If you’re a developer, designer, content creator, or someone who wants to experiment with WordPress without affecting a live website, installing WordPress locally is the perfect solution. A local installation allows you to build, test, and tweak your site without needing an internet connection or a hosting provider.
Two of the most popular methods to set up WordPress on your local computer are using XAMPP or LocalWP. Both serve the same purpose but differ in how they operate and whom they’re best suited for. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install WordPress locally using both options, and understand which one is right for your workflow.
What Does It Mean to Install WordPress Locally?
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Installing WordPress locally means setting up the WordPress CMS on your personal computer using a local server environment. Since WordPress requires PHP, a web server (usually Apache), and a MySQL or MariaDB database, you’ll need software that mimics a web hosting environment on your machine.
The benefits of this setup include:
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Safe environment to experiment with themes, plugins, or settings
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Faster development without needing to upload files to a server
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Ability to learn WordPress without paying for hosting
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Full control over your testing environment
Let’s dive into the two most popular ways to do this: XAMPP and LocalWP.
Option 1: Installing WordPress Using XAMPP
XAMPP is an open-source software package that provides the components needed to run PHP-based applications, including WordPress. It includes Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP
Start by downloading the XAMPP installer for your operating system from the official Apache Friends website. During installation, you’ll be prompted to choose which components you want to install. At the very least, ensure Apache, MySQL, PHP, and phpMyAdmin are selected. You can skip other components unless you have specific needs.
Once installed, open the XAMPP Control Panel and start both the Apache and MySQL services. You should see green indicators confirming they are running.
Step 2: Create a Database
To set up a database for WordPress:
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Open your browser and go to
localhost/phpmyadmin. -
Click on the “Databases” tab.
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Create a new database. Name it something relevant like
wp_testsite. -
Set the collation to
utf8_general_ci.
You don’t need to create any tables manually; WordPress will handle that during the installation process.
Step 3: Download and Set Up WordPress
Download the latest version of WordPress from the official WordPress website. Extract the downloaded ZIP file, then move the WordPress folder into the htdocs directory inside your XAMPP installation folder. On Windows, this is typically located at C:\xampp\htdocs. Rename the folder to something like myproject.
Now go to your browser and type localhost/myproject. This will launch the WordPress installation process.
Step 4: Configure WordPress
During installation:
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Select your preferred language.
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Enter the database name you created earlier.
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Use
rootas the username and leave the password field blank. -
Set the database host as
localhost. -
Continue with the installation.
Once the connection is confirmed, you’ll be prompted to enter site details like site title, admin username, password, and email. Complete the setup, and you’ll be redirected to the WordPress dashboard.
That’s it. You now have WordPress running locally using XAMPP.
Option 2: Installing WordPress Using LocalWP
LocalWP, previously known as Local by Flywheel, is a tool designed specifically for WordPress development. It automates much of the setup process that tools like XAMPP require manual intervention for. It’s especially popular among designers, freelancers, and agencies who want a simple, quick, and clean development environment.
Step 1: Download and Install LocalWP
Download LocalWP for your operating system from its official website. The installation is straightforward and doesn’t require any manual configuration. Once installed, open the application to get started.
Step 2: Create a New Site
Click on the option to create a new site. You’ll be guided through a few steps:
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Name your site. For example:
MyPortfolio -
Choose a setup environment: Preferred (recommended) or Custom (advanced users)
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Enter the WordPress username, password, and email
Click “Create Site,” and LocalWP will handle the entire process automatically — setting up the server, database, and WordPress installation in one go.
Step 3: Access and Manage Your Local Site
Once your site is created, you’ll see options to open the site in your browser or access the WordPress admin dashboard directly. LocalWP also provides advanced tools like database access, error logs, mail testing, and even the ability to share your local site via temporary public links.
There’s no need to manually configure databases or servers. It’s all built-in and managed via the LocalWP interface.
XAMPP vs. LocalWP: Which One Should You Use?
Both tools serve the same core purpose — running WordPress locally — but they differ in complexity, flexibility, and target audience.
XAMPP Pros:
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Works on all major operating systems
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Ideal for developers who need full control
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Not limited to WordPress — can be used for any PHP project
XAMPP Cons:
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Manual setup can be time-consuming
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Requires technical knowledge
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Fewer built-in features for WordPress-specific tasks
LocalWP Pros:
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Extremely user-friendly
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One-click WordPress site creation
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Built-in tools like SSL, database access, and live links
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Great for beginners and agencies
LocalWP Cons:
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Slightly heavier on system resources
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Mac and Windows only (no Linux support)
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Less flexible for non-WordPress development
If you want full control and are comfortable working with server settings, XAMPP is a great choice. If you prioritize ease of use and want to focus on WordPress-specific development, LocalWP is the way to go.
Tips for Working Locally with WordPress
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Use a consistent folder structure: It makes managing multiple projects easier.
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Enable debugging: Add
define('WP_DEBUG', true);inwp-config.phpto help identify issues. -
Regularly back up your work: Even local environments can be lost due to system failure.
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Use version control: Tools like Git can help you track changes and collaborate better.
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Match your local environment to your production server: It helps avoid compatibility issues during deployment.
Moving Your Local Site to a Live Server
Once your site is ready, you’ll probably want to move it to a live hosting environment. There are several ways to do this:
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Manual migration: Export the database, upload files via FTP, and adjust the site URLs in the database.
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Using plugins: Tools like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration simplify the process.
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With hosting tools: Some hosts offer built-in tools for pushing local sites to the server.
Always test your site thoroughly after migration to ensure everything functions correctly.
Conclusion
Installing WordPress locally is a must-have skill for anyone working with WordPress — whether you’re a developer, freelancer, or content creator. XAMPP offers a more customizable and flexible environment for those comfortable with manual setups. On the other hand, LocalWP provides a streamlined, user-friendly experience perfect for beginners and those who want to get up and running fast.
Both tools are excellent in their own right, and the choice depends on your personal preference and technical comfort level. No matter which you choose, running WordPress locally is a safe, fast, and efficient way to build better websites without the fear of breaking something live.
If you’re serious about WordPress development, investing the time to learn how to use these local environments will pay off in productivity, security, and confidence.
Let your creativity thrive — locally.