Installing XAMPP Server is essential for developers who want to set up a local server environment on their computers. XAMPP is a popular open-source web server solution stack that includes Apache HTTP Server, MariaDB (or MySQL), and interpreters for PHP and Perl. This guide will walk you through the process of installing XAMPP Server on a Windows computer, making it easier to test websites and applications locally before deploying them to a live server.
Step 1 : Download XAMPP for Installing XAMPP Server
1. Visit the Official Website :
Go to the Apache Friends website to download the XAMPP installer.Downloading the XAMPP installer is the first step in installing XAMPP Server.
2. Select the Version :
Choose the version of XAMPP that matches your operating system and needs. Typically, you should select the latest version.
3. Download the Installer :
Click on the download button for the Windows installer. Save the file to a location you can easily access, like your desktop, to begin installing XAMPP Server.
Step 2 : Run the Installer
1. Launch the Installer :
Locate the downloaded file (usually named something like xampp-win32-x.x.x-x-VC15-installer.exe) and double-click it to start the installation process. If you see a security warning, click “Run.”
2. User Account Control :
If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click “Yes” to allow the installer to make changes to your device.
3. Setup Wizard :
The XAMPP Setup Wizard will open. Click “Next” to proceed with installing XAMPP Server.
Step 3 : Select Components
1. Choose Components :
You’ll be prompted to select the components you want to install. By default, essential components like Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP, and phpMyAdmin are selected. You can also choose additional components like FileZilla FTP Server, Mercury Mail Server, and Tomcat if needed.
2. Proceed :
Once you’ve selected your components, click “Next.”
Step 4 : Choose Installation Directory
1. Select Directory :
The default installation directory is C:\xampp. You can choose a different directory if desired, but it’s generally best to stick with the default to avoid any potential issues.
2. Next :
Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 5 : Bitnami for XAMPP
1. Bitnami :
The installer will ask if you want to learn more about Bitnami for XAMPP. Bitnami offers a range of installers and software stacks for popular applications. If you’re interested, check the box, otherwise, click “Next.” Understanding Bitnami’s offerings can enhance your experience after installing XAMPP Server.
Step 6 : Ready to Install
1. Begin Installation :
Click “Next” to start the installation process. This might take a few minutes.
2. Installation Progress :
Wait for the progress bar to complete. Do not interrupt the process.
Step 7 : Complete Installation
1. Finish :
Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a confirmation screen. Make sure the “Do you want to start the Control Panel now?” checkbox is checked and click “Finish.”
Step 8 : Launch XAMPP Control Panel
1. Control Panel :
The XAMPP Control Panel should open automatically. If not, you can open it from the Start menu or by double-clicking the xampp-control.exe file in your XAMPP installation directory.
2. Start Services :
To start the Apache and MySQL services, click the “Start” button next to each one. The status indicators should turn green, indicating that the services are running.
Step 9: Accessing the XAMPP Dashboard
1. Open Browser :
Open your web browser and type localhost in the address bar, then press Enter.
2. Dashboard :
You should see the XAMPP dashboard, which indicates that your server is running correctly.
Step 10: Accessing phpMyAdmin
1. phpMyAdmin :
In the XAMPP Control Panel, click the “Admin” button next to MySQL. This will open phpMyAdmin in your web browser, an essential tool after installing XAMPP Server.
2. Login :
Use phpMyAdmin to manage your databases. The default username is “root” and the password is blank (you can set a password later for security).
Conclusion
By following these steps, you have successfully installed XAMPP Server on your Windows computer. You can now use XAMPP Server to develop and test your websites and applications locally before deploying them to a live server. For more detailed guidance on setting up your local environment, check out our blog post, The Ultimate Guide: Step-by-Step WordPress Installation for Beginners. Installing XAMPP Server simplifies the process of managing a local server environment and is an invaluable tool for web developers.
