How to Install Magento 2 on XAMPP – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

🖥️ Master Local Magento 2 Development

Learn how to set up Magento 2 on XAMPP for efficient local development, testing, and debugging before going live.

🎯 Why Choose XAMPP for Magento 2 Development?

• All-in-One Solution: Includes Apache, MySQL, PHP, and phpMyAdmin in one package
• Easy Setup: Simple installation process for Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Cost-Effective: Completely free and open-source
• Developer-Friendly: Perfect for testing before production deployment
• Isolated Environment: Safe testing without affecting live sites

System Requirements

1.1 Download XAMPP

Download the latest XAMPP from Apache Friends.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose the version with PHP 8.1 or 8.2 for optimal Magento 2.4.x compatibility.

1.2 Install XAMPP

Run the installer and follow the setup wizard. Install to the default location (C:\xampp on Windows).

1.3 Start Services

Launch XAMPP Control Panel and start Apache and MySQL services.

Verify services are running (green "Running" status in control panel).

1.4 Create Database

Open phpMyAdmin by clicking "Admin" next to MySQL or navigate to:

http://localhost/phpmyadmin

Create a new database for Magento 2 (e.g., magento2_db).

🔧 Essential PHP Configuration

Edit the PHP configuration file at C:\xampp\php\php.ini and update these settings:

memory_limit = 2G
max_execution_time = 1800
max_input_vars = 1000
zlib.output_compression = on

; Enable required extensions
extension=gd2
extension=intl
extension=openssl
extension=soap
extension=sockets
extension=zip
extension=bcmath

Important: Restart Apache after making these changes.

3.1 Navigate to htdocs

Open Command Prompt (as Administrator) and navigate to XAMPP's htdocs folder:

cd C:\xampp\htdocs

3.2 Install Magento 2

Run the Composer command to install Magento 2:

composer create-project --repository-url=https://repo.magento.com/ magento/project-community-edition magento2

Enter your Magento Marketplace credentials when prompted.

🔑 Getting Magento Marketplace Keys

1. Visit Magento Marketplace
2. Sign in or create an account
3. Go to "My Profile" → "Access Keys"
4. Create new access keys
5. Use Public Key as username, Private Key as password

4.1 Access Installation Wizard

Open your browser and navigate to:

http://localhost/magento2

The Magento Setup Wizard should load automatically.

4.2 Database Configuration

Enter the following database details:

• Database Name: magento2_db (or your chosen name)
• Username: root (default XAMPP MySQL user)
• Password: Leave empty (default XAMPP setup)
• Host: localhost

4.3 Admin Account Setup

Create your admin account with:

• Admin username (avoid "admin" for security)
• Strong password (8+ characters)
• Admin email address
• First and last name

5.1 Enable Developer Mode

Navigate to your Magento directory and enable developer mode for easier debugging:

cd C:\xampp\htdocs\magento2
php bin/magento deploy:mode:set developer

5.2 Clear Cache

php bin/magento cache:flush

5.3 Reindex Data

php bin/magento indexer:reindex

🎉 Installation Complete!

Your Magento 2 installation is now ready. Access your store at:

• Frontend: http://localhost/magento2
• Admin Panel: http://localhost/magento2/admin

🚨 Common Problems & Solutions

• Installation hangs: Increase PHP max_execution_time to 1800 seconds
• White screen of death: Check error logs in xampp/apache/logs/error.log
• Permission denied errors: Run Command Prompt as Administrator
• Composer timeout: Run composer config --global process-timeout 2000
• Database connection failed: Verify MySQL is running and credentials are correct

🚀 Ready to Enhance Your Magento Store?

Now that you have Magento 2 running locally, explore our free extensions to add powerful functionality to your development environment. Test new features safely before implementing on production!