How to Install Joomla on Localhost (Simple Guide)

Install Joomla on your local machine is a great way to develop, test, or customize a site before deploying it live. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this guide will walk you through the full process of installing Joomla on localhost using XAMPP — one of the most popular free local servers.

Prerequisites

Before beginning, ensure you have:

• A computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• An active internet connection (to download files)
  Admin privileges on your machine
  

Download and Install XAMPP

XAMPP is a free local server package that includes Apache, MySQL (MariaDB), and PHP — all necessary for running Joomla.

 Instructions:

1. Visit the official XAMPP site: https://www.apachefriends.org.
   Download the version matching your OS.
2. Run the installer and follow the prompts.
3. After installing, open the XAMPP Control Panel and start Apache and MySQL.

💡Tip: Ensure ports 80 (Apache) and 3306 (MySQL) are not blocked by other software like Skype or IIS.

Create a Database for Joomla

Joomla requires a MySQL database to store your site’s content and configuration.

Instructions:

1. Open a browser and go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin
2. Click on Databases in the top menu.
3. Enter a database name (e.g., joomla_local)
4. Click Create
   

Download Joomla

1. Go to the official Joomla website: https://downloads.joomla.org
2. Download the latest full installation ZIP file.
   

Extract Joomla to the XAMPP htdocs Folder

1. Navigate to your XAMPP installation directory (usually C:\xampp\htdocs)
2. Create a new folder (e.g., Joomla)
   Extract the contents of the Joomla ZIP file into this new folder
   

You should now have a folder like C:\xampp\htdocs\joomla\ filled with Joomla files.

Begin the Joomla Installation Wizard

1. In your browser, visit: http://localhost/joomla
2. You’ll see the Joomla web installation screen.
   

Configure Joomla Site Details

1. Site Name: Enter a name for your site
2. Description: Optional but recommended for SEO
3. Admin Email: Provide a valid email (even for localhost)
4. Admin Username: Choose a username (e.g., admin)
5. Password: Set a secure password
6. Click Next
   

Database Configuration

1. Database Type: MySQLi
2. Host Name: localhost
   Username: root
3. Password: (leave blank by default in XAMPP)
4. Database Name: Enter the database you created (e.g., joomla_local)
5. Leave the rest as default and click Next.
   

Final Overview & Sample Data (Optional)

• Choose to install sample data if you’re new to Joomla.
• Review your configuration and click Install.

After installation, Joomla will finalize the setup.

Remove Installation Folder

Once Joomla is installed:

1. Click the Remove “installation” folder button
2. You’ll be redirected to the Joomla control panel.

Log in to Joomla Admin

• Visit http://localhost/joomla/administrator
• Use the authentication combination of admin credentials you established to log in.

You now have a fully working Joomla website on localhost!

FAQs

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.