Doing this results in an offline website that’s stored on your computer and can only be seen by you or anyone else with access to that device. At first, it may seem counterintuitive to create a private website in this way, but there are many reasons to do so.<\/p>
For example, you can build a new website locally and then make it available online when it’s ready to be published. This will ensure that no search engines or human visitors will see it before it’s completed.<\/p>
However, you may also choose to create a local version of your existing live website. Here are just a few of the uses for this kind of local copy:<\/p>
- \n
- Test new themes or install WordPress plugins<\/a> to ensure they work properly and don’t cause compatibility errors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Try out updates, new features, and third-party tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experiment with redesigning part of your site<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Conduct troubleshooting, investigate errors and experiment with solutions to make WordPress more secure<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
With a local testing environment, you can also learn how to code<\/a>. Rather than editing your live site and potentially losing data, you can experiment with your local WordPress files in safety.<\/p>
One additional benefit is that running a local WordPress site on your computer doesn’t require an internet connection. This can enable you to develop your website offline, so you don’t need to wait for slow internet speeds or have access to a reliable connection.<\/p>
Creating a local WordPress site is also completely free. It can be an excellent option for beginners who want to develop their website before purchasing a hosting plan or domain. You can learn the technical aspects of running a website with a local site before accumulating any monthly costs.<\/p>
\n\n\n
\nPro Tip<\/h4>\n
If you want to install WordPress on your web server, feel free to check out our complete guide about how to install WordPress<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>
How to Install WordPress Locally<\/h2>
If you want to install a local WordPress site, it’s important to find the right tool. Since WordPress won’t run directly on your computer, you’ll need web development software capable of handling this task.<\/p>
Local WordPress software often includes an Apache web server<\/a>, PHP<\/a>, and MySQL<\/a>. These platforms work together to create an environment that supports a local site. By downloading them in a package, you can avoid the hassle of installing them separately. <\/p>
However, you’ll need to install compatible software for your computer. Certain web development environments<\/a> are specifically designed for Windows or Mac, while others support both. Let’s take a look at three top options.<\/p>
Method 1: Install WordPress Locally on Windows<\/h3>
For Windows users, we’d recommend downloading WampServer<\/a>.<\/p>
\n![\"WampServer's](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wampserver-1024x567.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>WampServer is Windows-based software that supports a local web development environment. Anyone can download this free resource to access a local website without an internet connection or a web host.<\/p>
When you learn the steps to install WordPress on WAMP, you’ll be able to use Apache2, PHP, and a MySQL database to create a local site. Then you can manage it with phpMyAdmin<\/a>.<\/p>
1. Download WAMP<\/strong><\/p>
To get started, go to the WampServer website<\/a> and navigate to Downloads<\/strong>. There you’ll see two options – 64 BITS and 32 BITS.<\/p>
\n![\"Two](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wampserver-downloads-1024x426.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>You’ll need to download the best version for your computer based on its OS type. If you don’t know what operating system you’re using, you can go to Control Panel -> System and Security -> System<\/strong>, and then look up the System Type<\/strong> section.<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/system-type-section.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>You can find out whether you have a 64-bit or 32-bit operating system there. Then, download the WampServer file that matches your setup. <\/p>
2. Define Your Default Browser<\/strong><\/p>
After downloading the appropriate file, open the saved folder. Click on the WampServer execution file to start the process. This will open the installation wizard.<\/p>
\n![\"WampServer's](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wampserver-installation-wizard.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Then follow the installation instructions, which include accepting the License Agreement. You’ll also need to set a destination location to install WampServer.<\/p>
\n![\"Selecting](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wampserver-select-destination-location.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Proceed through the installation wizard until you reach a screen where you can confirm your choices. Then click on Install<\/strong>. This will begin extracting files and sending them to your set destination:<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wampserver-ready-to-install.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>WampServer will ask you to confirm what default web browser you want it to use during installation. The program defaults to Internet Explorer, but you can designate whatever you prefer.<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wampserver-installing.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Once the installation process is complete, WampServer will show you a brief instruction screen explaining how to interact with the software. We’ll be showing you how to do that in the next step.<\/p>
3. Launch phpMyAdmin and Log In<\/strong><\/p>
If this is your first time using WampServer, you’ll need to launch the program from the Start<\/strong> menu<\/strong>. After you do this, a new icon will appear in the taskbar.<\/p>
Make sure the icon is green, which means that everything is functioning correctly. If you see a red or yellow icon, you’ll need to resolve the problem by restarting the program.<\/p>
Then click on phpMyAdmin<\/strong>, which we will use to manage the MySQL database. You can also access the phpMyAdmin screen by opening your browser and typing in localhost<\/strong>. That will open the WampServer server configuration page.<\/p>
\n![\"WampServer](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wampserver-server-configuration-1024x748.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>On your phpMyAdmin login screen, enter “root” <\/strong>under the username section. Leave the password<\/strong> field blank.<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/phpMyAdmin-welcome.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>After this, click on Go<\/strong> to access the phpMyAdmin dashboard.<\/p>
4. Create a Database and Install WordPress<\/strong><\/p>
Among the tabs at the top of the page, choose Databases<\/strong>. To create a new database for your WordPress site, enter a name into the textbox and select Collation<\/strong> in the following drop-down menu.<\/p>
\n![\"Creating](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/phpmyadmin-create-database.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Now you’ll need to download the platform. Go to the WordPress.org<\/a> website and choose Get WordPress<\/strong>.<\/p>
\n![\"WordPress.org](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/meet-wordpress-1024x469.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Once it downloads as a ZIP<\/strong> file, extract the WordPress folder and copy it. Then, locate the folder where WAMP is installed – in our case, it’s in C:\\wamp\\www<\/strong>. Paste the WordPress folder there.<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wordpress-folder.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Rename the WordPress folder to anything you want. For example, you might call it “mytestingsite”<\/strong>. Since this will become the URL and title of your local WordPress site, make sure that it is clear and descriptive. <\/p>
5. Visit Your Testing Site<\/strong><\/p>
To finish installing a WampServer WordPress, open your web browser and go to http:\/\/localhost\/mytestingsite<\/strong>. Replace “mytestingsite”<\/strong> with the name you chose in the previous step.<\/p>
To start setting up WordPress, you’ll need to choose a language. When filling out the database details, use “root”<\/strong> as your username and leave the password space blank.<\/p>
\n![\"Entering](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/database-connection-details-1024x726.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>After this, WordPress will connect to your database, and you can continue to run the installation process. Enter the site’s title, username, password, and email address for your WordPress account when you see a welcome screen.<\/p>
\n![\"WordPress](\"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/WordPress-installation-screen-to-insert-the-website-information-including-site-title-username-and-password.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Finally, click Log in<\/strong> to access the WordPress dashboard of your local site. After that, you’re ready to start conducting any testing and\/or troubleshooting you like.<\/p>
If you encounter any functional issues that prevent you from going through these steps, you can read through the WampServer support forums<\/a> for troubleshooting tips. There, you can find resolutions to many common WAMP server problems. <\/p>
\n\n\n
\nExpert Tip<\/h4>\n
While a local test environment gives you control over your WordPress setup, online sandboxes and test sites are gaining traction for quick testing, such as WordPress Playground<\/a>. Opt for these if you want a fast solution without the technical hassle.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n <\/div>\n
\nMethod 2: Install WordPress Locally on macOS<\/h3>
To install WordPress for Mac locally, you’ll need compatible software. To start installing WordPress locally, we recommend using MAMP<\/a>. This is one of the best tools to create a local WordPress site on macOS systems.<\/p>
\n![\"MAMPS's](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/mamp-1024x455.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>MAMP<\/strong> is a combined software package. In other words, you’ll have all the tools you need to create a local WordPress environment. It follows a similar setup process to WAMP, except that it has options to support macOS-based software.<\/p>
Using MAMP<\/strong> PRO<\/strong>, you can even test your WordPress site on a mobile device. With its NAMO application<\/a>, you can edit your website on different devices, such as your smartphone or tablet.<\/p>
Another benefit of MAMP is that you won’t have to start a script or change any configuration files. Since MAMP does not modify any existing systems, you can simply delete the app once you’re finished using it. <\/p>
1. Download and Install MAMP<\/strong><\/p>
First, go to the MAMP website<\/a> and click on Free Download<\/strong>. Windows users will see an option to download MAMP for their operating system. However, Mac-based users should choose one of the macOS versions.<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/mamp-download-1024x503.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>When downloading any of these options, you’ll be able to access both MAMP and MAMP PRO. However, you can delete MAMP PRO to only use the free version. <\/p>
Then, open the downloaded MAMP file. This will launch the step-by-step installation instructions.<\/p>
\n![\"MAMP's](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/mamp-installation-instructions.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Start by accepting the license agreement and choosing the disk you want to install MAMP on. Before installation, the program will tell you exactly how much storage space the software uses.<\/p>
After you follow the installation guide, you should receive a success message telling you that the installation was successful.<\/p>
\n![\"Summary:](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/mamp-installation-successful.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Once you see this, you are free to close the installation wizard.<\/p>
2. Customize Your Preferences<\/strong><\/p>
Now, launch the MAMP app by double-clicking on its icon. Find the Preferences<\/strong> menu in the upper left-hand corner, and select the Ports<\/strong> tab.<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/mamp-preferences.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>In the Apache Port section, enter “80”<\/strong>. This enables you to access your local site using the URL http:\/\/localhost<\/strong> instead of http:\/\/localhost:8888<\/strong>. However, keep in mind that using “80” as your Apache port will always prompt you for your password.<\/p>
\n![\"Setting](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/mamp-apache-port.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Keep the Nginx<\/strong> <\/em>Port<\/strong> at “8888”<\/strong> and the MySQL<\/strong> <\/em>Port<\/strong> at “8889”<\/strong>. After you’ve finished customizing the ports, select OK<\/strong>. <\/p>
Then, go to the Web<\/strong> <\/em>Server<\/strong> tab. Choose the folder where you want to store your website (the default location will be Applications\/MAMP\/htdocs<\/strong>).<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/mamp-web-server.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>You can choose a new folder and name it anything you want. For example, your document root could be \/Users\/Username\/Sites\/wordpress\/<\/strong>.<\/p>
After you make your changes, click on OK<\/strong>.<\/p>
3. Download WordPress and Move It to the Root Directory<\/strong><\/p>
Now it’s time to download WordPress. Navigate to the WordPress.org<\/a> website and click on Get<\/strong> <\/em>WordPress<\/strong>. Then extract the ZIP<\/strong> file and copy the WordPress folder.<\/p>
Go to your Finder<\/strong> and navigate to Applications -> MAMP<\/strong>. Find the root directory folder you named in the previous step, and paste the WordPress folder there.<\/p>
Rename the WordPress folder anything you like. For example, you could use a memorable name such as “testing-site”<\/strong>.<\/p>
4. Create a Database<\/strong><\/p>
Go back to your MAMP control panel and click on the button labeled WebStart<\/strong>. This will open a browser and take you to the MAMP welcome page. Find the Tools<\/strong> drop-down menu, and click on phpMyAdmin<\/strong>.<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/mamp-phpMyAdmin-1024x316.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>On your phpMyAdmin<\/strong> page, navigate to the Databases<\/strong> tab. Under the Create Database <\/strong>section, enter a database name. Be sure to choose utf8_general-ci<\/strong> as shown in the following selection.<\/p>
\n![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/phpmyadmin-databases.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>After this, click on Create<\/strong>.<\/p>
5. Go to the Testing Site<\/strong><\/p>
Now, let’s install WordPress on localhost. To start, open your web browser and enter http:\/\/localhost<\/strong>. If you’ve configured your settings correctly, this will pull up a WordPress welcome page.<\/p>
\n![\"WordPress](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wordpress-welcome-page-1024x642.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Now you’ll need to enter your database information. Start by identifying your database name. Then enter the same username and password we used previously, and add “localhost”<\/strong> to the Database<\/strong> Host<\/strong>.<\/p>
\n![\"Entering](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/wordpress-database-host-localhost-1024x606.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Next, fill in the username, password, and email address you’ll use for your WordPress site. Give your site a title and click the Install<\/strong> <\/em>WordPress <\/strong>button.<\/p>
\n![\"WordPress](\"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/WordPress-installation-screen-to-insert-the-website-information-including-site-title-username-and-password-in-the-second-method-of-installation.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Finally, click the Log<\/strong> <\/em>In<\/strong> button to access your testing site! <\/p>
If you face any problems when completing these setup steps, consider looking through MAMP support forums<\/a> to find specific advice about troubleshooting and solving common issues.<\/p>
Method 3: Install WordPress Locally with XAMPP<\/h3>
Similar to WAMP and MAMP, XAMPP comprises Apache<\/strong> HTTP<\/strong> Server<\/strong>, MySQL<\/strong>, and PHP<\/strong> software. All of these software packages are free to download and can effectively install WordPress locally. <\/p>
However, XAMPP is a cross-platform software, meaning that it supports the Windows, macOS, and Linux-based operating systems. Due to its simple interface, beginners will find it easy to learn how to use XAMPP<\/a>. Additionally, it comes with an additional high-level programming language called Perl<\/strong>.<\/p>
1. Download XAMPP<\/strong><\/p>
To start building a local WordPress site with XAMPP, go to the official Apache Friends<\/a> website.<\/p>
![](\"\/uk\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/xampp.png\"){kind=link}