version of WordPress to your PC storage. Then you need to manually unzip the WordPress zip file in the target folder of XAMPP. Go to the official website of WordPress and download WordPress.
Step 5: Create a local database server
Now you need to create a database for the localhost where you will perform the next steps. For this, you need to create a folder. This will be a folder where you will store all the data for your local website. Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the XAMPP software. If you keep everything in the default settings, you will find the folder here – C: \ xampp.
Open the folder and create a new folder for your local website. Note that the folder name will be the nickname of your website. In the folder, unzip the downloaded WordPress file. Now click on the admin button from the MySQL module.
From the top, click Database and enter a name for your database. Here I have used women as the server names. Now click on Create button. However, here you do not have to create a user server like a regular WordPress installation for a live website.
Step 6: Install WordPress on XAMPP for localhost
Now you can see your local website with the link HTTP: // localhost / foldername
Now give the certificate for the database.
Database Name: Enter the name of the database you created for PHPMyAdmin here
Username: Enter the username as ‘root’
Password: Leave this blank
Finish the rest of the installation in the normal way.
If you set everything up correctly, a new website will be created for the local host.
If you follow the steps correctly, you don’t have to ask again how to install WordPress on localhost. Since XAMPP supports all operating systems, you don’t have to struggle with anything. Whether it’s a Mac or a Windows device, this method will help you install WordPress locally.
How to add themes and plugins to localhost?
Once you’ve run a local website with XAMPP, you can install any WordPress plugin and theme you want.
There have 2 ways to install themes and plugins on the Localhost WordPress website.
In the first method, you need to go to this link HTTP: // localhost / yourwebsite / wordpress / wp-admin / and provide the credentials you created while creating the site locally.
Then, from the WordPress Dashboard, hover over Plugins> Add New.
Now search for the plugin you want to install. For example, suppose you want to install any popular plugin. Now search plugin name in the search box. The plugin will appear in the list.
Click the ‘Install Now’ button and then activate the plugin. Similarly, you can install other plugins.
However, if you have the zip file of the plugin, you can simply go to the XAMPP folder and then go to htdocs> your website> wordpress> wp-content> plugin. Now, Copy & paste the zip file of the plugin. Unzip the file here and the plugin for the local website will be installed.
Similarly, you can install ElementsKit all-in-one website design plugin, various form builders, and much more on Localhost. It will be useful for you to practice.
You can add a theme to your WordPress website. To install themes directly on the local website, go to the WordPress Dashboard> Appearance> Themes.
Next, search for your preferred theme you want to install for the local website.
Alternatively, you can install WordPress themes and plugins directly on Localhost. If you have a custom WordPress theme zip file, unzip it in the htdocs folder. But this time, instead of plugins, go to the ‘Themes’ folder. Unzip the theme file here and it will be installed on the local website.
How to uninstall WordPress on localhost?
In addition to learning how to install WordPress locally, you also need to learn how to install WordPress from a local host. Let’s learn!
Suppose you have tested the necessary things for your projects and now you no longer have to use the software. In that situation, you can easily uninstall the XAMPP software in a few steps.
For Windows, go to Control Panel> Uninstall a program. From the program list, select XAMPP and press the Uninstall button.
This will uninstall the XAMPP server.
Now, you have to install the XAMPP app from Windows. For this, search for apps and features in the Windows search bar.
Under the Apps and Properties option, locate the XAMPP app. Click on the app icon, and it will show the uninstall option. Press the button, and it will uninstall the XAMPP app.
Now find the uninstall.exe file for XAMPP from the C: \ xampp folder. Run the file, and it will remove all XAMPP files and features.
If you follow these steps, the localhost software will no longer be available on your PC.
