To download and install WordPress on your localhost (your local computer), you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Set Up a Local Server Environment:
- Before installing WordPress, you need a local server environment like XAMPP, MAMP, or WampServer. These applications provide a server (Apache), a database (MySQL), and PHP, which are required to run WordPress.
- Download WordPress:
- Go to the WordPress official website and download the latest version of WordPress: https://wordpress.org/download/
- Extract WordPress Files:
- Once downloaded, extract the WordPress zip file into the appropriate directory within your local server environment. For example, if you’re using XAMPP, extract it into the
htdocsfolder.
- Once downloaded, extract the WordPress zip file into the appropriate directory within your local server environment. For example, if you’re using XAMPP, extract it into the
- Create a Database:
- Access your local server’s control panel and create a new MySQL database for WordPress. Remember the database name, username, and password you set up.
- Configure WordPress:
- Navigate to the directory where you extracted WordPress files using a web browser. For example, if you’re using XAMPP, it might be
http://localhost/wordpress. - Follow the WordPress installation wizard:
- Select the language and click “Continue.”
- WordPress will inform you that it needs a database name, username, password, database host, and table prefix. Fill in the details you created in step 4.
- Click “Submit.”
- If the details are correct, WordPress will confirm the successful connection to the database. Click “Run the Installation.”
- Navigate to the directory where you extracted WordPress files using a web browser. For example, if you’re using XAMPP, it might be
- Set Up WordPress:
- Enter your site title, username, password, and email address. Ensure you use a strong password.
- Click “Install WordPress.”
- Access WordPress Dashboard:
- Once installation is complete, you can log in to your WordPress dashboard using the username and password you created. The dashboard can typically be accessed at
http://localhost/wordpress/wp-admin/.
- Once installation is complete, you can log in to your WordPress dashboard using the username and password you created. The dashboard can typically be accessed at
- Explore and Customize:
- You’re now ready to explore and customize your WordPress site locally. You can install themes, plugins, create pages, write posts, and more.
Remember, a local WordPress installation is only accessible on your computer. If you want to make your site live on the internet, you’ll need a web hosting provider and a domain name.