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Published on Apr 26, 2025 06:22

How to Install WordPress Locally: The Best Ways to Set Up Local Host WordPress

If you want to build or test a WordPress website without paying for hosting, setting up WordPress on localhost is the perfect solution. Whether you’re a beginner or developer, creating a local WordPress setup is simple and fast using the right tools.

In this guide, you'll learn multiple ways to install WordPress locally — covering more than just XAMPP, including DevKinsta, Local WP, MAMP, and more.

If you're searching for local host WordPress, localhost to WordPress, install WordPress locally, or local WordPress setup, this tutorial covers everything you need.

Best Ways to Install WordPress Locally

Here are the most popular and easiest ways to set up WordPress on localhost:


1. Install WordPress Locally with DevKinsta

DevKinsta is a free, powerful tool built by Kinsta that makes it extremely easy to create local WordPress websites.

Steps:

1. Download DevKinsta .

2. Install and open the application.

3. Click "New WordPress Site" to start.

4. DevKinsta will automatically install WordPress, configure PHP, MySQL, and an email server.

5. Access your site through a secure local URL.

✅ Great for beginners and developers who want speed, security, and professional features.

2. Install WordPress Locally with Local WP

Local WP (formerly Local by Flywheel) is another incredibly beginner-friendly tool for setting up WordPress locally.

Steps:

1. Download Local WP.

2. Install and launch the app.

3. Click "Create a New Site" and follow the simple setup steps.

4. Local will install WordPress automatically.

5. Access your new local site with a .local URL like http://your-site.local.

✅ Very user-friendly, perfect for quick setups and client work.

3. Set Up WordPress on Localhost Using XAMPP

XAMPP is a classic solution that installs Apache, MySQL, and PHP — everything you need to run WordPress manually on your computer.

Steps:

1. Download XAMPP.

2. Install XAMPP and start Apache and MySQL.

3. Download WordPress.

4. Move WordPress into the htdocs folder inside XAMPP.

5. Create a database through http://localhost/phpmyadmin.

6. Run the WordPress setup wizard at http://localhost/your-folder-name.

✅ Perfect if you want full control over your server setup.

4. Set Up WordPress Locally Using MAMP

MAMP is a trusted local server tool, especially popular among Mac users, but also available for Windows.

Steps:

1. Download MAMP.

2. Install and open MAMP.

3. Place your WordPress files in the htdocs directory.

4. Start the servers.

5. Set up a database via http://localhost/phpmyadmin.

6. Complete WordPress installation through your browser.

✅ A stable and familiar choice for Mac developers.

5. Install WordPress Locally Using Docker (Advanced)

If you’re an experienced developer, using Docker gives you maximum flexibility for setting up WordPress locally.

Steps:

1. Install Docker Desktop.

2. Use the official WordPress and MySQL Docker images.

3. Create a docker-compose.yml file with your configuration.

4. Run docker-compose up to spin up your local environment.

✅ Ideal for advanced setups, version control, and multiple site management.

How to Login to Local WordPress (WP Admin)

After setting up WordPress locally, you can log into your site's admin dashboard:

  • For DevKinsta and Local WP users: Open the app and click "Admin" next to your site.
  • For XAMPP, MAMP, or Docker setups: Visit http://localhost/your-site/wp-admin.

Enter your WordPress username and password to access your local dashboard.

Common Questions About Local WordPress Setup

How do I use localhost in WordPress?

Set up a local server (using tools like DevKinsta, Local WP, or XAMPP), install WordPress, and access your site via a local URL.

How do I launch my WordPress site locally?

Simply open your local server application or browser and go to your site's local address like http://localhost/yoursite or http://yoursite.local.


What is the URL of localhost WordPress?

It depends on your setup:

  • DevKinsta and Local WP create custom .local URLs.
  • XAMPP, MAMP, and Docker usually use http://localhost/foldername.

How to login to local WordPress?

Go to your site's /wp-admin page locally (e.g., http://localhost/yoursite/wp-admin) and log in with your admin credentials.

Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Set Up Local Host WordPress

Choosing the right tool depends on your goals:

  • For fast, secure, and easy setups: DevKinsta or Local WP are unbeatable.
  • For full manual control: XAMPP and MAMP offer the flexibility you need.
  • For advanced custom environments: Docker is the best choice.

Setting up WordPress on localhost saves you money, improves your workflow, and lets you experiment without any risks.