How to Install and Configure WordPress on Your Windows Computer Using WAMP SERVER

If you want to build or test a WordPress website without paying for hosting, running it locally on your Windows PC is the way to go. This tutorial walks you through how to install and configure WordPress using WAMP Server—a free tool that bundles Apache, MySQL, and PHP into a ready-to-run local server environment.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows computer
• Internet connection
• WAMP Server
• WordPress

Step 1: Download and Install WAMP Server

1. Go to the WAMP Server website.
2. Choose the version that matches your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts.
4. Once installed, launch WAMP. You’ll see a green icon in your system tray when everything is running correctly.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the icon is red or orange, something’s not working. Try running WAMP as an administrator or make sure Skype/other services aren’t using port 80.

Step 2: Set Up a Database for WordPress

1. Click the WAMP icon in the system tray.
2. Select phpMyAdmin. This will open in your browser.
3. Log in with the default username: root (leave the password blank).
4. Click on Databases.
5. Under “Create database,” enter a name like wordpress_db and click Create.

Step 3: Download and Configure WordPress

1. Go to wordpress.org and download the latest version.
2. Extract the zip file.
3. Copy the entire wordpress folder into C:\wamp64\www\ (or wherever you installed WAMP).
4. Rename the folder something like mywebsite for easier access.

Step 4: Install WordPress Locally

1. Open a browser and go to:
   http://localhost/mywebsite
2. Select your language and click Continue.
3. On the next screen, click Let’s go!
4. Fill in your database info:
   • Database Name: wordpress_db
   • Username: root
   • Password: (leave blank)
   • Database Host: localhost
   • Table Prefix: wp_ (or change if you want multiple installs)
5. Click Submit, then Run the installation.
6. Fill in site details like site title, admin username, password, and email.
7. Click Install WordPress.

You’ll get a success message when it’s done. Click Log In to access your new local site.

You’re All Set!

You now have a fully functioning WordPress site running on your Windows machine. This is perfect for testing themes, plugins, or building your site before launching it live.

Bonus Tips:

• Want multiple sites? Just create more folders inside www and databases in phpMyAdmin.
• Need SSL locally? Consider using tools like Local by Flywheel or manually configuring HTTPS in WAMP.

Need Help or Have Questions?
Drop a comment below or contact me. I’m happy to help troubleshoot or walk you through advanced setups.