How to Install OpenCart Using XAMPP on Localhost

What is OpenCart? — A Detailed Overview

OpenCart serves as an open-source e-commerce platform that allows individuals, as well as businesses, to establish complete online stores through an intuitive process. OpenCart utilizes PHP and MySQL to deliver its lightweight yet robust shopping cart functionality, catering to both newcomers and experienced programmers. The system features a modular construction, enabling users to install thousands of customizable extensions and themes, which allows businesses to develop stores tailored to specialized markets or complex commercial operations.

One of the most appealing aspects of OpenCart is its user-friendly admin dashboard, which allows you to manage orders, track customers, monitor inventory, and run promotions without technical expertise. Features like multi-store management, multi-currency support, multi-language options, and numerous shipping and payment integrations make OpenCart one of the most globally adaptable platforms available.

Because it’s open-source, OpenCart boasts a vast community of developers and contributors, offering a wide range of extensions, support, and documentation. Whether you’re building your store from scratch or migrating from another platform, OpenCart provides scalability, security, and performance—all without licensing costs.

Now, if you want to install OpenCart without buying a domain or hosting right away, installing it on your local computer using XAMPP is a great first step. Here’s how you can do it.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Install XAMPP on Your Windows System

1. Download XAMPP
   You should download the latest Windows version of XAMPP from the Apache Friends official website.
2. Run the Installer
   Launch the installer and follow the setup instructions. For optimal compatibility, install XAMPP in a directory such as C:\xampp (avoid using spaces in the path).
3. Launch XAMPP Control Panel
   Open the XAMPP Control Panel and start both Apache and MySQL services. They should both show a green “Running” status.

Step 2: Download and Prepare OpenCart

1. Download OpenCart
   Go to https://www.opencart.com and download the latest version of OpenCart.
2. Extract the Files
   Unzip the downloaded archive. You’ll see a folder named upload — this contains all the core OpenCart files.
3. Move to XAMPP htdocs.
   Navigate to C:\xampp\htdocs and create a new folder named opencart (or your preferred name). Copy all contents of the upload folder into htdocs\opencart.

4. Rename Configuration Files
   Inside the opencart folder:
   
   • Rename config-dist.php to config.php
   • Go to the admin folder and rename its config-dist.php to config.php as well.

Step 3: Create a MySQL Database Using phpMyAdmin

1. Access phpMyAdmin
   In your browser, go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
2. Create a New Database
   
   • Click on the “New” button in the left sidebar.
   • Enter a name, such as opencart_db, and click “Create”. You do not need to create tables manually—OpenCart will handle the process for you.

Step 4: Start the OpenCart Installation Wizard

1. Launch the Installer
   In your browser, visit http://localhost/opencart. The OpenCart setup wizard will launch.
2. Step-by-Step Installation:
   
   • Step 1: License Agreement
     Accept the license and click Continue.
   • Step 2: Pre-Installation Check
     Ensure that all PHP extensions (such as curl, mbstring, gd, and zip) are enabled. If any are missing, enable them in the php.ini file.
   • Step 3: Configuration
     
     • Database Driver: MySQLi
     • Hostname: localhost
     • Username: root
     • Password: (leave blank unless you’ve set one)
     • Database Name: opencart_db
     • Database Prefix: oc_ (default)
     • Enter your admin login credentials and email.
   • Click “Continue,” and the installer will configure your system.

3. Installation Complete
   You’ll be redirected to a confirmation screen once installation finishes successfully.

Step 5: Post-Installation Cleanup

1. Delete the ‘install’ Folder.
   For security reasons, delete the install directory from your htdocs/opencart folder.
2. Access Your Store
   
   • Storefront: http://localhost/opencart
   • Admin Panel: http://localhost/opencart/admin

Why Voxfor Is the Ideal Hosting Provider for OpenCart

After validating OpenCart functionality on your local machine, you should consider moving your store toward online operation. Different hosting environments offer varying levels of performance, security, and scalability features.

That’s where Voxfor comes in.

Here’s why Voxfor is perfectly tailored for hosting OpenCart-based eCommerce websites:

Optimized for Speed and Uptime

OpenCart is a PHP and MySQL-driven platform that performs best on lightweight, fast, and well-configured servers. Voxfor hosting is designed to support OpenCart’s requirements with:

• SSD-based storage for faster read/write times
• Nginx or Apache web servers are finely tuned for PHP-based applications.
• Optimized MySQL databases for quick query execution
• Global CDN compatibility for lightning-fast asset delivery

Whether you’re serving 50 products or 5,000, Voxfor ensures your store remains fast and stable.

Security-First Infrastructure

The online shopping platform becomes a regular target for cyber attackers. Your OpenCart store receives protection from DDoS attacks and server firewalls, as well as real-time malware detection through the Voxfor security measures. Every customer and payment data element remains protected because their infrastructure follows eCommerce best practice standards.

Easy OpenCart Migration & Setup

Migrating from localhost to a live Voxfor server is seamless. Voxfor offers:

• One-click OpenCart installations
• Free website migration services
• Support for custom domains and SSL integration
• FTP, SSH, and cPanel access for full control
  You’ll be able to deploy your local development project in minutes.

Scalable for Growth

Whether you’re starting small or launching a high-traffic online store, Voxfor flexible hosting solutions can scale with your business:

• Upgrade from shared hosting to lifetime VPS hosting as traffic grows.
• Add resources like bandwidth, RAM, or disk space on demand.
• Utilize staging environments to test new features before deploying them live.

Expert Support & Developer-Friendly Environment

OpenCart sometimes requires advanced tweaks or module configurations. Voxfor offers:

• 24/7 technical support for mission-critical needs
• PHP version switchers, MySQL access, and composer support
• Developer-friendly features such as Git, Cron Jobs, and custom firewall rules

For developers and business owners alike, Voxfor provides a reliable backbone for your store’s operations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Conclusion

Installing OpenCart using XAMPP on a Windows PC is an excellent way to experiment, build, and test your eCommerce store before going live. With this step-by-step guide, even beginners can easily install OpenCart, customize their store, and prepare for online success.

However, remember that your hosting provider plays a crucial role in the long-term performance, security, and scalability of your online business. With powerful servers, lifetime VPS hosting, and optimized infrastructure, Voxfor ensures your OpenCart store gets the environment it deserves.

So, whether you’re launching a boutique brand or scaling to thousands of products, OpenCart + Voxfor = a winning combination.

Check out more guide related to locathost (drupal, prestashop, joomla)

About the writer

Hassan Tahir wrote this article, drawing on his experience to clarify WordPress concepts and enhance developer understanding. Through his work, he aims to help both beginners and professionals refine their skills and tackle WordPress projects with greater confidence.