How To Install WordPress on Localhost [Free Step-by-step]

Want to build and test your WordPress site locally before going live? Installing WordPress on localhost is the fastest and easiest way to develop without touching your live server.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to install WordPress locally using Local WP—a free tool from WP Engine that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

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Why Install WordPress Locally?

Before we dive into the steps, here’s why local WordPress development matters:

• Fast Performance – No internet dependency; everything runs on your laptop
• Safe Testing – Test themes, plugins, and changes without affecting your live site
• Free Tool – Local WP is completely free to download and use
• Offline Access – Work anywhere, even without an internet connection

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Step 1: Download Local WP

1. Go to Google and search for “WP Local” (or visit the Local WP website directly)
2. Click on Download
3. Select your platform:
   • Mac (Intel or Apple Silicon)
   • Windows
   • Linux
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the download

Local WP is a free tool from WP Engine and works seamlessly whether or not you use WP Engine hosting.

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Step 2: Install Local WP

1. Open the downloaded file
2. Complete the installation wizard
3. Launch the Local WP application

Once open, you’ll see your dashboard where you can manage all your local WordPress sites.

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Step 3: Create a New Local WordPress Site

1. Click the plus (+) icon to create a new site
2. Select “Create a new site” and click Continue
3. Name your site (e.g., “Testing WordPress”)
4. Click Continue

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Step 4: Configure Environment Settings

You’ll see the Preferred Environment options:

• PHP Version – Choose your preferred PHP version
• Web Server – Select between Nginx or Apache
• MySQL Version – Choose your database version
• Local Domain – Your site’s localhost address (e.g., localhost:3000)

Pro Tip: Stick with “Preferred” settings for most projects. Choose “Custom” only if you’re testing a specific plugin or theme that requires a particular PHP or server version.

Click Continue to proceed.

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Step 5: Set WordPress Credentials

Enter your WordPress admin details:

• Username – Create a login username
• Password – Create a secure password
• Email – Add your email address (optional but recommended)

Click Add Site and wait for Local WP to set up your WordPress installation.

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Step 6: Access Your Local WordPress Site

Once installation is complete:

1. Click WP Admin to log into your WordPress dashboard
2. Optional: Enable “One Click Admin” to skip the login screen on future visits
3. Start building! Add content, install themes and plugins, and test everything locally

Your local WordPress site will load instantly since it runs directly from your computer.

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Step 7: Migrate Your Local Site to Live Hosting

Ready to go live? Here’s how to move your local WordPress site to your web server:

Install All in One WP Migration Plugin

1. Go to Plugins → Add New on your local WordPress dashboard
2. Search for “All in One WP Migration”
3. Click Install Now and Activate

(Note: Local WP has built-in push/pull features, but they only work with WP Engine and Flywheel hosting. This method works with any host - for free.)

Export Your Local Site

1. Click All in One WP Migration in the sidebar
2. Click Export
3. Select “Export to File”
4. Click to download your WordPress backup (this includes everything: posts, pages, themes, plugins, and media)

Import to Your Live Server

1. Install All in One WP Migration plugin on your live WordPress site
2. Go to All in One WP Migration → Import
3. Click Import from File
4. Upload the exported file
5. Wait for the import to complete
6. Click Finish

That’s it! Your local WordPress site is now live. Visit your website to confirm everything transferred correctly (blog posts, pages, themes, plugins, etc.).

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Bonus: Free WordPress MCP Plugin

While building locally, check out Free WordPress MCP - a free plugin that connects WordPress with AI tools. You can:

• Use AI to write and optimize blog posts
• Speed up SEO audits
• Add WooCommerce products faster
• Integrate with popular tools like Zapier, Codecs, and Gravity Forms

Learn more at freewordpressmcp.com

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Pro Tips for Local WordPress Development

• Enable SSL – Click “Trust” in Local WP settings to avoid browser warnings
• Use X-Debug – Enable X-Debug mode to see error messages while troubleshooting
• Backup Regularly – Use Local WP’s backup feature to save your work
• Test Mail – Use Mail Pit for testing contact forms and email functionality

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Conclusion

Installing WordPress on localhost is the smart way to develop. With Local WP, you get a professional development environment-for free-in just minutes.

Whether you’re building your first site or testing complex plugins, local development keeps your live site safe while you experiment.

Ready to get started? Download Local WP today and follow the steps above.

For a complete video walkthrough, watch: How To Install WordPress on Localhost [Free Step-by-step]

Happy building!