How to Install WordPress Locally on Windows or Mac (2026)

I’ve always been nervous about trying new plugins on a live blog, because one bad plugin can break the site or cause database errors. In 2006 the answer was to set up XAMPP on Windows XP or MAMP on a Mac by hand. In 2026 you can install WordPress locally in a couple of minutes with free one-click tools. Here are the best options and how to use them.

Quick answer: The easiest way to install WordPress locally is a free app like Local (Windows, Mac, Linux) or WordPress Studio (Windows, Mac). Install the app, click to create a new site, choose a site name and admin login, and WordPress opens in your browser on your own computer. For a quick throwaway test, WordPress Playground runs WordPress entirely in your browser with nothing to install.

Why run WordPress on your computer

• Test themes, plugins and updates without risking your live site.
• Build or redesign a site offline, then move it to your host.
• Learn WordPress and PHP for free, with no hosting needed.

Best tools to install WordPress locally

• Local: free, one-click sites, easy PHP version switching, SSL, and push/pull to WP Engine and Flywheel hosting.
• WordPress Studio: free, lightweight app from Automattic built on WordPress Playground; quick site creation and sharing previews.
• XAMPP: classic Apache, MariaDB and PHP bundle. More manual but teaches you how a server works.
• MAMP: the Mac (and Windows) equivalent of XAMPP, with a free version.
• WordPress Playground: runs WordPress in your browser tab. Great for quick tests; sites aren’t permanent unless you save them.
• Developers can also use Docker or wp-env for repeatable setups.

How to install WordPress locally with Local

1. Download and install Local from localwp.com.
2. Click + Create a new site and enter a name.
3. Choose the Preferred environment (or Custom to pick PHP and MySQL versions).
4. Set your WordPress admin username, password and email.
5. Click WP Admin to log in, or Open site to view it.

How to install WordPress locally with XAMPP

1. Install XAMPP and start Apache and MySQL from the control panel.
2. Open http://localhost/phpmyadmin and create a new database.
3. Download WordPress from wordpress.org and unzip it into the xampp/htdocs folder.
4. Visit http://localhost/wordpress and run the installer with database user root and an empty password (XAMPP’s default).

Move a local site live

Use a migration plugin such as All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator, or Local’s built-in push to supported hosts. Remember to update the site URL and permalinks after moving. Before going live, check our guide to speeding up your site.

FAQ

Is it free to install WordPress locally?

Yes. WordPress and all the tools above have free versions.

Can other people see my local WordPress site?

No, it only runs on your computer. Local offers Live Links and Studio offers preview sites if you need to share.

Which is better, Local or XAMPP?

Local is easier and faster for most people. XAMPP suits those who want to learn the server setup.