Installing WordPress locally on your computer is the best way to learn, build, and test a website for free without buying hosting. The simplest and fastest tool for beginners is a free app called Local (formerly Local by Flywheel). It automatically configures the database and server for you.

Here is a quick step-by-step guide to doing it from scratch.

Step 1: Download and Install "Local"

Instead of manually configuring complex databases and servers, download this one tool that does everything for you.

  1. Go to localwp.com.

  2. Click the Download for free button.

  3. Choose Windows from the platform dropdown menu.

  4. Enter your name and email, then click Get it now.

  5. Once the .exe file downloads, open it and follow the standard installation steps for Windows.

Step 2: Create a New WordPress Site

Once the installation is complete, launch the Local application.

  1. Click the green + button (or Create a new site) in the bottom-left corner.

  2. Select Create a new site and click Continue.

  3. Name your site: Type any project name (e.g., MyFirstSite). Local will automatically generate a local URL. Click Continue.

  4. Choose your environment: Leave it on the Preferred option (this ensures the most stable version of PHP and MySQL). Click Continue.

Step 3: Set Up Your Login Details

Now, create the administrator account that you will use to log into your WordPress dashboard.

  1. WordPress Username: Enter your preferred username.

  2. WordPress Password: Enter a secure password.

  3. WordPress Email: You can leave the default email address as it is.

  4. Click the Add Site button.

⚠️ Note: During installation, Windows may ask you for administrator permissions or firewall access. Always click Yes or Allow Access for the software to run correctly.

Step 4: Launch Your Website

After a minute or two, Local will download and set up WordPress. On the main dashboard screen, you will see two key buttons in the top right corner:

  • Open Site: This opens your website in a browser (how it looks to regular visitors).

  • WP Admin: This takes you to the WordPress login screen. Enter the credentials you created in Step 3 to access your dashboard, where you can change themes, add plugins, and create content.

Useful Tips for Beginners

  • Turning On/Off: Your site only works when Local is running. If you close the app, your server stops. To resume work, open Local and click Start site in the top right corner.

  • One-Click Login: In the Overview tab, you can enable One-click Admin. This lets you bypass the login screen and jump straight into WordPress automatically.

What kind of website are you planning to build first?