This guide will show you how to easily install XAMPP on your Windows 11 computer.

XAMPP is a free program that helps you run a web server on your own computer. It includes all the tools you need to build and test websites and apps using PHP and databases without needing an internet connection.

What does XAMPP mean?

• X = Works on many types of computers (Cross-platform)
• A = Apache web server (the software that shows websites)
• M = MariaDB database (where your website stores data)
• P = PHP programming language (makes websites dynamic)
• P = Perl programming language (another coding language included)

With XAMPP, you can create and test your website on your own PC before putting it online.

Step 1: Download XAMPP

Go to the official XAMPP download page. Choose the Windows version that has the PHP version you want.

Step 2: Run the Installer

After downloading, open your Downloads folder and double-click the installer file to start.

Step 3: Choose Components

In the installer, you can select which parts of XAMPP you want. If you’re unsure, just leave the default selections and click Next.

Step 4: Choose Installation Folder

It’s best to keep the default folder C:xampp. Click Next to continue.

Step 5: Wait for Installation to Finish

The installer will copy files and set everything up. This may take a few minutes.

Step 6: Allow Apache Through Firewall

When Windows asks for permission to let Apache run, click Allow access. This lets your computer show websites.

Step 7: Finish Installation and Open XAMPP

Once the setup is done, click Finish to launch the XAMPP Control Panel.

Using XAMPP Control Panel

The Control Panel lets you start and stop the web server (Apache), database (MariaDB), and other services easily.

You can also click the Shell button to open a command window and type these commands to start or stop all servers:

xamppxampp_start.exe
xamppxampp_stop.exe

Where to Find Your Website Files

Your website files go inside the folder C:xampphtdocs. Anything you put here can be viewed in your web browser.

Check Your Web Server

Open your browser and go to http://localhost. You should see the XAMPP welcome page.

You can click PHPInfo to see detailed info about PHP on your system:

Click phpMyAdmin to manage your databases (MariaDB) through an easy web interface:

Summary

• XAMPP is a simple way to run a web server on your Windows 11 PC.
• It installs everything you need in one place.
• The Control Panel makes starting and stopping servers easy.
• You can manage PHP and databases with helpful web tools.
• XAMPP helps you build and test websites before sharing them online.

That’s it! You’re ready to start creating your own websites locally with XAMPP.