How to install WordPress on WampServer

WordPress is widely used for website development, and setting it up locally with WampServer is a practical approach for developers. WampServer provides an Apache web server, MySQL database, and PHP, allowing you to install and run WordPress on your local machine. Running WordPress on WampServer helps you safely build, test, and develop websites before deploying them online.

WampServer packages all essential components of a web server, making it simple to set up WordPress locally without the complexity of configuring servers manually. This environment allows developers to write PHP code, manage databases with MySQL, and run WordPress as if it were hosted on a live server. This setup is especially useful for testing features, plugins, and custom themes.

By linking WordPress with a local MySQL database, you can develop in a controlled environment. WampServer allows full control over server configuration, making it easier to adjust PHP settings or troubleshoot errors. Running WordPress locally is an efficient way to build sites privately before publishing them on the web.

1. Launch WampServer and verify that the system tray icon is green.

   A green icon indicates that Apache and MySQL services are running properly.

2. Download the latest version of WordPress from WordPress.org.

   Ensure you download the latest stable release of WordPress.

3. Extract the WordPress ZIP file to a folder on your computer.

   Use a tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the files.

4. Navigate to C:\wamp64\www (or C:\wamp\www for 32-bit systems).

   This is the root directory for local web projects on WampServer.

5. Create a new folder in the www directory for WordPress.

   Name the folder according to your project (e.g., wordpress).

6. Copy the extracted WordPress files into the new folder.

   Ensure all files are copied, including hidden files like .htaccess.

7. Open phpMyAdmin by clicking the WampServer icon and selecting phpMyAdmin.

   This is the web-based interface for managing MySQL databases on your local server.

8. Log in to phpMyAdmin using the username root and leave the password field blank.

   By default, phpMyAdmin on WampServer uses root without a password.

9. Create a new MySQL database by clicking the “Databases” tab and entering a name.

   Name the database something relevant to your project (e.g., wordpress_db).

10. Open a browser and navigate to http://localhost/your-folder-name.

    Replace your-folder-name with the name of the folder where you copied WordPress files.

11. Enter the database name, username root, and leave the password field blank.

    Ensure the database host is set to localhost and use the default table prefix wp_.

12. Click “Submit” to connect WordPress to the database.

    WordPress will now establish a connection to the MySQL database.

13. Complete the installation by providing a site title, admin username, and password.

    Use strong credentials for the admin account and provide a valid email address.

14. Log in to the WordPress dashboard with the admin credentials.

    You can now access and configure your local WordPress site from the admin panel.