WordPress Installation Guide Using XAMPP and InfinityFree

A complete beginner-friendly guide to install WordPress on localhost using XAMPP and upload it online using InfinityFree free hosting.

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Introduction

Installing WordPress is the first step to creating a website, blog, portfolio, or online store. If you are a beginner, you can first install WordPress on your computer using XAMPP. This is called localhost installation.

After learning and testing your website on your computer, you can upload it online using InfinityFree hosting. InfinityFree is a free hosting platform where you can publish your WordPress website without paying for hosting.

What is Localhost?

Localhost means running a website on your own computer instead of the internet. It helps you test your website safely before making it live.

• You can practice WordPress for free.
• You do not need paid hosting.
• You can test themes and plugins safely.
• You can build a website offline.

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP is free software that creates a local server on your computer. WordPress needs a server, database, and PHP to work. XAMPP provides all these things.

XAMPP Tool	Use
Apache	Runs the website server
MySQL	Stores website database
PHP	Runs WordPress code
phpMyAdmin	Helps manage database

Step 1: Download XAMPP

First, open the official XAMPP website:

Download XAMPP

Download the XAMPP version according to your operating system. Most beginners use the Windows version.

Step 2: Install XAMPP

After downloading XAMPP, open the installer file. Click on the “Next” button.

During installation, keep these components selected:

• Apache
• MySQL
• PHP
• phpMyAdmin

These components are required to run WordPress on your computer.

Step 3: Choose Installation Folder

The default installation folder is:

C:\xampp

If you are a beginner, do not change this location. Click “Next” and complete the installation.

Step 4: Start Apache and MySQL

After installation, open the XAMPP Control Panel. Click on the “Start” button beside:

• Apache
• MySQL

If both become green, it means XAMPP is working properly.

Step 5: Check Localhost

Open your browser and type:

http://localhost

If the XAMPP dashboard opens, your localhost server is ready.

Step 6: Download WordPress

Now download WordPress from the official website:

Download WordPress

Download the ZIP file and extract it.

Step 7: Move WordPress Files to htdocs

After extracting WordPress, copy the WordPress folder and paste it inside:

C:\xampp\htdocs

You can rename the folder to your website name.

Example:

C:\xampp\htdocs\mywebsite

Step 8: Create Database

Open your browser and go to:

http://localhost/phpmyadmin

Now follow these steps:

1. Click on “New”.
2. Enter database name.
3. Click on “Create”.

Example database name:

wordpress_db

Step 9: Start WordPress Installation

Open your browser and type:

http://localhost/mywebsite

WordPress installation setup will open.

Step 10: Enter Database Details

Field	Value
Database Name	wordpress_db
Username	root
Password	Leave blank
Database Host	localhost
Table Prefix	wp_

After entering these details, click “Submit”.

Step 11: Add Website Information

Now enter your website details:

• Website title
• Admin username
• Password
• Email address

After filling all details, click “Install WordPress”.

Step 12: Login to WordPress Dashboard

After installation, open:

http://localhost/mywebsite/wp-admin

Enter your username and password. Your WordPress dashboard is now ready.

Upload WordPress Website to InfinityFree

After creating your website on localhost, you can upload it online using InfinityFree free hosting.

Step 13: Create InfinityFree Account

Visit:

InfinityFree Official Website

Create a free account using your email address.

Step 14: Create Hosting Account

After login, click on “Create Account”. You can use a free subdomain or connect your own domain.

Example free subdomain:

mywebsite.infinityfreeapp.com

Step 15: Open Control Panel

After creating the hosting account, click on “Control Panel”. This will open your hosting dashboard.

Step 16: Create MySQL Database on InfinityFree

Inside the control panel:

1. Open MySQL Databases.
2. Create a new database.
3. Save database name, username, password, and host.

These database details are required during WordPress installation.

Step 17: Upload WordPress Files

Open File Manager in InfinityFree and go to:

htdocs

Upload WordPress files inside the htdocs folder. Make sure all WordPress files are directly inside htdocs.

Step 18: Open Your Website

Open your InfinityFree domain in browser:

https://mywebsite.infinityfreeapp.com

WordPress setup page will open.

Step 19: Enter InfinityFree Database Details

Now enter the database details provided by InfinityFree:

• Database name
• Database username
• Database password
• Database host

Click “Submit” and continue.

Step 20: Complete WordPress Installation

Enter your website title, username, password, and email address. Then click “Install WordPress”.

Your WordPress website is now live on InfinityFree hosting.

Important Settings After WordPress Installation

1. Change Permalink

Go to:

Settings → Permalinks → Post Name → Save Changes

This makes your website URLs clean and SEO-friendly.

2. Install a Theme

Go to:

Appearance → Themes → Add New

You can install themes like Astra, GeneratePress, or OceanWP.

3. Install Important Plugins

• Rank Math or Yoast SEO for SEO
• Wordfence for security
• UpdraftPlus for backup
• WPForms for contact forms

Common Errors and Solutions

Apache Not Starting in XAMPP

This usually happens because another software is using port 80.

Solution: Change Apache port from 80 to 8080.

Database Connection Error

This error happens when database details are incorrect.

Check database name, username, password, and host carefully.

404 Error After Installation

Go to WordPress dashboard:

Settings → Permalinks → Save Changes

Beginner Tips

• Use a strong password for your admin account.
• Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
• Do not install too many plugins.
• Take regular backups of your website.
• Use SEO-friendly titles and URLs.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress on localhost using XAMPP is the best way to learn WordPress safely. You can test your website, install themes, use plugins, and practice without buying hosting.

After completing your website on localhost, you can upload it to InfinityFree and make it live on the internet for free. This is a great method for beginners who want to learn WordPress installation step by step.