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)
Download the XAMPP installer for Windows.
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.
3. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
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.
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.
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)
Download the latest version of WordPress.
2. Once downloaded, extract the 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.
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.
3. On the next screen, you will need to configure the 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.
5. Complete the installation by providing site information (site title, admin username, password, and email address).
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`.
– 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.
3. Plugins add additional functionality to your website.
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.
4. To create a new page, click on the Pages tab in the 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.
3. Click on the Permalinks tab.
4. Select the Post name option.
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.
