How to Install WordPress Locally on Windows & Mac (Step-by-Step)

nstalling WordPress locally lets you build, test, and customize your website without paying for hosting or affecting a live site. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or beginner blogger, running WordPress on your computer gives you full control and freedom to experiment safely. This 2025 guide walks you through everything you need — from choosing the right local server to installing WordPress step by step.

Why Install WordPress Locally

• No hosting costs: Build and test sites for free.
• Instant testing: No upload or deployment delays.
• Safer experimentation: Try plugins, themes, or code without breaking a live site.
• Faster workflow: Local environments load instantly, ideal for developers and designers.

What You’ll Need

Before we start, gather the following:

• A computer (Windows or macOS).
• A local server app (like LocalWP, XAMPP, MAMP, or Devilbox).
• A browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
• The latest WordPress ZIP file from wordpress.org

Option 1: Using LocalWP (Recommended for Beginners)

LocalWP by WP Engine is the easiest and most beginner-friendly way to install WordPress locally. It handles everything automatically — server, database, and configuration.

Step 1: Download and Install LocalWP

1. Visit localwp.com.
2. Download the version for Windows or macOS.
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts.

Step 2: Create a New Local Site

1. Open Local and click “Create a New Site.”
2. Choose a name (e.g., “MyPortfolio” or “TestBlog”).
3. Select the preferred setup — “Preferred” is fine for most users.
4. Enter a username, password, and email for your local WordPress admin.
5. Click “Add Site.” LocalWP will automatically set up WordPress and open it in your browser.

Step 3: Log In and Customize

• Visit http://mysite.local (your site’s local address).
• Use the credentials you just created to log in.
• Start installing plugins, changing themes, or writing posts.

Tip: You can clone, export, or even push your local site to live hosting later using LocalWP’s built-in tools.

Option 2: Using XAMPP (Manual Method for Windows & Mac)

If you prefer more control or want to understand the full process, you can manually install WordPress using XAMPP.

Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP

1. Go to apachefriends.org.
2. Choose your OS (Windows or macOS) and download XAMPP.
3. Run the installer and enable Apache and MySQL modules.

Step 2: Create a Database for WordPress

1. Open your browser and visit http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
2. Click Databases → Create Database.
3. Name it something simple like wordpress_local.

Step 3: Download and Configure WordPress

1. Get the latest WordPress ZIP from wordpress.org/download.
2. Extract it and move the wordpress folder to:
   • Windows: C:\xampp\htdocs\
   • Mac: /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs/
3. Rename the folder (e.g., mysite).
4. Visit http://localhost/mysite in your browser — the WordPress setup screen will appear.

Step 4: Run the Installer

1. Choose your language and click Continue.
2. Enter database details:
   • Database Name: wordpress_local
   • Username: root
   • Password: (leave blank)
3. Click Submit → Run the installation.
4. Create your admin username, password, and email.
5. WordPress is now installed locally!

Option 3: Using MAMP (for macOS Users)

MAMP is another great option for Mac users who want a stable, native local server environment.

Step 1: Install MAMP

1. Download MAMP from mamp.info.
2. Drag it to your Applications folder and open it.
3. Start the Apache and MySQL servers.

Step 2: Set Up the WordPress Folder

1. Go to Applications/MAMP/htdocs/.
2. Extract and copy your WordPress folder there.
3. Visit http://localhost:8888/wordpress in your browser.

Step 3: Configure Database & Install

1. Open http://localhost:8888/phpMyAdmin.
2. Create a new database (e.g., mamp_wordpress).
3. Run the WordPress installer and fill in the database details:
   • Database Name: mamp_wordpress
   • Username: root
   • Password: root
4. Click Install WordPress and log in once done.

Common Fixes

• Port conflicts: Change Apache port to 8080 if another app is using 80.
• MySQL not starting: Quit and restart XAMPP/MAMP; ensure no other DB services are active.
• Blank screen: Delete .maintenance file in your WordPress folder and reload.

Optional Tools for Developers

• phpMyAdmin — Manage databases visually.
• WP-CLI — Control WordPress via terminal.
• DevKinsta — Alternative local environment by Kinsta.
• VS Code — Perfect for editing themes and plugins.

Moving from Local to Live

When your site is ready, you can move it online using a migration plugin or export/import tools. Popular options include:

• All-in-One WP Migration
• Duplicator
• WP Migrate Lite
  These tools copy your local files and database to a live server with minimal setup.

FAQ

Can I use WordPress locally without the internet?
Yes. Local installations work completely offline. You only need internet for updates or plugin downloads.

Is LocalWP better than XAMPP?
For beginners, yes. LocalWP automates database setup and configurations. Developers may prefer XAMPP for flexibility.

Can I run multiple WordPress sites locally?
Absolutely. Tools like LocalWP or XAMPP let you create unlimited local sites — each with its own folder and database.

Does installing WordPress locally slow my computer?
No. It runs lightweight services. Closing your local server when not in use frees resources.

Can I use the same site later online?
Yes. You can migrate your local site to live hosting using plugins like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration.