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Installing XAMPP on Windows

XAMPP gives you a local web server on your Windows computer. It lets you run PHP pages, use a MySQL-compatible database and manage that database through phpMyAdmin without publishing your project to the internet.

By the end of this tutorial, you will have XAMPP installed and be able to open its Control Panel. You will start and test the services in the next tutorial.

Use fictional data only. Never place real student or teacher information, real passwords or other sensitive information in a classroom project.

Before you begin

You will need:

  • a Windows computer
  • permission to install software
  • enough free storage for XAMPP and your projects
  • access to the official Apache Friends website
  • your teacher or school IT support if installation is restricted

If you are using a managed school computer, check with your teacher before beginning. Do not try to bypass administrator restrictions.

What XAMPP installs

XAMPP bundles the main tools needed for a local PHP and database project:

Component Purpose
Apache Serves your project pages through a local web address such as http://localhost/.
PHP Runs the server-side code in your .php files.
MariaDB/MySQL Stores users, imported CSV records and other application data. XAMPP currently supplies MariaDB, which is compatible with the MySQL work used in these tutorials.
phpMyAdmin Provides a browser-based interface for creating and inspecting databases and tables.

You do not need to understand every component before installing it. Later tutorials will introduce each tool when you use it.

1. Download XAMPP from the official source

  1. Open the official Apache Friends XAMPP website.
  2. Choose XAMPP for Windows.
  3. Download the current Windows installer.
  4. Wait for the download to finish before opening the file.

Security check: Use the official Apache Friends website. Do not download repackaged installers from advertisements, download mirrors or unfamiliar websites.

The exact version number may differ from screenshots or demonstrations. That is normal. Use the current version approved by your teacher or school.

2. Run the installer

  1. Open the downloaded installer.
  2. If Windows displays a User Account Control prompt, confirm that the publisher and file are the installer you intentionally downloaded.
  3. Select Yes only if you have permission to install software.
  4. If antivirus software displays a warning, follow your school’s instructions or ask your teacher rather than disabling security software.

Some managed computers require an administrator to complete this step.

3. Select the required components

Keep these components selected:

  • Apache
  • MySQL
  • PHP
  • phpMyAdmin

Other components are not required for the projects in this tutorial sequence. Leaving the default selection is acceptable if your teacher has not asked you to change it.

4. Choose the installation folder

Use the default local folder unless your teacher or school IT team specifies another location:

C:\xampp

A short local path helps avoid permission and path problems.

Avoid installing XAMPP inside OneDrive, another synchronised folder or a network drive. Synchronisation can lock or move files while Apache or MySQL is using them.

5. Complete the installation

  1. Continue through the installer.
  2. Choose your preferred language when prompted.
  3. Wait while the required files are copied.
  4. Leave the option to open the XAMPP Control Panel selected.
  5. Select Finish.

The first launch may trigger a Windows Firewall prompt. Permit access only for the network types approved by your school. For normal classroom development, XAMPP is used locally on your own computer.

6. Locate the important folders

Open the XAMPP installation folder. You should be able to find:

  • xampp-control.exe — opens the XAMPP Control Panel
  • htdocs — stores your PHP web projects
  • mysql — contains the database software and its files

Do not manually edit or delete files inside the mysql folder. You will manage databases through phpMyAdmin and PHP.

Check your installation

Before continuing, confirm each item:

  • XAMPP is installed in an approved local folder.
  • The XAMPP Control Panel opens.
  • The Control Panel shows rows for Apache and MySQL.
  • The htdocs folder exists.
  • You know where xampp-control.exe is located.
  • You have not entered or copied any real personal data.

You do not need to make Apache and MySQL run successfully in this tutorial. The next page explains how to start and test both services and how to diagnose common port conflicts.

Common installation problems

Problem What to do
The installer is blocked Ask your teacher or school IT team to install or approve XAMPP.
Windows requests administrator access Continue only if you have permission and recognise the official installer.
The Control Panel shortcut is missing Open your XAMPP folder and run xampp-control.exe.
XAMPP was installed in a synchronised folder Ask your teacher whether it should be reinstalled in an approved local folder such as C:\xampp.
Security software displays a warning Do not disable it. Follow the school process or ask for assistance.
Your screen looks slightly different Version changes are normal. Look for the same component names and actions.

Ready for the next tutorial

You are ready to continue when the XAMPP Control Panel opens and you can locate the htdocs folder. Next, you will start Apache and MySQL, test localhost and confirm that phpMyAdmin opens.

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