General How-To: Using WampServer on Localhost
WampServer is a Windows web development environment that allows you to run a local server with
Apache,
MySQL/MariaDB, and
PHP. It's useful for developing and testing websites before putting them online.
Requirements
- A Windows PC (Windows 7/10/11 recommended)
- Administrator rights on your computer
- Internet connection (for downloading WampServer)
Step 1: Download and Install WampServer
1. Go to the official website:
https://www.wampserver.com/en/
2. Choose the version matching your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
3. Download and run the installer.
4. Follow the installation wizard and choose your default browser and text editor when prompted.
5. Once installed, launch WampServer.
Step 2: Start WampServer
After launching WampServer:
- Look for the Wamp icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
- Green icon = All services are running
- Orange icon = Some services not running
- Red icon = Services not running
To start or restart services:
- Left-click the icon β Restart All Services
- Use Apache or MySQL menu to manage individual services
Step 3: Using the "www" Folder
Your web files go into the
www directory:
- Default path: C:wamp64www
- Create a new folder here, e.g., myproject
- Place your HTML, PHP, or CMS (like phpBB, WordPress, etc.) files inside
To view it in your browser:
Step 4: Create a Database
1. Open
phpMyAdmin via
2. Default login:
- Username: root
- Password: (leave empty by default)
3. Click
"New", enter a database name, and click
"Create".
You can now use this database for your local website.
Step 5: Configure php.ini, httpd.conf, etc. (Optional)
To change settings:
- Left-click the Wamp icon
- Go to PHP β php.ini to edit PHP settings
- Go to Apache β httpd.conf to configure the web server
Restart services after making changes!
Step 6: Go Live (Optional)
WampServer is for local development. To put your website online:
- Upload your files to a real web host
- Export your database via phpMyAdmin
- Update config files with live server credentials
Troubleshooting
Port 80 already in use?
β Skype, IIS, or other programs may block it. Change Apache's port or stop the conflicting program.
Missing DLLs?
β Make sure Visual C++ Redistributables are installed:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downloa ... ?id=48145
Wamp icon stays orange/red?
β Use "Logs" in the Wamp menu to find errors.
Youβre ready to develop locally!
Use WampServer to test your websites, experiment with CMS platforms, and develop PHP/MySQL applications β all from your own computer.
Tip wrote:Bookmark http://localhost/
for quick access to all your local projects.