How to Install WordPress Locally on Windows & Mac (Updated for 2025)

Illustration showing local WordPress installation on Windows and Mac for website development in 2025

Want to Build a WordPress Website Without Going Live? Start Local

If you’re developing a website, testing new plugins, or exploring the latest design features—installing WordPress locally is the smartest way to begin. In 2025, with tools getting more intuitive and powerful, setting up a WordPress development environment on your Windows or Mac machine has never been easier.

At IT Grow, we help creators, developers, and businesses streamline their digital workflow—and a local WordPress install is a great first step toward building a high-performing, fully customized website.

Why Installing WordPress Locally Is a Game-Changer in 2025

Installing WordPress locally lets you create, test, and optimize your website in a private environment before making it public. It’s also a fantastic way to experiment with cutting-edge UI/UX trends—like AI-driven personalization or microinteractions—without affecting a live site.

Why Installing WordPress Locally Is a Game-Changer in 2025

No Internet Connection Required for Development

Safe and Private Testing Environment

Faster Design Iteration and Troubleshooting

Explore UI/UX Design Freely with Zero Risk

Perfect for Learning or Teaching WordPress

Whether you're using Windows or Mac, the process has never been easier—thanks to tools like LocalWP, XAMPP, and MAMP.

Step-by-Step – How to Install WordPress Locally on Windows & Mac

Ready to get started? Here's a simple guide to installing WordPress locally on your device in 2025.

Option 1: Using LocalWP (Recommended for Beginners)

Works on: Windows and Mac
Best for: Quick, user-friendly setup

Steps:

1. Download LocalWP
2. Install and launch the application
3. Click "+ Create a New Site"
4. Enter your site name and environment preferences
5. Choose preferred PHP, MySQL, and web server settings
6. Wait for the setup to complete
7. Log into your local WordPress dashboard

Pro Tip: Use this setup to test UI/UX features like dark mode or animation-based menus locally before launching.

Option 2: Using XAMPP (Ideal for Developers)

Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: Manual control and custom configuration

Steps:

1. Download XAMPP
2. Install and run the XAMPP control panel
3. Start Apache and MySQL
4. Download WordPress from wordpress.org
5. Extract it into the htdocs folder inside your XAMPP directory
6. Open localhost/phpmyadmin in your browser and create a new database
7. Go to localhost/your-folder-name to launch WordPress setup
8. Follow the setup wizard to finish installation

Build Smarter, Launch Better with IT Grow

Installing WordPress locally is the first step toward building a powerful website that not only functions well but also delivers an outstanding user experience. At IT Grow, we go beyond installation—we help you create sites that align with the latest UI/UX trends, from AR-ready designs to AI-powered personalization.

Need help optimizing your WordPress site?
Contact IT Grow today for a free consultation or
Check out our UI/UX design and WordPress development services to start scaling your web presence.

FAQ: Installing WordPress Locally in 2025

Can I install WordPress locally without coding knowledge?

Yes! Tools like LocalWP make it easy to set up WordPress with zero coding skills required.

Is it better to use XAMPP or LocalWP?

For beginners, LocalWP is faster and easier. Developers who need more control might prefer XAMPP or MAMP.

Can I test UI/UX features on a local WordPress site?

Absolutely. A local environment is ideal for experimenting with UI/UX trends like animations, dark mode, custom layouts, and new plugins.

How do I move my local WordPress site to a live server?

You can use tools like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, or manually export your database and files. IT Grow can help you migrate and launch professionally.

Final Thoughts: Local Is the New Smart

Whether you're a beginner building your first website or a developer testing cutting-edge UI/UX trends, installing WordPress locally in 2025 is the smartest way to build. It's fast, flexible, and risk-free—making it the perfect environment to innovate and design without limits.

Ready to design with confidence?
Let IT Grow help you move from local to live with expert WordPress and UX support.

Calendar icon16 August 2025