How to Update PHP Version in XAMPP: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Hello and welcome! I’m Somen, an experienced PHP developer passionate about helping fellow coders—especially beginners—feel at home with new tech challenges. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I update my PHP version in XAMPP without messing up my local projects?”—you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll walk you through how to update PHP version in XAMPP, step by step, with the most beginner-friendly and up-to-date advice for 2025.

What This Is About

If you use XAMPP for local development, you know how handy it is—a complete PHP, MySQL, and Apache setup in a box, perfect for practicing coding skills without needing a live server. But as PHP keeps evolving (with new features, improvements, and security fixes coming every year), developers need to keep pace. Just like updating apps on your phone for performance and security, updating PHP in XAMPP makes your development work safer and easier, and keeps you compatible with modern frameworks (like Laravel or WordPress).

This guide aims to demystify the process. We’ll look at why you should update, break down each step with friendly, classroom-style instructions, and show you exactly what needs to be done—no guesswork, no stress. Whether you’re just getting started with PHP or brushing up your development skills, I want you to leave with confidence!

Why PHP Developers Should Care About Updates

Let’s picture your local XAMPP as your personal development “kitchen.” Using an outdated PHP version is like cooking with old ingredients—you might get something edible, but you risk poor results, or worse, things not turning out at all. Here’s why updating matters:

• Security: Updates patch vulnerabilities, helping you avoid security issues before code hits a live server.
• Compatibility: Many frameworks and projects require the latest PHP. New WordPress plugins or Laravel features might depend on them.
• Performance: Every major PHP release brings speed boosts. Version 8.x, for instance, can run several times faster than older releases!

If you want to be ready for the future—and give yourself less headaches—keeping XAMPP’s PHP fresh is crucial.

How to Update PHP Version in XAMPP (Step-by-Step)

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves! Here’s how to update PHP version in XAMPP, simplified. You won’t need to uninstall XAMPP or risk your current projects. I’ll guide you at each turn.

1. Check Your Current PHP Version

First, let’s see what you’re running. Open XAMPP, click “Start” on Apache, then open your web browser and visit localhost. You can create a simple PHP info file to check like this:

<?php
// Save this as info.php in your htdocs folder
phpinfo();
?>

Open localhost/info.php – the version appears right at the top.

2. Download the New PHP Version

Visit the official PHP for Windows downloads page, pick the latest VC15/VS16 or VS17 (depending on your XAMPP’s Apache build), and get the Thread Safe zip package.

3. Backup Existing PHP Folder

Safety first! In XAMPP’s install directory (often C:\xampp), find the php folder. Copy and rename it, such as php_old. That way, you can restore it if needed.

4. Replace with the New PHP Folder

Extract your new PHP zip. Rename the extracted folder simply as php (so it matches the XAMPP original), then move it into your XAMPP directory after removing/renaming the old one.

5. Update Apache Configurations

XAMPP’s Apache needs to know where PHP lives. Open httpd-xampp.conf (usually in C:\xampp\apache\conf\extra), and check for lines about LoadFile or php paths. Make sure these point to your new folder. Usually, it looks like:

LoadFile "C:/xampp/php/php8ts.dll"
PHPIniDir "C:/xampp/php"

Edit paths if needed, then save and close.

6. Restart XAMPP

Stop and start Apache again using the XAMPP Control Panel. Revisit localhost/info.php to confirm you’re running the latest PHP!

7. Check Your Applications

Test your local projects. If you see new warnings or errors, they may use functions deprecated or removed in the new PHP version. Updating your code can often fix this:

<?php
// Old way (deprecated):
$var = split(",", $string);

// New way:
$var = explode(",", $string);
?>

See? Upgrading is a chance to modernize your code—a great habit for every developer, whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your creative skills.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Updating your PHP in XAMPP isn’t a mysterious or risky process. With backups, careful configuration, and a step-by-step approach, you can enjoy the benefits of new PHP features and improved security—all while keeping your local workflow humming.

Remember, if you get stuck or want to learn more about PHP, XAMPP, or local development tips, keep following our latest guides. Mastery comes from continuous learning, and you’ve just taken a big step forward. Happy coding!

Written by Somen from MATSEOTOOLS