How to Install XAMPP on Windows and Run Your First PHP Project (2026 Beginner Guide)

Introduction

If you want to start learning PHP development, the first step is setting up a local development environment on your computer.

PHP applications require a web server and a database system to run properly. Installing and configuring these components individually can be complicated for beginners.

XAMPP solves this problem by providing a complete development stack that includes Apache, PHP, and MySQL in a single installer. Once installed, you can run PHP applications directly on your computer without needing web hosting.

If you have already installed PHP manually, you can also follow our guide on

How to Install PHP on Windows, Linux, and macOS

This guide will walk you through installing XAMPP on Windows and running your first PHP project using localhost.

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP is a free and open-source local server environment designed for PHP development.

It allows developers to run PHP applications locally by installing all required components in one package.

The name XAMPP stands for:

X – Cross-platform

A – Apache Web Server

M – MySQL / MariaDB Database

P – PHP

P – Perl

With XAMPP installed, your computer acts like a web server, making it possible to develop and test PHP applications before deploying them to a live server.

You can download XAMPP from the official Apache Friends website:

https://www.apachefriends.org

Why Developers Use XAMPP

Many beginners choose XAMPP because it simplifies the setup process.

Some benefits include:

Simple installation process

Includes Apache, PHP, and MySQL in one package

Built-in database management using phpMyAdmin

Works well for beginners learning PHP

Free and open-source

XAMPP is commonly used for testing PHP applications before moving them to production environments.

System Requirements

Before installing XAMPP, make sure your system meets these requirements:

Windows 10 or Windows 11

Minimum 2 GB RAM

Around 500 MB of free disk space

Administrator access for installation

Step 1: Download XAMPP

Open your web browser.
Visit the official XAMPP website:

https://www.apachefriends.org

Click the Download button for the Windows version.

Choose the latest stable version available.

Step 2: Run the Installer

After downloading the installer file:

Open the downloaded .exe file.
Windows may display a security warning. Click Yes to continue.
The XAMPP installation wizard will start.

Click Next to proceed.

Step 3: Select Components

During installation, you will see a list of components.

The most important components include:

Apache – the web server that runs PHP applications

MySQL – the database server

PHP – the PHP interpreter

phpMyAdmin – a browser-based MySQL management tool

You can keep the default selections and continue.

Click Next.

Step 4: Choose Installation Folder

By default, XAMPP installs in the following directory:

C:\xampp

It is recommended to keep this default location.

Click Next to continue.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

The installer will now copy all necessary files to your computer.

This process may take a few minutes.

Once the installation finishes:

Click Finish
The XAMPP Control Panel will open.

Step 6: Start Apache and MySQL

The XAMPP Control Panel allows you to start and stop server services.

To start your local server:

Click Start next to Apache
Click Start next to MySQL

When both services are running, their status will turn green.

This means your local development server is active.

Step 7: Test the Installation

To check whether XAMPP is working correctly:

Open your browser
Visit the following URL

http://localhost

If everything is configured correctly, the XAMPP dashboard page will appear.

Step 8: Create Your First PHP File

Now you can create your first PHP script.

Navigate to the following folder inside your XAMPP installation:

C:\xampp\htdocs

This directory stores all files accessible through localhost.

Create a new file called:

index.php

Add the following code inside the file:

<?php
echo "Hello, PHP is working!";
?>

Save the file.

Step 9: Run the PHP Script

Open your browser and go to:

http://localhost/index.php

If the configuration is correct, the browser will display the message:

Hello, PHP is working!

This confirms that your PHP environment is running successfully.

If you are new to PHP, you may also want to read:

What is PHP

Understanding the htdocs Folder

The htdocs folder acts as the root directory for your local website.

All PHP projects should be stored inside this folder.

For example:

C:\xampp\htdocs\myproject

You can access it in your browser using:

http://localhost/myproject

This structure allows you to create multiple PHP projects and run them locally.

Accessing phpMyAdmin

XAMPP also includes phpMyAdmin, which provides a graphical interface for managing MySQL databases.

To open phpMyAdmin, visit:

http://localhost/phpmyadmin

Using phpMyAdmin, you can:

Create databases

Create tables

Insert and manage data

If you want to install MySQL manually instead of using XAMPP, see our guide:

How to Install MySQL on Windows, Linux, and macOS

More information about phpMyAdmin is available on the official website:

https://www.phpmyadmin.net

Common Problems and Solutions

Apache Not Starting

If Apache fails to start, the most common reason is a port conflict.

Another application may already be using port 80.

Possible solutions include:

Disabling IIS from Windows features

Changing the Apache port from 80 to 8080

Restarting the XAMPP Control Panel

MySQL Not Starting

If MySQL fails to start, another MySQL service may already be running on your system.

Stopping the existing MySQL service usually resolves the issue.

You can manage Windows services from the Services Manager in the Control Panel.