How to Install XAMPP on Windows – A Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide

Setting up a local web development environment is something every developer should be comfortable with, and XAMPP is one of the easiest ways to get started. Whether you want to build websites, test PHP scripts, or host a MySQL database locally, XAMPP provides everything you need in one package.

This guide explains step-by-step how to install XAMPP on Windows, configure basic components, and run your first local server smoothly.

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP is an open-source cross-platform software stack that includes Apache, MariaDB/MySQL, PHP, and Perl — essentially everything required to run a dynamic website on your computer. Instead of manually installing and configuring each service, XAMPP bundles them into one simple installer, reducing setup time and avoiding configuration conflicts.

Key components included:

• Apache – The local web server
• MariaDB/MySQL – Database service
• PHP – Server-side scripting language
• phpMyAdmin – Web interface for database management
• Perl – Additional scripting language

Download XAMPP for Windows

Visit the official Apache Friends website and select the latest stable Windows version. Make sure to match PHP version requirements of your project if necessary. Once downloaded, keep the installer file ready for setup.

Start Installing XAMPP

Step-by-step process:

• Double-click the installer file to begin setup.
• Allow Windows permission if a security warning appears.
• Select components you want to install (Apache, MySQL, PHP are required by default).
• Choose installation directory (recommended: C:\xampp).
• Click install and wait for the process to complete.

Once finished, you can choose to start the Control Panel immediately and verify that services are installed correctly.

Launch Apache and MySQL Using XAMPP Control Panel

Open the XAMPP Control Panel — you should see modules listed with start buttons beside each. Click Start for Apache and MySQL. If both modules turn green, your server is running successfully.

If Apache fails to start, it may be due to port conflicts with other applications like Skype or IIS. You can change port settings inside Config → Service and Port Settings if required.

Open Localhost in Your Browser

Once Apache is active, open your browser and type:

http://localhost

If everything was installed correctly, you'll see the XAMPP welcome page. This confirms your environment is live and ready to use.

Access phpMyAdmin and Create Your First Database

To manage databases visually, go to:

http://localhost/phpmyadmin

Here you can create new databases, run SQL queries, import/export data, and manage users. This is extremely helpful for PHP developers working on CMS platforms, custom apps, or e-commerce sites.

Create a Project Folder in htdocs

All website files must be placed inside the htdocs directory located in the XAMPP installation folder. Create a new folder — for example, mytestsite — and inside place a simple PHP file such as:

<?php
echo "Hello Localhost!";
?>

Now open in browser:

http://localhost/mytestsite

You should now see the output of your PHP file — proof that your development environment is ready for building real applications.

Why Use XAMPP on Windows?

Using XAMPP gives you full control over your development environment without needing external hosting. It speeds up testing, debugging, and experimenting with new technologies freely and safely. If you love exploring digital tools, resources, and web development libraries, you may also find platforms that provide thousands of ready-to-use assets and templates extremely useful — such as Join us and get access to 552400+ premium digital products.

Final Thoughts

XAMPP is one of the simplest ways to create a full PHP development server on Windows. With Apache and MySQL running locally, you can build sites faster, test everything privately, and understand the backend more deeply.