XAMPP Download for Windows 11: A Complete Beginner’s Guide (2026)

Are you looking for the best option that can help you create websites on your computer without spending money on hosting? XAMPP is one of the most popular tools that can help you create websites on your computer. Many people use XAMPP to create websites on their computers.

In this article, we will learn what is XAMPP,   XAMPP download for Windows 11, how to install it on your computer, and how to solve problems such as “XAMPP MySQL stuck on refreshing.”

This article is written in such a way that it can help beginners understand how to use XAMPP.

What is XAMPP?

Before installing the software, it is very important that one should know what is XAMPP.

XAMPP is free, open-source, and an all-in-one web server solution that enables users to run their websites on their local computer using the local server.

The name XAMPP is an acronym for:

• X – Cross Platform

• A – Apache Web Server

• M – MySQL / MariaDB Database

• P – PHP

• P – Perl

This software enables users to run their websites using localhost rather than an internet server.

For example:

http://localhost

This means that the website is running directly from the computer.

XAMPP Download for Windows 11

If you are working on Windows 11, you can easily install XAMPP on your computer. The xampp download for Windows 11 package includes:

• Apache server

• MySQL database

• PHP

• phpMyAdmin

Steps for XAMPP Download

1. Open your browser.

2. Go to the official Apache Friends website.

3. Click on XAMPP download for Windows.

4. Download the latest version.

5. Save the installation package on your computer.

Many users also search for xampp dl, which means downloading the XAMPP installation package.

After downloading the package, you can proceed with the installation of the software.

XAMPP Download for Windows 10

Even though many users have updated their Windows version to Windows 11, there are still many users working on Windows 10.

The installation of XAMPP on Windows 10 is the same as Windows 11.

You can easily download XAMPP for Windows 10 by downloading the Windows version package from the official website.

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 support the same package, so the installation of XAMPP is the same for both versions.

How to Install XAMPP on Windows 11

After completing the download software XAMPP step, the following steps should be taken.

Step 1: Run the Installer

Double-click on the downloaded .exe file.

Step 2: Click Next

The installation wizard will now open.

Step 3: Select Components

The components that should be selected include:

• Apache

• MySQL

• PHP

• phpMyAdmin

Step 4: Choose Installation Folder

The default installation location for XAMPP is:

C:\xampp

Step 5: Complete Installation

Click Next to complete the installation process.

Once the installation is complete, open the XAMPP Control Panel.

How to Start XAMPP Server

To run your server locally, do the following:

1. Open the XAMPP Control Panel.

2. Click on the Start button next to:

   • Apache

   • MySQL

Once both services have turned green, it means that your server has started successfully.

Now open your browser and type:

http://localhost

The XAMPP dashboard will open in the browser.

Accessing phpMyAdmin in XAMPP

One of the most important tools that can be found in the XAMPP package is phpMyAdmin. phpMyAdmin is used for the management of databases.

To access phpMyAdmin, type the following in the address bar of the browser:

localhost/phpmyadmin/xampp

This tool can be used for:

• Creation of databases

• Managing the tables

• Execution of SQL commands

• Importing or exporting data

Developers use this tool for the creation of PHP or WordPress websites.

XAMPP MySQL Stuck on Refreshing (Solution)

Some people experience a problem where a message saying “xampp mysql stuck on refreshing” is displayed in the control panel. However, this is usually a problem resulting from a port conflict.

Common Causes

• Another MySQL server is using port 3306.

• Skype is using port 3306.

• The MySQL data folder is corrupted.

Solutions

Solution 1 – Change MySQL Port

1. Open XAMPP Control Panel.

2. Select Config → Service and Port Settings.

3. Change MySQL port to 3307.

Solution 2 – Stop Other MySQL Services

1. Open Windows Services.

2. Stop all existing MySQL services.

3. Restart XAMPP.

The above solution should solve the problem of xampp mysql stuck on refreshing.

How Can Anybody Open a XAMPP File?

Many new users ask how can anybody open a XAMPP file.

XAMPP is not a file type. It is an environment.

To open the files in XAMPP, you need to place the files in the htdocs folder.

Example:

C:\xampp\htdocs

If you have made a project named mywebsite, the path will be:

C:\xampp\htdocs\mywebsite

Then open the browser and type:

http://localhost/mywebsite

This will open the project on the server.

XAMPP for Mac

While the tutorial is centered on Windows, we should note that there is also a version for Mac.

If you are a developer and use a Mac, you can download XAMPP for Mac from the official Apache Friends website.

Installation steps:

1. Download the Mac installer

2. Run the .dmg file

3. Install Apache and MySQL

Once you are done, you can open:

http://localhost

Why Developers Use XAMPP

There are numerous reasons why developers opt to download XAMPP software.

1. Free and Open Source

XAMPP is entirely free.

2. Easy Installation

Anyone can easily install it within minutes.

3. Local Development

This allows developers to develop websites before publishing them online.

4. WordPress Testing

You can use it to test WordPress.

5. PHP Development

It allows you to develop PHP applications without hosting.

XAMPP FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is XAMPP software?

XAMPP software is a free and open-source web server package used to run websites locally on a computer. It contains components such as Apache server, MySQL database, PHP, and Perl.

How to download XAMPP for Windows?

To download XAMPP for Windows:

1. Visit the official Apache Friends website.

2. Click on XAMPP download Windows.

3. Download the installer file.

4. Run the XAMPP installer.

5. Start Apache and MySQL from the XAMPP control panel.

How to install XAMPP on Windows?

To install XAMPP on Windows:

• Download the XAMPP software.

• Open the installer.

• Select Apache, MySQL, PHP, and phpMyAdmin.

• Install in C:\xampp.

• Start Apache and MySQL.

How to access phpMyAdmin in XAMPP?

Open your browser and enter:

localhost/phpmyadmin/xampp

What is XAMPP Apache Web Server?

The XAMPP Apache Web Server is used to serve websites on a local computer. Apache processes HTTP requests and sends website pages when accessed through a browser.

What is XAMPP Control Panel?

The XAMPP Control Panel is used to manage XAMPP services. Users can start or stop services such as:

• Apache

• MySQL

• FileZilla

• Mercury

• Tomcat

Why does XAMPP MySQL shutdown unexpectedly?

This problem can occur due to:

• Port conflicts

• Damaged MySQL files

• Another MySQL service already running

Solution:

• Stop all services

• Change the MySQL port

• Restart MySQL

What is XAMPP portable?

XAMPP portable is a version that can run without installation. It can be executed from a USB drive.

Is XAMPP available for Mac?

Yes, users can download XAMPP for Mac OS or Mac OS X from the Apache Friends website.

What is the difference between WAMP and XAMPP?

What are XAMPP alternatives?

Some XAMPP alternatives include:

• WampServer

• MAMP

• Laragon

• Local by Flywheel

• Docker

How to use XAMPP?

To use XAMPP:

1. Install XAMPP.

2. Start Apache and MySQL.

3. Place files in htdocs.

4. Open:

http://localhost

Your website will run on the local server.