How to Download, Install, and Use XAMPP on Windows

XAMPP is a powerful tool for web developers, enabling the setup of a local server with Apache, MySQL, and PHP. This guide walks you through downloading, installing, and using XAMPP efficiently.

Part 1: Downloading and Installing XAMPP

Step 1: Download XAMPP

• Visit the official XAMPP website.
• Click XAMPP for Windows to start the download.

Step 2: Install XAMPP

• Locate the downloaded file and double-click to launch the installer.
• If prompted, click Yes to allow changes to your system.
• Click Next to begin the installation.

Step 3: Select Components

• By default, all components are selected. You can uncheck unwanted components.
• Apache and PHP are required and cannot be unchecked.
• Click Next.

Step 4: Choose an Installation Location

• Click the folder icon to select a directory (default is C:XAMPP).
• Avoid installing in C:Program Files due to permission issues.
• Click Next.

Step 5: Finalize Installation

• Select your language and click Next.
• Click Next to start the installation.
• Once completed, click Finish to launch the XAMPP Control Panel.

Part 2: Using XAMPP

Step 1: Start XAMPP as Administrator

• Click the Windows Start button.
• Type “XAMPP” and right-click XAMPP Control Panel.
• Select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Start Services

• Click Start next to Apache and MySQL.
• Ensure both turn green, indicating successful startup.

Step 3: Open Admin Dashboards

• Click Admin next to Apache to open the XAMPP dashboard.
• Click Admin next to MySQL to open phpMyAdmin.

Step 4: Locate Your Website Files

• Go to C:XAMPPhtdocs.
• Create a new folder for your project.
• Access it via localhost/[your-folder] in your browser.

Step 5: Stop Services

• Click Stop next to Apache and MySQL when finished.

Part 3: Troubleshooting

Issue: Apache Won’t Start

• Apache may be blocked by another service using port 80.
• To fix:
  • Click Config next to Apache.
  • Open httpd.conf and find Listen 80.
  • Change 80 to another available port (e.g., 81).
  • Save changes and restart XAMPP.

Issue: MySQL Won’t Start

• Another service may be using port 3306.
• To resolve:
  • Click Config next to MySQL.
  • Open my.ini and change port=3306 to port=3307.
  • Save changes and restart MySQL.

Now, you can efficiently run a local web server using XAMPP.