If you’re planning to create or test a WordPress website without buying hosting or a domain first, good news, you can install WordPress right on your computer. This setup is called a local WordPress environment, and it’s perfect for designers, developers, and DIY creators who want to experiment safely before going live.
At Right Padding, we often use this method to build, test, and tweak client projects before deployment, saving time and headaches later.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to install WordPress on your PC using two easy tools: XAMPP and Local by Flywheel.
🎬 Watch the Tutorial
If you prefer following along visually, check out our full step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube:
🖥️ Why Install WordPress Locally?
Installing WordPress on your PC means:
- You can build websites offline (no internet connection required).
- You can test themes, plugins, and custom code without breaking a live site.
- It’s faster since everything runs locally.
- It’s free! No hosting or domain fees needed.
If you’re serious about web design or running a WordPress business, mastering local installs is a must-have skill.
⚙️ Option 1: Installing WordPress Using XAMPP
XAMPP is a popular tool that creates a local server on your computer. It includes Apache (for running websites) and MySQL (for managing your database).
Step 1: Download XAMPP
Go to apachefriends.org and download the XAMPP version for Windows.
Once downloaded, install it — the default settings are fine for most users.
Step 2: Start Apache and MySQL
Open the XAMPP Control Panel and click Start beside Apache and MySQL.
If both modules turn green, you’re good to go.
💡 Tip: If Apache doesn’t start, try closing programs like Skype or Teams, which might use the same ports.
Step 3: Create a Database
- Go to your browser and type http://localhost/phpmyadmin/.
- Click Databases → type a name (e.g., wordpress_test) → click Create.
Step 4: Download WordPress
Visit wordpress.org/download and download the latest version of WordPress.
Extract the ZIP file, and move the folder into your XAMPP → htdocs directory.
Rename it something simple, like mywordpress.
Step 5: Install WordPress
In your browser, go to:
http://localhost/mywordpress
You’ll see the WordPress setup screen:
- Choose your language.
- Enter the database name you created (wordpress_test), username root, and leave the password blank.
- Continue and set up your site title, username, and password.
And that’s it! You now have WordPress running locally on your PC!
⚡ Option 2: Installing WordPress Using Local by Flywheel
If you prefer something more visual and beginner-friendly, try Local by Flywheel.
Step 1: Download and Install
Visit localwp.com and download the app for Windows.
Install it using the default settings.
Step 2: Create a New Site
- Open Local and click + Create a New Site.
- Name your site (e.g., “My Local WP”).
- Choose your preferred PHP version and web server (the default is fine).
- Create a username and password.
Step 3: Access Your Local Site
Once setup is complete, click Open Site or type the URL shown (something like my-local-wp.local) in your browser.
You now have a fully functional WordPress website running locally, no configuration files or databases to mess with.
💡 Pro Tip: Local even lets you clone sites, switch PHP versions, and push to hosting platforms like Flywheel or WP Engine later.
🧠 Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Apache or MySQL won’t start? Try changing ports in XAMPP settings.
- Database connection errors? Double-check your database name and credentials.
- Can’t access your local site? Restart XAMPP or Local; sometimes Windows firewalls can block it.
🪄 Why Web Designers Love Local WordPress Installs
At Right Padding, we use local WordPress installs for:
- Rapid prototyping client websites
- Testing plugin updates safely
- Designing custom themes before publishing
Local setups make collaboration faster, and since we’re a white-label web design agency, it’s a seamless way to deliver pre-approved builds before migration.
Setting up WordPress on your PC isn’t just a developer trick, it’s a productivity boost for anyone serious about web design. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever built sites without it.
Need help designing or building client-ready WordPress sites?
💡 Right Padding helps digital agencies, freelancers, and marketers scale through white-label web design and technical execution.
