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Running WordPress on your computer is a game-changer — especially for beginners, developers, and anyone who wants to build or test a site without touching a live server. The easiest and most modern way to do this is by using Studio, a new tool from the creators of WordPress.com.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to install WordPress locally using Studio. We’ll also cover how to do it with LocalWP as a bonus, and help you decide which tool is best for you with a side-by-side comparison.
What Is Studio?
Studio is a local WordPress development tool created by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, and more.
It’s a lightweight, user-friendly app designed to help you:
- Create and manage local WordPress sites in minutes
- Use the latest version of WordPress by default
- Eliminate setup headaches — no server configuration, PHP, MySQL, or Apache knowledge needed
Studio is ideal for beginners and professionals alike who want to quickly launch WordPress sites locally.
Why Use Studio to Install WordPress?
- ⚡ Fast setup: No need to install WAMP, XAMPP, or other server stacks.
- 🖱️ One-click WordPress: Create a new WordPress site with just a few clicks.
- 💻 Works offline: Develop and test your site without internet access.
- 📦 No technical setup: Studio handles PHP, database, and server configurations for you.
- 🔄 Automatic updates: Studio keeps your local tools and WordPress up-to-date.
How to Install WordPress Locally Using Studio (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Download and Install Studio
Go to the official Studio website.
Download the version for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
Once you’ve done that, just open the downloaded file to start the installation.
⚠️ Studio currently supports only Windows 10/11 and macOS. Linux is not supported at the time of writing.
Step 2: Create a New WordPress Site
Open Studio after installation.
Click Add site.
Give your site a name (e.g., My WordPress Website).
Studio will automatically install:
- A local server environment
- The latest version of WordPress
- A database
- Admin login credentials
It takes less than a minute, and boom — your WordPress site is ready.
Step 3: Access Your Local WordPress Site
To access your WordPress dashboard and edit your website, just click the ‘Start’ button at the top right corner. This will make your local website accessible to you on your computer.
Once the ‘Start’ button changes to ‘Running,’ you can click on the ‘WP Admin’ link at the top left side of the page.
This will bring you to your local WordPress admin page.
Step 4: Customize and Build
Now you’re in your WordPress dashboard, just like you would be on a live site. From here, you can:
- Install themes and plugins
- Create posts and pages
- Customize appearance
- Test development code
Everything works the same — but privately and safely on your own machine.
Switching to the ‘Share’ tab allows you to log in with your WordPress.com account and clone your local site to WordPress.com’s servers. This puts your site online temporarily — perfect for sharing a live demo with clients or collaborators without needing a full hosting setup.
Sometimes, you might prefer to access your local WordPress site directly through your browser instead of opening it via Studio. To do that, you’ll need your WordPress admin login credentials.
You can find these by going to the ‘Settings’ tab in Studio, where your admin username, password, and login URL are clearly listed.
Bonus: How to Install WordPress Using LocalWP
If you want an alternative to Studio, LocalWP is a great choice. It’s also beginner-friendly and works offline.
Steps:
Visit LocalWP.com and download the app.
Next, a popup will appear asking you to choose your platform — select ‘Windows’ from the dropdown menu.
You’ll then be asked to enter some basic information, such as your first and last name, work email address, and phone number. Once you’ve filled that out, click the ‘Get it Now’ button to start the download.
Install it and launch the program.
The next step is to add a new local website. To do that, simply click the plus ‘+’ button at the bottom.
Click Create a New Site.
Enter a name for your local website, like ‘My WordPress Website.’
There are also advanced options where you can enter the local site domain and local site path. By default, the domain will use your website title but separated with dashes. Once you’re done, click the ‘Continue’ button.
You can select ‘Custom’ and enter the environment details, but select ‘Preferred’ if you are a beginner. Click the ‘Continue’ button.
Next, you can enter a WordPress username and password for your local website. Click the ‘Add Site’ button.
The software will now install WordPress and set up your website.
To launch the local website, go ahead and click on the ‘Start site’ button at the top right corner.
Next, click the ‘WP Admin’ button to open the WordPress admin login page.
Enter the username and password you created during the local site setup, then click ‘Log In’ to access your WordPress dashboard.
Studio vs LocalWP: Which One Should You Use?
| Feature | Studio | LocalWP |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Automattic | WP Engine |
| Setup Speed | 🚀 Very fast (1-click install) | ⚡ Fast but more customizable |
| Server Control | Minimal (automatic) | More control (choose stack versions) |
| Interface | Clean and simple | Feature-rich |
| PHP/MySQL version control | No (automatic and invisible) | Yes |
| Best for | Beginners, bloggers, quick testing | Developers, testers, agencies |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Linux Support | ❌ Not yet | ✅ Yes |
| Export/Live Deploy | Coming soon | ✅ Yes (with Flywheel/other hosts) |
💡 Verdict:
Use Studio if you want the fastest, easiest way to get WordPress running locally.
Use LocalWP if you need advanced control or want to mimic your live server environment closely.
Final Thoughts
Installing WordPress locally has never been easier. With tools like Studio and LocalWP, you can launch a development site in seconds — no server headaches or configuration required.
Studio is perfect for WordPress beginners, bloggers, and creators who want a lightweight tool without setup complexity. LocalWP, on the other hand, is ideal for developers who want fine-grained control.
Whatever your choice, local WordPress development gives you the freedom to test, build, and learn without risking your live website.
