You are probably familiar with XAMPP online because you are a developer. If not, you may construct a web server on your PC using a program called XAMPP. In one handy package, it integrates all the required technologies, including PHP, MySQL, and Apache web servers. Additionally, in 2025, you need to understand how to install XAMPP on Windows.
Every developer must have the ability to install XAMPP online, especially if they wish to develop and test websites or web apps offline before launching them. It also simplifies the setup process, enhances learning chances, and lets you explore the fascinating world of web development from your PC.
Keep reading and exploring to learn how can anybody open a XAMPP file and how you can download the software XAMPP online on Windows in 2025.
Table of Contents
What is XAMPP?
A web server, the MySQL database framework, and the PHP and Perl programming languages are all included in the open-source, cross-platform XAMPP web server. Moreover, with the use of a local web server on their PC, users may create WordPress websites online thanks to Apache’s compilation and support. Additionally, it supports Mac, Linux, and Windows.
The acronym XAMPP stands for
X – [cross-platform operating systems], which have the ability to work on any OS like macOS, Windows, Linux, etc.
A – Apache – this is the website server software.
M – MySQL – Database.
P – PHP
P – Perl – scripting language
What Are The Important Components of XAMPP?
XAMPP’s components include:
Apache
The open-source web server is the most popular server in the world for delivering online content. Moreover, the Apache Software Foundation makes the server program available as free software.
MariaDB/MySQL
One of the most popular RDBMS or relational database management systems worldwide is included in XAMPP. MySQL provides data storage for online services when used in conjunction with the web server Apache and the programming language PHP. However, MariaDB, a community-developed clone of the MySQL project created by the original creators, has taken the place of MySQL in current XAMPP versions. Therefore, you must know how to install XAMPP on Windows properly in 2025.
PHP
Users may construct dynamic websites or apps with PHP, a server-side programming language. However, PHP is compatible with many different database systems and may be deployed on any platform.
Also Read: Is PHP Dead or Still have a Future in Web Development?
Perl
Perl is a scripting language used in network programming, web development, and system management. Moreover, it allows users to program dynamic web applications, much like PHP does.
Because it includes all the necessary software components, XAMPP is the most popular software package for setting up a PHP development environment with online services.
PHPMyAdmin
A web-based utility for MySQL database management is called phpMyAdmin. Additionally, it provides a basic user interface for managing tables, creating databases, executing SQL queries, and other tasks.
Optional FileZilla FTP Server
It is another optional component that XAMPP provides. Moreover, it makes it easy to move data from your computer to a distant server by allowing you to set up an FTP server (File Transfer Protocol).
Why XAMPP?
You can’t emphasize enough how helpful having a local development environment is as a professional WordPress developer. Additionally, it enables me to set up fresh WordPress installations quickly. Additionally, there is no wait in uploading my edits and watching them come to life on the web browser because everything is housed locally on my machine.
It’s similar to pushing your automobile to its maximum on a racetrack. The ideal setting for testing where you can go crazy with no consequences (nearly).
You can carry on working on your website even if I’m in a remote area without internet access if you have XAMPP installed on your computer. Because your website is down and out of the reach of hackers (and annoying customers), developing locally is also far more secure. Let’s discuss how to install XAMPP on Windows in 2025.
How To Install XAMPP on Windows? A Step-By-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step, comprehensive installation guide to download and install XAMPP online in 2025:
Step 1: Access The XAMPP Website
Launch the webpage for XAMPP. Navigate to https://www.apachefriends.org/index.html in the web browser on your PC.
Step 2: Select Windows XAMPP
- Click XAMPP for Windows. Near the bottom of the page is a gray button.
- You might need to first choose a save place or confirm the download, depending on your web browser.
- The file ought to begin downloading on its own. Click where it says to if it doesn’t. At the top, click here. After that, select a download link.
Step 3: Double-Click The File That Was Downloaded
- Double-click the file that has been downloaded. xampp-windows-x64-8.2.12-0-VS16-installer.exe or a similar name should be used for this file. By default, it is located in your Downloads
- Click Yes if you are asked to consent to system modifications by the XAMPP installation.
- If your computer has User Account Control (UAC) enabled, you might need to click OK on a warning.
Step 4: Press The Next Button
- Press Next. The setup window’s bottom is where it is.
Step 5: Click Next After Selecting The XAMPP Components To Install
- Click Next after selecting the XAMPP components to install. By default, the installation includes all of the XAMPP apps. Examine the list of XAMPP properties on the window’s left side, and uncheck the box next to any that you don’t wish to install. When you’re done, click
- Apache Tomcat, PHP, Perl, PHPMyAdmin, Webalizer, FileZilla FTP server, Mercury Mail Server, MySQL database, Apache server, and Fake Sendmail are among the components.
- It is not possible to deselect Apache and PHP.
Also Read: WAMP vs XAMPP: Which is the Best Suitable Local Server for Web Development?
Step 6: Click Next After Choosing An Installation Site
This is an important step if you want to know how to install XAMPP on Windows:
- Click Next after choosing an installation site. Choose a folder to install XAMPP in by clicking the folder-shaped icon to the correct side of the current installation location, then click OK.
- Avoid installing XAMPP in the OS (C:) folder on your hard drive if your machine has the UAC turned on.
- To create a new folder and designate it as the installation location, you may first choose an existing folder (such as Desktop) and then click Make New Folder.
- The installation location by default is “C:\XAMPP.”
Step 7: After Choosing Your Language, Click Next
- After choosing your language, click Next. To choose your language, use the drop-down option. Then, in the lower-right corner, click Next.
Step 8: Start The XAMPP Installation
- Start the XAMPP installation. To accomplish this, click Next at the bottom of the window. XAMPP will start installing its contents in the chosen folder.
- You might need to temporarily turn off your antivirus software if you encounter any issues installing XAMPP.
Step 9: When Asked, Click Finish
- When asked, click Finish. It is located at the XAMPP window’s bottom. By doing this, the window will dismiss and the XAMPP Control Panel will open, allowing you to access your servers.
- Once the installation is complete, XAMPP will start up automatically.
Step 10: Checking the Installation of XAMPP
To verify that your test server is installed and configured successfully, you may make a PHP page. Moreover, they may recover it using the web browser on the localhost of your XAMPP. The last steps on how to install XAMPP on Windows include:
- Using the Control Panel’s “Explorer” button, open the XAMPP directory and choose the htdocs folder (C:\xampp\htdocs for normal setups). Moreover, file data created for web pages you test on your XAMPP server will be stored in this directory. Similarly, the data in the htdocs folder should already support the web server’s settings. However, it would be ideal to keep your projects in a different folder (for instance, “Test Folder”).
- By using the following material in your editor and saving it as test.php in your “test” folder (C:\xampp\htdocs\test), you can quickly create a new PHP page:
- The last step is to launch your web browser and use localhost/test/test.php to load your PHP website. Moreover, If “Hello David” appears in your browser window, XAMPP has been installed and configured correctly. You can use localhost XAMPP in that way.
Conclusion
XAMPP is a robust program for creating a local web server environment on your PC. This comprehensive tutorial offers comprehensive steps to download software XAMPP on several operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, regardless of your level of expertise as a developer. You may quickly know how to install XAMPP on Windows to set up a local development environment for web projects by following these steps, which will enable you to test and experiment with web apps without an internet connection.
Similarly, everything you need to begin web development is included in XAMPP online, including Apache, MySQL, PHP, and phpMyAdmin. So, use XAMPP to unleash your imagination and boldly start your web development journey. Have fun with your coding!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How To Use XAMPP For The First Time?
You must install XAMPP, open the Control Panel, start the required server modules, and make sure your web project files are in the right location before you can use it for the first time. However, you must know properly about how to install XAMPP on Windows.
How To Check If XAMPP Is Installed In Windows?
- Look for “XAMPP Control Panel” in the Start Menu of Windows. If discovered, it signifies the presence of XAMPP.
- Alternatively, search for xampp-control.exe in C:\xampp (or the custom installation directory).
How To Run XAMPP Localhost In Windows?
You must launch the Apache and MySQL plugins from the XAMPP Control Panel to run XAMPP localhost on Windows. By entering the relevant URL in your web browser, you may view your project files or the default XAMPP dashboard once the modules have finished running.
Is XAMPP Safe For PC?
As long as you take measures like utilizing a firewall, not exposing it to the internet, and adding passwords using the “XAMPP Security” panel, it is typically secure for local development on your PC.