How to Install WordPress on Localhost in 2024 (7 Steps)

How to Install WordPress on Localhost in 2024: Setting up a WordPress site on a localhost is an essential skill for anyone looking to develop, test, or experiment with WordPress without affecting a live website. This guide will walk you through how to install WordPress on localhost in 2024 in 7 simple steps. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just need a refresher, this step-by-step tutorial will help you get your local WordPress site up and running in no time.

1. Understanding the Basics: What is Localhost?

Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to understand what “localhost” means in the context of web development. Localhost refers to your computer’s local server. Essentially, it’s a server environment on your personal machine where you can host websites and applications without making them public on the internet.

Why Use Localhost?

Using localhost is an excellent way to test changes, experiment with themes, plugins, and other customizations without the risk of breaking your live site. It’s also a cost-effective solution, as there’s no need to purchase hosting services for your testing environment.

Key Tools for Localhost Installation

To install WordPress on localhost, you’ll need a few key tools:

• Local server software: This mimics a live web server on your computer.
• WordPress files: The CMS you’ll install on your local server.

With the basics covered, let’s move on to the installation process.

2. Step One: Download and Install Local Server Software

The first step in how to install WordPress on localhost in 2024 is to set up a local server. There are several options available, but the most popular and user-friendly choices are XAMPP, WAMP, and Local by Flywheel.

Choosing the Right Local Server Software

• XAMPP: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s a complete package that includes Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl.
• WAMP: A great option for Windows users, offering Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
• Local by Flywheel: This is a newer option that’s especially popular among WordPress users due to its simplicity and WordPress-specific features.

Installation Guide

1. Download: Visit the official website of your chosen software and download the installer.
2. Run the Installer: Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions. For XAMPP and WAMP, ensure Apache and MySQL are selected during installation.
3. Start the Services: Once installed, open the control panel and start the Apache and MySQL services.

By completing this step, you have successfully set up your local server environment.

3. Step Two: Download WordPress

Now that your local server is ready, it’s time to download WordPress, the CMS you’ll be installing.

Where to Get WordPress

Visit the official WordPress website and download the latest version. WordPress is free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone.

Extracting the Files

After downloading, you’ll have a ZIP file. Extract this file to a folder on your computer. You’ll need to move these files into the appropriate directory on your local server in the next step.

4. Step Three: Set Up the WordPress Files in the Local Server

With WordPress downloaded, the next step in how to install WordPress on localhost in 2024 is to place the WordPress files into the correct folder on your local server.

Locating the Correct Directory

How to Install WordPress on Xampp

• XAMPP: Navigate to the htdocs folder within the XAMPP directory.

How to Install WordPress on WAMP

• WAMP: Place the files in the www directory.
• Local by Flywheel: This step is handled automatically during the site creation process.

Moving the Files

Copy the extracted WordPress files into the designated folder. It’s a good idea to create a new folder within htdocs or www to keep things organized. For example, you could name this folder “mytestsite” or anything relevant to your project.

5. Step Four: Create a Database for WordPress

WordPress requires a MySQL database to store all your content and settings. Creating this database is the next step.

Accessing phpMyAdmin

Both XAMPP and WAMP come with phpMyAdmin, a web-based interface for managing MySQL databases.

1. Open phpMyAdmin: Navigate to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/ in your web browser.
2. Create a New Database: Click on the “Databases” tab and enter a name for your new database (e.g., “wordpress2024”). Then, click “Create.”

Local by Flywheel

If you’re using Local by Flywheel, the database setup is automatic. However, you can view and manage your database by clicking on the “Database” tab within the Local app.

6. Step Five: Configure the wp-config.php File

Now that your database is ready, it’s time to configure WordPress to connect to it.

Locating wp-config.php

In the WordPress files you extracted earlier, find the file named wp-config-sample.php. Rename this file to wp-config.php.

Editing the File

Open wp-config.php in a text editor like Notepad++ or Sublime Text. Look for the following lines and replace the placeholder values with your database details:

• DB_NAME: Replace 'database_name_here' with the name of the database you created (e.g., wordpress2024).
• DB_USER: Replace 'username_here' with 'root' (the default MySQL username in XAMPP and WAMP).
• DB_PASSWORD: Replace 'password_here' with an empty string ('') if you haven’t set a password.

Save the file and close the editor. WordPress is now configured to connect to your local database.

7. Step Six: How to Install WordPress

The next step in how to install WordPress on localhost in 2024 is the actual installation of WordPress.

Running the Installation Script

1. Go to Your Browser: Navigate to http://localhost/mytestsite/ (replace “mytestsite” with the name of the folder where you placed WordPress files).
2. Follow the Installation Wizard: You’ll be greeted with a WordPress installation screen. Choose your language, then proceed to the next steps.
3. Site Information: Enter your site title, admin username, password, and email. Don’t worry about making everything perfect at this stage—you can change these settings later.
4. Install WordPress: Click the “Install WordPress” button, and WordPress will complete the installation process.

Logging In

Once the installation is complete, you can log in to your new WordPress site by navigating to http://localhost/mytestsite/wp-admin/.

8. Step Seven: Final Adjustments and Testing

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed WordPress on localhost. However, there are a few final adjustments and tests you might want to perform.

Check Permalinks

Go to Settings > Permalinks and choose a permalink structure that suits your needs. This will ensure your URLs are clean and SEO-friendly.

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How to Install WordPress Theme – Install Themes and Plugins

Now that your site is up and running, you can start experimenting with themes and plugins. This is where localhost really shines—you can test as much as you want without any consequences.

Backup Your Local Site

Even though your site is on localhost, it’s still a good idea to create backups, especially if you’re doing extensive testing.

Conclusion of How to Install WordPress on Localhost

Learning how to install WordPress on localhost in 2024 is an invaluable skill for developers, designers, and anyone interested in working with WordPress. By following these 7 steps, you’ve set up a safe environment to test, develop, and perfect your WordPress site without any risk. Now, you can dive into building your site with confidence, knowing that you can experiment freely on your localhost. Happy WordPress-ing!