Interested in setting up WordPress on your Windows system? Installing WordPress locally on Windows has become quite straightforward over time. Utilizing a Windows-based web development environment such as WAMP enables you to easily run WordPress on your local computer.
WAMP stands for Windows, Apache, MySQL, and PHP—a software stack used to create a local server environment on Windows systems. Utilizing WAMP simplifies the process of setting up WordPress on your computer, allowing you to develop and test websites offline before going live.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to install WordPress using WAMP.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Get WAMP Server
To start, the initial action is to acquire the WAMP server software.
Go to https://www.wampserver.com/en/.
Click on the “Start using WAMP server” button.
This action will direct you to the Download Page.
Choose the appropriate file for download (32-bit or 64-bit based on your system configuration).
Step 2: Install WAMP
To run the installation file as administrator, right-click on it and choose “Run as Administrator.”
The process of installation will start. Choose your preferred language and adhere to the on-screen directions.
A screen detailing prerequisites for installation will appear.
Ensure your system meets these prerequisites and proceed by clicking Next.
Make sure to install WAMP in the root directory. Opt for installing it in C:\ or D:\ E:\. Avoid installation within a subfolder like C:\Programs.or
The installation process will start.
WAMP defaults to Internet Explorer as the browser. It provides an option to modify this setting.
To change the browser, navigate to the programs folder and pick your desired browser.
Additionally, you can set another text editor as the default instead of Notepad. Choose your preferred text editor and click “OK.”
After making these selections, the setup will be swiftly completed.
Click on “Finish.”
You’ve successfully finished installing WAMP at this point.
Step 3: Configuring phpMyAdmin
In your system’s notification panel, observe the WAMP icon. It is typically displayed in green, orange, or red.
If the icon isn’t green, it indicates that one or more services haven’t been initiated. Click on “Start All Services” to rectify this. Once the icon turns green, it signifies a successful setup. Any other color indicates a setup issue. (Ensure your system meets the specified requirements mentioned during installation)
Select ‘phpMyAdmin’ from the available options.
This action opens your web browser to the phpMyAdmin login screen.
Enter the following login details:
– Username: root
– Leave the password field empty, as these are default credentials. Click “Go” to access the phpMyAdmin Dashboard.
Within the phpMyAdmin Dashboard, navigate to the “Databases” tab. Create a new database by assigning it a name and clicking “Create”.
For instance, I’ve named a database “nestify” here, but you can choose any name you prefer.
Step 4: WordPress Download
With phpMyAdmin set up, proceed to download WordPress.
Visit the Official WordPress site: WordPress.Org
On the homepage, locate and click the “Get WordPress” button.
This action redirects you to the download page, where you can acquire the WordPress software at no cost.
Download the software in a zip file. Unzip and extract the ‘WordPress’ folder to a suitable location on your system.
Copy the ‘WordPress’ folder.
Find the directory where WAMP is installed. For example, in this guide, it’s in the ‘c:\wamp64’ folder.
Within that directory, locate the ‘www’ folder.
Paste the ‘WordPress’ folder into the ‘www’ directory.
You can now access WordPress through your web browser.
Step 5: WordPress Setup Guide
Navigate to the URL: https://localhost/wordpress
Upon reaching the WordPress language setup page, select your preferred default language and proceed by clicking on “Continue.”
The subsequent screen will prompt you to take note of essential details before moving forward:
– Database name
– Database Username
– Database password
– Database Host
– Table Prefix (if planning to operate multiple WordPress installations within a single database)
– database info page
Following this, on the ensuing screen, input the requested information as follows:
Database Name: Use the name you selected for the database in step 3 (e.g., ‘nestify’).
Username: Set as ‘root.’
Password: Leave this field empty.
Database Host: No changes are required, keep it as is.
Table Prefix: No modifications needed.
To continue configuring WordPress after entering this data, click the “Submit” button.
Step 6: Finalize WordPress Setup
Upon clicking the “Submit” button, a screen will display with the option “Run the Installation.”
Proceed by clicking on it.
Executing the installation
Once the installation process completes successfully, the WordPress Installation page will prompt for specific information.
This includes:
– Site Title
– Username
– Password
– Your Email
– Search Engine Visibility
Enter the required details and proceed by clicking the “Install WordPress” button.
WordPress Installation Page
Upon successful completion, a message indicating success will appear.
Success Notification
Congratulations! The installation of WordPress locally via WAMP has been successful.
You can now test your WordPress site, experiment with themes and plugins, and relish the WordPress experience on your computer, eliminating the necessity for a web host.
FAQS
Can I install WordPress with WAMP on a Mac or Linux system?
WAMP is specifically designed for Windows. However, if you’re using a Mac, you can opt for MAMP (Mac, Apache, MySQL, PHP) or LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) for similar functionalities tailored to those operating systems.
Is it necessary to have prior coding knowledge to install WordPress using WAMP?
No, you don’t need extensive coding knowledge. The installation process involves downloading and installing WAMP, setting up a MySQL database, and then running the WordPress installer—all of which are guided and relatively straightforward.
What are the system requirements to run WordPress with WAMP in 2024?
To smoothly run WordPress with WAMP in 2024, your system should meet the following requirements: Windows OS (WAMP is primarily for Windows), sufficient RAM (at least 2GB recommended), adequate disk space, and a compatible web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
Can I use the locally installed WordPress with WAMP to create a live website?
Yes, you can develop and customize your website locally using WAMP and WordPress. Once you’re satisfied with your site’s design and functionality, you can migrate it to a live server. Several plugins and methods are available to assist in this process, allowing for a smooth transition from local to live hosting.
