You install Joomla locally on Windows 11 by using XAMPP, a free, all-in-one package that transforms your PC into a web server.
XAMPP bundles Apache, MariaDB, and PHP, which are essential components for running dynamic websites like Joomla. This XAMPP setup allows you to develop and test Joomla sites offline before deploying them live.
Joomla is a powerful, open-source content management system (CMS) used for creating professional websites and complex online applications.
Install XAMPP, then create a database named ‘joomladb’ using its shell or phpMyAdmin. Download Joomla files into the C:xampphtdocsjoomla folder and configure the redirect in C:xampphtdocsindex.html. Finally, run http://localhost/joomla in your browser and follow the Joomla installation wizard.
Why run Joomla locally?
Running Joomla on your computer lets you build and test your website privately. You can experiment with designs and features before you ever go live on the internet.
What happens when you are done?
Your fully functional Joomla website runs on your machine after installation. You can access your Joomla website through your web browser to create content and manage your site settings.
Install XAMPP
XAMPP bundles all the necessary software for running a website locally into one easy-to-use package. If you have not yet installed XAMPP, follow the official XAMPP installation guides for Windows 11 to set up Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
Create a Joomla Database
Your Joomla installation on Windows 11 with XAMPP needs a database to store all its information. You’ll create a database named ‘joomladb’ and a user called ‘joomladbuser’ using simple commands in the XAMPP shell, making the Joomla installation XAMPP Windows 11 process smooth.
Open the XAMPP Control Panel and click the ‘Shell’ button to open the command window. (Requires admin privileges)
You will create a database named 'joomladb' and a user named 'joomladbuser' within phpMyAdmin, a tool for managing MySQL databases that comes with XAMPP version 8.2. Use the following commands to set them up.
mysql -u root
CREATE DATABASE joomladb CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_general_ci;CREATE USER joomladbuser@localhost IDENTIFIED BY 'your_password_here';GRANT ALL ON joomladb.* TO joomladbuser@localhost;FLUSH PRIVILEGES;exitRemember to replace ‘your_password_here’ with your own secure password. If you prefer not to use the command line, you can click the ‘Admin’ button next to MySQL in the XAMPP Control Panel to use the phpMyAdmin web interface instead.
Download Joomla Files
To get your Joomla installation XAMPP Windows 11 running, you need to download the Joomla files and place them correctly. Go to the 📁C:\xampp\htdocs folder, make a new folder called ‘joomla’, and then extract all the downloaded Joomla files into it.
- Navigate to
C:\xampp\htdocson your computer. - Create a new folder named
joomla.
Download the Joomla files from official download page and extract them directly into your new C:\xampp\htdocs\joomla folder.
Next, open the C:\xampp\htdocs\index.html file in a text editor to update your redirect settings. Replace the contents with the following code so your browser opens your site automatically:
<?php if (!empty($_SERVER['HTTPS']) && ('on' == $_SERVER['HTTPS'])) { $uri = 'https://'; } else { $uri = 'http://'; } $uri .= $_SERVER['HTTP_HOST']; header('Location: '.$uri.'/joomla/'); exit;?>Save the file. Go back to the XAMPP Control Panel and stop and start the Apache server to apply these changes.
Finalize the Setup
The final steps for your Joomla installation XAMPP Windows 11 setup happen in your web browser. You’ll follow the on-screen prompts to set your site’s name, create an admin username and password, and enter the database details you created earlier.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set your site name, admin username, and password.
When asked for database details, enter the database name (joomladb), the username (joomladbuser), and the password you created earlier. Click “Install Joomla” to finish.
Your site is now ready to use!
Summary
You’ve successfully set up Joomla locally on Windows 11 using XAMPP by creating a database, adding files, and running the installer.
[joomla]
[C:xampphtdocsjoomla]
How to install Joomla on localhost?
Provide the necessary. Information such as the database. Type host name username. And password in our case we use the default information for our database.
Do I need to install PHP if I have XAMPP?
To run any PHP program, you will need Apache or MYSQL databases, both supported by XAMPP. XAMPP helps you to run your program smoothly.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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