How to Install WordPress on Windows Using WAMP

Introduction

WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. Installing WordPress locally on Windows using WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP) is an excellent way to develop, test themes and plugins, or learn the platform without affecting a live site. This guide walks you through every detail—from downloading and installing WAMP to running your first local WordPress site.

Prerequisites

• Windows 7, 8, 10 or newer (64-bit recommended)
• At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB preferred for large sites)
• Stable internet connection for downloads
• Administrator privileges to install software

Step 1: Download and Install WAMP

1. Get the installer: Visit the official site
   WampServer
   and download the appropriate 32-bit or 64-bit version.
2. Run the setup: Double-click the downloaded .exe. Approve at User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
3. Installation directory: Use default C:wamp64 (or C:wamp on 32-bit).
4. Select browser: You can use the default Internet Explorer or browse to choose Chrome, Firefox, etc.
5. Finish amp launch: Once installed, launch WAMP. The tray icon should turn green, indicating Apache and MySQL are running.

Step 2: Configure Apache amp MySQL

Verify Services

• Left-click the WAMP icon → Apache → Service → Test Port 80.
• Do the same for MySQL on port 3306.

Adjusting Ports (if needed)

If port 80 is in use (IIS, Skype), edit httpd.conf:

Listen 8080

Restart Apache via the tray menu.

PHP Settings

Enable recommended extensions for WordPress:

• Open tray icon → PHP → PHP extensions.
• Check php_curl, php_mbstring, php_gd2, php_mysql.

Step 3: Create a Database

1. Open your browser and go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
2. Log in with user root (no password by default).
3. Click ‘New’ → enter wordpress_db as Database name → select utf8_general_ci collation → Create.

Step 4: Download and Deploy WordPress

1. Visit WordPress.org → Download the latest ZIP.
2. Extract to C:wamp64wwwwordpress (create the wordpress folder).
3. Ensure file permissions allow Apache to read/write.

Step 5: Configure WordPress

1. In C:wamp64wwwwordpress, copy wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php.
2. Edit wp-config.php:

   define(DB_NAME, wordpress_db)
   define(DB_USER, root)
   define(DB_PASSWORD, )
   define(DB_HOST, localhost)
         

3. Generate unique security keys:
   WP Salt Generator. Replace the placeholder lines in wp-config.php.

Step 6: Run the Installer

1. Open http://localhost/wordpress in your browser.
2. Select language, click Continue.
3. Fill in Site Title, Username, Password, Email → Install WordPress.
4. Log in with your new admin credentials.

Common Troubleshooting

• WAMP icon not green: Check if Apache/MySQL ports are free, restart services.
• phpMyAdmin login failed: Confirm credentials in aliasphpmyadmin.conf.
• Error 500: Inspect Apache error.log located in C:wamp64logs.

Securing Your Local Environment

• Set a password for MySQL root.
• Restrict phpMyAdmin access via Apache configuration.
• Change default ports to avoid conflicts with public services.

Deploying to a Live Server

1. Export the local database via phpMyAdmin.
2. Upload WordPress files and import the SQL file to your hosting server.
3. Update wp-config.php with live DB credentials.
4. Use a search-replace script or plugin to update localhost/wordpress URLs to your domain.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress on Windows with WAMP empowers you to build and test sites offline quickly and efficiently. By following these detailed steps—from setting up WAMP, creating a database, configuring WordPress, to troubleshooting and securing your environment—you’ll have a robust local development workflow. Once comfortable, you can easily migrate to a live server and bring your creations to the world.

References: WordPress Codex, WampServer Official.