We can create a WordPress development environment easily if we install WordPress locally on Windows 10 PC using DesktopServer. This kind of environment is very useful for testing themes and plugins before activating them on our live sites. There are some other applications too which can help us to install WordPress on Windows. But with DesktopServer the installation process of WordPress on computer’s localhost become very easy. Moreover this application allow us to have a domain name for our local WordPress site.
Why Not XAMPP?
Actually I have created a tutorial about hosting a WordPress site on Computer using XAMPP a few days ago. Some of my readers have asked me to share an easier process as installing WordPress using XAMPP is a bit tough. Moreover some guys couldn’t start Apache Server on their PCs. Therefore I thought to share a tutorial on how to install WordPress locally using DesktopServer.
What Is DesktopServer?
DesktopServer is an application which makes the complicated process of creating a local WordPress site very simple. It is built on XAMPP. But unlike XAMPP it installs WordPress and all the other components automatically. We don’t need to create any MySQL databases. Even we are not required to download and install WordPress manually or edit wp-config.php file individually. This application will take care of all these time consuming and error prone tasks for us. Though there is a paid version of DesktopServer, the free version works perfectly for many users.
Install WordPress Locally on Windows
To install WordPress we will first download DesktopServer. You can buy the premium version if you want. Otherwise click on Free-Download. Enter your personal info and hit the download button.
Extract DesktopServer File
Extract the zip file from your download folder. Open the extracted folder and find the installation file (see the image).
Installing DesktopServer
Run the installation file. Press continue to proceed with installation. If UAC asked you to confirm, click yes. Now select accept.
If you are installing DesktopServer for the first time on your PC choose new installation, otherwise choose upgrade. When new versions are available we can use this installer file to upgrade. Moreover we will have to run this installer file if we need to uninstall this application.
Wait until the installation is completed. When the installation completes, you will get a path through which you can access the folder containing DesktopServer.exe program. Remember the path and click OK. Now press on the finish button.
Installing Our Local WordPress Site
Now we have to open the DesktopServer application to install WordPress locally on our PC. We need to go to the xampplite folder which contains DesktopServer program as the installer of this application does not create any shortcut icon or a folder in start menu. Usually this folder is located in your C drive. Open that folder. Find the DesktopServer.exe file and double-click to open that.
Choose yes, restart DesktopServer with privileges and then click on next. Now choose yes, restart Apache and MySQL services. I have enabled all the developer plugins (see the image). You can also check all the plugins. After that click on next.
If Windows Firewall asks you to allow Apache Server and MySQL to access networks click on allow access.
Click next to continue to create a development site. On the next page choose create a new development site and press on next.
Enter your site name. Choose your desired WordPress version. You can also specify your site root (your development site’s folder) here. I recommend you to select a folder outside C drive because if your PC crashes your developed site will remain intact. Now click on create to begin installation of WordPress locally on Windows.
Wait for sometime. DesktopServer will create your WordPress site related files and folders on your PC. Once finished click on next.
Your development site’s configuration is finished. Now visit your development site’s link to complete the installation. You should also press the close button here. You may also create more WordPress sites by clicking on the next button.
Completing WordPress Installation on Windows
Once you click on the link a browser window will open. Select your site language here and press on the continue button. Now enter your site title, username, password, email address and click on Install WordPress.
Wait for a while. A success massage will appear. Click on the login button to login to your locally hosted WordPress site’s dashboard. That’s all! Login and experience the most popular CMS!
Important Notes
- To access all your development sites visit http://localhost/.
- You can create more development site by opening the DesktopServer application inside xampplite folder. The process is same for every site.
- You should create a shortcut of this application on your desktop if you work with this app regularly.
- Every site has a .dev.cc address. For example http://test.dev.cc/.
- You can visit your site using this address only from your PC, I mean localhost.
- If you want to access your development site from another PC through Internet you will have to configure your PC. That’s very complicated!
- To uninstall DesktopServer run the installer file.
Summary
To conclude I can say that DesktopServer is one of the easiest ways to install WordPress locally on Windows. If you are a developer you must have a local installation of this CMS. It also is good for those who are new in using WordPress. They can get a clear introduction of this CMS before launching a live website.
Leave a Reply