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How To Download WordPress on Windows 10

WordPress is a strong and extensively used content management system (CMS) that allows you to develop and manage websites easily. Installing WordPress on your Windows 10 device is an excellent way to test themes, plugins, and functionality before deploying them to a live site. This is a step-by-step guide on how to download WordPress on Windows 10.

Reasons to Install WordPress on Windows 10

01). Local Website Development

Installing WordPress on your Windows 10 machine allows you to develop and design websites locally without needing an external web hosting service. This setup provides a private, controlled environment where you can work on your site’s design, functionality, and content before making it live.

02). Staging Environment

By setting up WordPress on your local Windows 10 system, you create a staging environment to test new features, plugins, and themes. This separate environment helps you experiment with changes and updates without risking disruption to your live website or affecting your users.

03). Security Analysis

Examining and vetting downloaded themes and plugins for possible malware or security flaws is safe when done on a local WordPress installation. This proactive step helps guarantee that there are no risks associated with the elements you incorporate into your website.

04). WordPress Education

Utilizing WordPress on your Windows 10 computer is an excellent way to learn and understand WordPress development. It allows you to explore and practice various aspects of WordPress without incurring the costs associated with web hosting and domain registration.

05). Website Testing

Conducting in-depth penetration testing on your website’s security can be done more effectively in a local environment. By setting up WordPress locally, you can rigorously test for vulnerabilities and weaknesses without exposing your live site to potential threats.

Step-by-step guide on downloading and installing WordPress on Windows 10

WordPress, a content management system (CMS), differs from standard software applications in that it cannot be downloaded and installed directly onto a Windows 10 computer. This is because WordPress operates within a web environment or hosting platform.

How to Set Up WordPress Locally

To run WordPress on your Windows 10 machine, you need to establish a local development environment. This requires setting up a web server, a database, and PHP. Popular options include XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP. These packages include Apache (webserver), MySQL (database), and PHP. Here’s a guide to get you started using the XAMPP.

Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP

1. Go to the [Apache Friends website](https://www.apachefriends.org/index.html)  

a screenshot of Apache Friends official website

Download the XAMPP installer for Windows.

a screenshot of XAMPP installer for windows with the version available

2. Execute the installer. During installation, you’ll be prompted to select an installation directory and components. Ensure that MySQL, PHP, and PHPMyAdmin are selected.

a screenshot of XAMPP components that you can choose to install or not

3. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.

a screenshot of onscreen steps for installing XAMPP

Step 2: Start XAMPP Modules

1. Open the XAMPP Control Panel. You can find it in the Start Menu or by searching for the XAMPP Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel, click the Start buttons next to the Apache and MySQL modules to start the web server and database server respectively.

A screenshot of Apache and MySQL modules running

Step 3: Create a WordPress Database

1. In the XAMPP Control Panel, click on the Admin button next to MySQL to open PHPMyAdmin in your web browser.

2. In PHPMyAdmin, click on the Databases tab in the top menu.

a screenshot of  PHPMyAdmin opened in a  web browser.

3. Enter a name for your new WordPress database (e.g., db1) in the Database name field and click Create.

Step 4: Download and Add WordPress Files

1. Go to [wordpress.org](https://wordpress.org)  

a screenshot of WordPress.org official website

Download the latest version of WordPress.

a screenshot of WordPress official site with the latest version that you can download

2. Once downloaded, extract the ZIP file.

a screenshot of WordPress ready to extract zip file

3. Move the extracted folder to `C:\xampp\htdocs`. Rename the folder to wordpress (or any other name you prefer) if it’s not already named that.

a screenshot of htdocs folders after extracting WordPress zip file

Step 5: Install WordPress

1. Open your web browser and go to `http://localhost/wordpress` (or `http://localhost/[your-folder-name]` if you renamed the folder).

2. The WordPress installation wizard will appear. Select your language and click Continue.

a screenshot of WordPress installation with available languages

3. On the next screen, you will need to configure the database settings:

a screenshot of database settings

   – Database Name

Enter the name of the database you created in Step 3.

   – Username

Enter `root` (default MySQL username).

   – Password

Leave this field blank (the default MySQL password is empty).

   – Database Host

Leave as `localhost`.

   – Table Prefix

Use the default `wp_` unless you want to change it.

4. Click Submit and then Run the installation.

a screenshot of step to run the installation

5. Complete the installation by providing site information (site title, admin username, password, and email address).

a screenshot of the information required for the new website

After these steps, you will have WordPress set up locally on your Windows 10 computer, ready for development or testing.

Step 6: Log In

   – After installation, you can log in to your WordPress site by going to `http://localhost/wordpress/wp-admin`.

a screenshot of  log in to your WordPress site

   – Use the username and password you set during the installation.

Step 7: Install Themes and Plugins

1. Once WordPress is configured, you can start installing themes and plugins.

2. Themes control the look and feel of your website.

a screenshot of WordPress themes

3. Plugins add additional functionality to your website.

a screenshot of WordPress plugins

4. You can install themes and plugins from the WordPress dashboard.

Step 8: Create Content

1. Once you have installed themes and plugins, you can start creating content for your website.

2. You can create posts, pages, and other types of content.

3. To create a new post, click on the Posts tab in the WordPress dashboard.

a screenshot of posts menu in WordPress dashboard

4. To create a new page, click on the Pages tab in the WordPress dashboard.

a screenshot of pages menu n WordPress dashboard

Step 9: Publish Your Website

1. Once you have created some content, you can publish your website.

2. To do this, click on the Settings tab in the WordPress dashboard.

a screenshot WordPress dashboard with settings menu shown

3. Click on the Permalinks tab.

4. Select the Post name option.

a screenshot of post name found in permalinks

5. Click on the Save Changes button.

Your website is now live and accessible to the public.

Additional Notes:

▪️Some of the other XAMPP components, such as email-related components, may be useful for debugging purposes.

▪️The folder name you create in htdocs will become the sub-name used to access your ️WordPress site, e.g., http://localhost/mywebsite

You do not need to create a database user when installing WordPress on XAMPP.

Conclusion

Awesome! You have successfully downloaded and installed WordPress on your Windows 10 PC. This local configuration allows you to explore WordPress features, test themes and plugins, and work on your website offline. Remember to update your XAMPP and WordPress installations to ensure security and functioning.

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