To install XAMPP on Windows to learn WordPress, PHP, and databases, simply use the official Apache Friends installer. XAMPP provides Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl in a single package for a local development environment. As of 2026, Windows 11, which still receives security updates, is preferred over Windows 8 or Windows 10, which are past their standard end-of-support date.
This tutorial retains the old permalinks mentioning Windows 10/8 to ensure older readers don’t lose their references, but updates the procedure for Windows that are still supported. Ten screenshots and a YouTube video from the 2020 version are included for archival purposes. The installer display in the image does not have to be the same as the latest version.
Is XAMPP suitable for your needs?
| Purpose | Is XAMPP suitable for you? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Learn PHP and MySQL/MariaDB | Yes | Use a dummy database |
| Install WordPress offline | Yes | Website is only available in a local environment |
| Test WordPress themes or plugins | Yes | Keep backups and isolation data |
| Production website hosting | Not recommended | Use secured web hosting |
To start your first website, understand WordPress CMS and the difference between a development environment and a public server. XAMPP is an open source project to make the learning process easier.
1. Requirements before installing XAMPP
Prepare a Windows PC with valid installation rights, sufficient disk space, and an active antivirus. Download the installer from Apache Friends, not a redirect mirror whose identity is unclear. Choose the release that best suits your operating system and PHP needs; don’t assume the 2020 screenshots are appropriate for every version.
Windows 8 and Windows 10 support notes
Microsoft will end support for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023, and Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, for general-purpose editions, with a specific ESU option for eligible Windows 10. For internet-connected computers, use a supported version of Windows and keep your system patches up to date. Legacy tutorials can still help you navigate menus, but they are no excuse for maintaining a vulnerable OS.
2. How to install XAMPP on Windows step by step
- Download the XAMPP Windows installer from the official Apache Friends website.
- Run the installer file with the appropriate permissions and follow the setup instructions.
- Select the required components, usually Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP, and phpMyAdmin.
- Choose an installation folder; a common example is
C:\xamppoutside of UAC-protected areas. - Complete the process and open the XAMPP Control Panel.
- Run Apache and MySQL for local development purposes.
- Open
http://localhost/to verify the web server is active.
If the localhost page fails to open, ensure the service is running properly before changing the configuration. The process of learning to code will be easier if you understand the differences between server installations, code editors, and browsers.
3. What exactly is included in the XAMPP package?
Apache and PHP
Apache handles HTTP requests for local projects, while PHP executes server-side code. To learn web programming languages and dynamic web applications, place the project in the htdocs folder, not in public documents that are shared carelessly. Files containing database passwords must be stored with proper access control.
MariaDB and phpMyAdmin
The database button name in the XAMPP panel often still says MySQL, but Apache Friends states that modern packages have been using MariaDB for a long time. You can open phpMyAdmin at http://localhost/phpmyadmin/, then learn creating a MariaDB database. Do not use real customer data in the practice examples.
4. Create your first PHP project in htdocs
Create a folder C:\xampp\htdocs\demo and a file index.php containing:
<?php
echo "XAMPP lokal berhasil dijalankan";
?>Open http://localhost/demo/ to see the results. If you want to try out forms and queries, read creating a table using PHP. Using a database requires secure input and parameterized queries; don’t build SQL connections using concatenated user input.
5. How to install WordPress on XAMPP
Run Apache and the database, create a local database in phpMyAdmin, download the WordPress software from the official source, and extract it to htdocs/nama-proyek. After that, open the project’s localhost URL and run the installation wizard. The complete tutorial is at localhost WordPress installation. For testing themes or WordPress plugins, use a local project without actual user data.
6. Common XAMPP Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible cause | Safe steps |
|---|---|---|
| Apache failed to start | Port 80/443 is used by another application | Check the service and port, don’t just turn off protection |
| MariaDB failed to start | Port 3306 conflict, data directory problem | Check the log and backup first |
| localhost not open | Apache is not running or the port has changed | Check Control Panel and URL |
| phpMyAdmin not working login | Database credentials differ | Check local configuration |
| Website PHP error | PHP version or extension mismatch | Check error logs and dependencies |
Network errors on public servers can be different from 502 Bad Gateway error. If you use Cloudflare, you still need to configure your production webserver, SSL, and DNS correctly. IP address helps distinguish the localhost loopback from the network access IP.
7. Switching from XAMPP to online hosting
XAMPP is not a substitute for securing a public server. When moving a WordPress project, prepare hosting, domain, SSL, migrate files/databases, and retest URLs and media. Follow WordPress migration for a proper migration. Next, audit technical SEO and blog loading to ensure your site is discoverable without sacrificing performance.
Users looking to learn Linux can compare Ubuntu via WSL, but WSL, XAMPP, and public Linux servers are different environments. Keep experimental projects separate from customer systems to reduce the risk of data loss.
Archive of 10 screenshots and a video of the original XAMPP installation
Material from the old article is retained as step-by-step documentation on Windows 8/10. Use the official installer and a supported operating system for new use.
See screenshots and old video tutorials
FAQ how to install XAMPP Windows
1. What is XAMPP?
A package of Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl for local development.
2. Is XAMPP free?
Yes, Apache Friends provides XAMPP for free.
3. Does XAMPP work on Windows 11?
Yes, use the official installer that matches your operating system and PHP version.
4. Is Windows 8 still recommended?
No, standard support for Windows 8.1 ended in January 2023.
5. Is Windows 10 still safe?
General edition standard support ends October 2025; check ESU eligibility or use a supported OS.
6. Does XAMPP use MySQL or MariaDB?
Modern XAMPP includes MariaDB even though the panel button says MySQL.
7. Where is the htdocs folder?
By default it can be C:\xampp\htdocs, depending on the installation location.
8. What is the URL to check Apache?
Usually http://localhost/ on the standard port.
9. What is the URL for phpMyAdmin?
Usually http://localhost/phpmyadmin/ if installed and allowed.
10. Why won’t Apache start?
Often there is a port conflict or configuration problem, see the log.
11. Can XAMPP be used for WordPress?
Can be used for localhost installation and testing.
12. Is XAMPP suitable for production use?
Not recommended without proper security and operational hosting design.
External references
- Apache Friends — Official XAMPP
- Apache Friends — Windows FAQ
- Microsoft — Windows 8.1 end support support
- Microsoft — Windows 10 support
- WordPress — system requirements
