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How to Install XAMPP on Windows 10 and Run it on Localhost

XAMPP is a free and open-source cross-platform web server solution stack package that includes Apache HTTP Server, MySQL database, and interpreters for scripting languages PHP and Perl. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of installing XAMPP on Windows 10 and configuring it to run on localhost.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 or newer
  • Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is recommended for downloading the XAMPP installer

Downloading and Installing XAMPP

  1. Download XAMPP: Visit the Apache Friends website to download the latest version of XAMPP for Windows. Choose the xampp-win32-<version>.exe file that suits your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

  2. Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, run the installer by double-clicking on the downloaded .exe file. Click on the Next > button in the welcome screen to proceed.

  3. Select Components: In the next screen, you can choose additional components to install along with XAMPP, such as Perl, Tomcat, etc. If you don't need these components, uncheck their respective boxes and click on Next >.

  4. Choose Destination Folder: Select the destination folder where XAMPP will be installed or accept the default location by clicking on Next >.

  5. Configure: In the next few screens, configure XAMPP according to your preferences such as starting Apache and MySQL services at startup, setting up a password for MySQL root user, etc. Once you're done configuring, click on Next > to begin the installation process.

  6. Installation: Wait for the installation to complete. This might take some time depending on your system's specifications. Click on Finish once the installation is complete.

Starting XAMPP

  1. Access Start Menu: Find XAMPP in the Start menu and right-click on it, then select Properties. In the Properties window, under the "Shortcut" tab, check the box next to "Run as administrator". Click on Apply and then OK.

  2. Start Services: To start Apache and MySQL services manually, open the XAMPP control panel by right-clicking on the XAMPP shortcut and selecting Open. In the control panel window, click on the Start buttons for Apache and MySQL services. A green icon signifies that the service is running.

Accessing XAMPP Locally

  1. Open a Browser: Open your preferred web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge) on your local machine.

  2. Access Localhost: In the address bar of your web browser, type http://localhost and press Enter. You should now see the "It Works!" page which confirms that Apache is correctly installed and running.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed XAMPP on Windows 10 and configured it to run on localhost. Now, you can start developing web applications using PHP, Perl, or any other supported technologies that come with XAMPP. If you encounter any issues during the installation process or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy coding!

Published August, 2016