{"id":65355,"date":"2022-10-04T11:59:59","date_gmt":"2022-10-04T11:59:59","guid":{"rendered":"\/tutorials\/?p=65355"},"modified":"2026-05-21T03:47:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T03:47:50","slug":"wordpress-localhost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/ca\/tutorials\/wordpress-localhost\/","title":{"rendered":"WordPress localhost: how to install WordPress locally in 6 steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

WordPress localhost refers to a WordPress installation that runs on a computer’s local resources. It’s often used for development and test purposes, minimizing the need for a web hosting plan and the risk of causing issues on the production site. <\/p>

This article will cover how to perform the WordPress localhost installation in six easy steps. We will use the XAMPP localhost software as it’s free and supports various operating systems.<\/p>

First, let’s explore how a WordPress localhost version works and different ways to benefit from having a locally hosted WordPress website.<\/p>

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Why Install WordPress on Localhost<\/h2>

When installing the WordPress CMS locally, the entire website is placed in a localhost environment. The website establishes a connection with a local machine using the loopback address network instead of going over the internet, hence the term “local.”<\/p>

A localhost WordPress website allows web developers and designers to test features before implementing them on a live website. As a result, you can fix any bug immediately without affecting the user experience.<\/p>

Users who want to learn about web development can also benefit from this WordPress version. You can create a copy of a live site on your own computer and use it for various testing processes without buying a hosting plan or a domain.<\/p>

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\n Looking to install WordPress on your web host? <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

Check out our Complete WordPress Installation Guide<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n<\/p>

How to Install WordPress on Localhost in 6 Steps<\/h2>

Various local server software options are available for creating a local WordPress site. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will use XAMPP<\/a> ‒ the most popular cross-platform web server for PHP development.<\/p>

1. Download XAMPP<\/h3>

Go to the official Apache Friends website<\/a> and download the correct XAMPP software version based on your operating system.<\/p>

\"Downloading<\/a><\/figure><\/div>

2. Install and Run XAMPP on Your Computer<\/h3>

Run the XAMPP installer and follow the installation instructions using the default settings. If you see a pop-up indicating that your antivirus software might affect the installation process, click Yes <\/strong>to continue.<\/p>

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After installing XAMPP, run the application and configure the environment. In the XAMPP control panel, start Apache <\/strong>and MySQL <\/strong>modules to perform the WordPress localhost installation.<\/p>

\"Running<\/a><\/figure><\/div>

If you’re running on the Windows operating system, there’s a chance you might encounter the localhost refused to connect error<\/a>. Disabling your firewall temporarily or stopping the program that uses port 80 should resolve this issue.<\/p>

3. Download WordPress<\/h3>

Once the server is up and running, the next step is installing WordPress. Download the latest WordPress version<\/a>, then extract the ZIP file.<\/p>

Navigate to your XAMPP folder in the C drive (C:xampp<\/strong>) and locate the htdocs <\/strong>folder. Upload the extracted WordPress files there. We recommend renaming the new folder with your website’s name to make web development on the XAMPP server easier.<\/p>

4. Create a Local Database<\/h3>

Go back to your XAMPP control panel and select the Admin <\/strong>button of the MySQL <\/strong>module to launch phpMyAdmin ‒ an administration tool for managing MySQL and MariaDB databases. It will help you create a local MySQL database for the new website.<\/p>

Open the Databases <\/strong>tab and enter the database name into the Create database<\/strong> section. Set the dropdown menu’s value to Collation <\/strong>and hit the Create <\/strong>button. Your new MySQL database should appear on the left sidebar of the web page.<\/p>

\"Creating<\/a><\/figure><\/div>

5. Install WordPress on Localhost<\/h3>

Finish installing WordPress locally by visiting http:\/\/localhost\/foldername<\/strong> via your browser. Don’t forget to change the “foldername” placeholder with the folder name you chose in the third step.<\/p>

WordPress requires a list of information to build the localhost site. Fill in the database information as follows:<\/p>