Step-by-Step Guide to install PHP on Windows (without XAMPP)

Learn how to install PHP on Windows (without XAMPP).

Step-by-Step Guide to install PHP on Windows (without XAMPP):

✅ Step 1: Download PHP for Windows

1. Go to the official PHP site:
   https://windows.php.net/download

2. Download the latest Thread Safe Zip version (for example, PHP 8.x for Windows).

✅ Step 2: Extract PHP

1. Create a folder C:\php
2. Extract the downloaded ZIP file into C:\php

✅ Step 3: Add PHP to System PATH

1. Press Win + S, search “Environment Variables”, and open it.
2. Under System Variables, find and select Path, then click Edit.
3. Click New and enter:

   C:\php
   

4. Click OK to save.

Image Source: computerhope.com

✅ Step 4: Test PHP Installation

1. Open Command Prompt (CMD).
2. Type:

   php -v
   

3. You should see the PHP version info like:

   PHP 8.x.x (cli) ...
   

✅ Step 5: (Optional) Create php.ini File

1. In C:\php, you’ll find:
   • php.ini-development
   • php.ini-production
2. Copy and rename one to php.ini
3. Open it in a text editor and enable necessary extensions (e.g., extension=mysqli for MySQL).

✅ Step 6: Run a PHP Script

1. Create a file test.php with:

   <?php
   echo "PHP is working!";
   ?>
   

2. Run it in CMD:

   php test.php
   

OR run a local web server:

   php -S localhost:8000

Then open http://localhost:8000 in a browser.