![How to Install & Run WordPress Locally](https://www.cloudways.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Main-Image_750x394-59.jpg)
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Overview of WordPress Local Development -
Reasons to Install WordPress Locally -
System Requirements for a Localhost -
Installing WordPress on a Localhost -
Installing WordPress on Windows -
Installing WordPress on macOS -
Creating Staging for Local Development -
Optimizing Your WordPress Installation -
Troubleshooting Errors of Local Installation
Overview of WordPress Local Development
Reasons to Install WordPress Locally
1. Safe Environment
2. Better Accessibility
3. Learning Curve
System Requirements for a Localhost
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4GB RAM and 1.5GB disk space
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PHP 7.4+, MySQL 5.6+ OR MariaDB 10.1+, HTTPS support , and a local server environment such as Apache or Nginx
Ready for a Seamless Localhost Experience?
Installing WordPress on a Localhost
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Set up the environment: Install the necessary components, including a web server, PHP, and a database. -
Download a stable WordPress version: Download the latest stable version of WordPress from the official website. -
Install WordPress on the localhost: Follow the installation instructions to install WordPress on your local machine.
Installing WordPress on Windows
Step 1: Download XAMPP and WordPress
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On the XAMPP download page , select the option that works best with the latest PHP version . -
Once the download finishes, run the installer to install XAMPP on your local system.
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After installation, launch the XAMPP control panel to view and set the status for Apache and MySQL. -
In the XAMPP control panel, make sure to checkmark the Apache and MySQL options, as they are necessary for installing WordPress locally.
Step 2: Install and Set up WordPress Locally
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Download the WordPress setup from the official website.
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Move the downloaded zip file to the /htdocs folder in the XAMPP directory. -
Unzip the file and navigate to the project directory. -
Ensure Apache and MySQL services in the XAMPP control panel are running. -
Visit the phpMyAdmin portal to create the database for your new WordPress site.
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Launch the WordPress installation setup once the database is created by visiting http://localhost/newwpsite/wp-admin/setup-config.php . -
Select the desired language and click Continue .
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On the next screen, follow the steps to add database credentials to the wp-config.php file.
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Open the wp-config.php file within your preferred code editor and define database credentials as follows:
// ** MySQL settings - You can get this info from your web host ** // /** The name of the database for WordPress */ define( 'DB_NAME', 'newwpsite' ); /** MySQL database username */ define( 'DB_USER', 'root' ); /** MySQL database password */ define( 'DB_PASSWORD', '' );
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Save the file and go back to the WordPress installation wizard. -
Enter the database name, username, and password. You may also define your table prefix, but keeping the default value is recommended. -
Click Submit . The next screen will confirm the successful database configuration.
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Click Run the installation to begin the WordPress installation process.
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In the next screen, provide information about your website and set the username and password to access the WordPress dashboard. -
Once done, click the Install WordPress button.
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This will show a success message and a button to launch the WordPress dashboard login page.
Installing WordPress on macOS
Step 1: Download MAMP
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Download MAMP from the official website to set up a web server and database for the WordPress installation. -
Install MAMP by running the installation wizard. You may be asked to install the Pro version, but this is not mandatory; you can start with the free version.
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Once installation finishes, head over to the MAMP controller and start the server.
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Once the server is up and running, click the Open WebStart page to launch phpMyAdmin.
Step 2: Install WordPress Locally for Mac
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Download WordPress for Mac from the official website.
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Unzip the downloaded file and place the folder inside the MAMP document root folder. You can rename this folder as the name of your WordPress site. -
Create a database using phpMyAdmin through the MAMP control panel. -
Add the database name and head over to the wp -config.php file to add database credentials. -
Run the WordPress installation wizard by visiting http://localhost/newwpsite/wp-admin/setup-config.php , replacing “newwpsite” with the name of your project directory.
Creating Staging for Local Development
No More WordPress Hosting Management Issues with Autonomous
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Log in to the Cloudways Platform using your credentials. -
Click on View all Servers after logging in to your account and choose the server where your Application is deployed.
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Click on www and select your application.
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Open the Quick Options menu, and click on Clone App/Create Staging to create a staging environment.
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In the dialog box, select the server where you want to create the staging environment. Then, choose Create as Staging and click on Continue .
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Wait for the staging site deployment to begin. It will be a complete clone of your live application. -
Once launched, the staging application will be available in the applications list with the staging tag.
Get Unlimited WordPress Staging Sites for Free!
Optimizing Your Local WordPress Installation
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Disable unnecessary plugins: Review the plugins you have installed and disable any that you’re not using or that aren’t essential for your development work. -
Increase PHP memory limit: Edit your wp-config.php file and add the following code: define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’) . -
Use a lightweight theme: Choose a theme that is optimized for speed and has a minimal design. -
Use a caching plugin : Install a caching plugin like WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache , or WP Rocket to store frequently accessed data in cache memory. -
Optimize your images: Compress your images without compromising on quality using tools like TinyPNG, ShortPixel, or Imagify.
Troubleshooting Errors of Local Installation
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404 Page not found error: Check your permalink settings and ensure they are set to “Post name” or a custom structure. -
Error establishing a database connection: Check your database credentials in the wp-config.php file and make sure they match the database you created. -
Failed to connect to the FTP server: Check your FTP credentials and make sure they are correct. -
HTTP Error when uploading images: Increase the PHP memory limit and maximum file size in your php.ini file. -
White screen of death: Try disabling your plugins and switching to a default theme to isolate the issue.
Summary
Q. Can I install WordPress manually?
Q. Can I install WordPress offline?
Q. Should I download WordPress or use it online?
Q. How to install WordPress locally via the on-screen installer?
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Set up a local server using XAMPP or MAMP. -
Create a database for your WordPress installation. -
Download the WordPress files and extract them to a local folder. -
Rename the extracted folder to something like “mywebsite” and move it to the ‘htdocs’ directory of your local server. -
Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/mywebsite to initiate the WordPress on-screen setup process. -
Fill in the database details, including the database name, username, and password, then click “Submit” and “Run the installation.” -
On the next screen, provide information about your site title, desired username, password, and email address, then click “Install WordPress.”
Liza Rajput