For developers, designers, or content creators, running WordPress locally is a great way to build, test, and experiment safely before going live. Two popular tools to install WordPress locally are LocalWP and WordPress Studio. This guide walks you through installing WordPress locally on Windows and macOS using these tools.
Option 1: Install WordPress Locally with LocalWP
LocalWP (formerly Local by Flywheel) is a user-friendly, free app that sets up a local WordPress development environment with just a few clicks.
Step 1: Download and Install LocalWP
- Visit https://localwp.com/
- Download the installer for Windows or macOS.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Create a New Local WordPress Site
- Open LocalWP.
- Click the “+ New Site” button.
- Enter a site name (e.g.,
my-local-site). - Choose the environment (preferred: “Preferred” for simplicity or “Custom” to tweak PHP/MySQL versions).
- Set up your WordPress username and password for the local admin login.
- Click “Add Site”.
LocalWP will install WordPress automatically and configure the environment.
Step 3: Access Your Local Site
- Once installation completes, click “Open Site” to view your local WordPress site in a browser.
- To access the admin dashboard, click “Admin” or visit:
http://my-local-site.local/wp-admin
Use the username and password you set during setup.
Step 4: Manage Your Local Sites
- LocalWP lets you start, stop, and delete local sites.
- You can view logs and change PHP or MySQL versions per site.
Option 2: Install WordPress Locally with WordPress Studio
WordPress Studio by Automattic offers a streamlined way to spin up WordPress sites locally, tightly integrated with the WordPress.com ecosystem.
Step 1: Download WordPress Studio
- Visit https://developer.wordpress.com/studio/
- Download the installer for your platform (Windows or macOS).
- Run the installer and follow prompts.
Step 2: Launch WordPress Studio and Create a Site
- Open WordPress Studio.
- Click “Create a New Site”.
- Choose local development options.
- Fill in site details and credentials.
- WordPress Studio will install WordPress and required components automatically.
Step 3: Access Your Local WordPress
- Once setup finishes, the app provides URLs to access the local site and admin dashboard.
- Use the provided credentials to log in.
Step 4: Sync and Manage Sites
- WordPress Studio allows syncing with WordPress.com for easy publishing.
- Manage multiple sites within the app.
Why Use Local WordPress Installation?
- Safe Testing Environment: Try new themes, plugins, or custom code without affecting a live site.
- Speed: Local sites load fast since everything runs on your machine.
- No Internet Required: Develop offline whenever you want.
- Easy Export: Push your local site live or migrate it later.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | LocalWP | WordPress Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Ease of Use | Very user-friendly | Simple, WordPress.com integration |
| Environment Control | Custom PHP, MySQL versions | More streamlined setup |
| Sync with WordPress.com | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Free |
Conclusion
Installing WordPress locally on Windows or macOS is hassle-free using LocalWP or WordPress Studio. Both tools automate environment setup so you can focus on building your site. LocalWP offers deeper customization, while WordPress Studio integrates well if you use WordPress.com.
For beginners or developers, these tools make local WordPress development accessible and efficient.