How to Install Joomla 5 on XAMPP Localhost in Windows 11 – 2025

How to Install Joomla 5 on XAMPP Localhost in Windows 11: Joomla 5 is one of the most robust and versatile content management systems (CMS) available. If you’re a developer, designer, or enthusiast looking to build websites locally, installing Joomla 5 on a XAMPP localhost is a great start. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step on a Windows 11 PC.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

1. XAMPP Installed: Download and install XAMPP from Apache Friends.
2. Joomla 5 Package: Download the latest Joomla 5 installation package from the official Joomla website.
3. A Windows 11 PC: Ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements for running XAMPP and Joomla.

Step 1: Install and Configure XAMPP

1. Download XAMPP
   • Visit Apache Friends and download the latest version of XAMPP for Windows.
   • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Start XAMPP Control Panel
   • Open the XAMPP Control Panel.
   • Start the Apache and MySQL services. Ensure both are running without errors.
3. Set PHP Version
   • Joomla 5 requires PHP 8.1 or later. Ensure XAMPP is configured with a compatible PHP version. You can check this by navigating to http://localhost/dashboard/phpinfo.php in your browser.

Step 2: Create a Database for Joomla

1. Access phpMyAdmin
   • Open your browser and go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/.
2. Create a New Database
   • Click on New in the left sidebar.
   • Enter a name for your database (e.g., joomla5), select utf8mb4_general_ci collation, and click Create.

Step 3: Prepare Joomla Files

1. Extract Joomla Package
   • Locate the Joomla 5 package you downloaded.
   • Extract its contents to the htdocs folder inside your XAMPP directory (e.g., C:xampphtdocsjoomla5).
2. Set Folder Permissions
   • Ensure the joomla5 folder and its subdirectories have appropriate write permissions to avoid installation issues.

Step 4: Install Joomla

1. Launch the Joomla Installer
   • Open your browser and go to http://localhost/joomla5/.
2. Choose Language
   • Select your preferred language and click Next.
3. Pre-Installation Check
   • The installer will verify your server settings. Ensure all requirements are met.
   • Resolve any issues before proceeding.
4. Database Configuration
   • Enter the database details:
     • Database Type: MySQLi
     • Hostname: localhost
     • Username: root (default for XAMPP)
     • Password: (leave blank unless you set a password for MySQL)
     • Database Name: joomla5
   • Click Next.
5. Finalize Setup
   • Configure your site details:
     • Site Name: Enter a name for your website.
     • Admin Email: Provide an admin email address.
     • Admin Username: Choose a username.
     • Admin Password: Set a strong password.
   • Click Install to complete the process.

Step 5: Test Your Joomla Installation

1. Access Joomla Admin Panel
   • Go to http://localhost/joomla5/administrator/.
   • Log in using the admin credentials you set during installation.
2. Explore Your Joomla Site
   • Visit http://localhost/joomla5/ to see your site’s frontend.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Apache or MySQL Errors: Check if another application is using port 80 or 3306. Change the ports in the XAMPP settings if needed.
• File Permissions Issues: Ensure write permissions are correctly set for Joomla directories.
• Database Connection Errors: Verify the database credentials and ensure MySQL is running.

Conclusion

You have successfully installed Joomla 5 on XAMPP localhost in Windows 11. You can now start developing your website locally, experimenting with templates, extensions, and customizations. Once your site is ready, you can deploy it to a live server.

Happy building!