How to Update PHP Version in WordPress Localhost

If you’re looking to maintain the functionality and security of your website, updating the PHP version in WordPress localhost is an essential task. As PHP serves as the backbone of WordPress, it’s necessary to keep the latest version installed on your machine for seamless website operation.

Step 1: Check Current PHP Version

Before proceeding to update your PHP version, you need to check your current PHP version. You can do that by opening the WordPress dashboard, clicking “Tools,” and selecting “Site Health.”

Once you’ve accessed “Site Health,” click on the “Info” tab, and scroll down until you find the “Server” section. Here, you’ll be able to view your PHP version.

Step 2: Download Latest Version of PHP

Visit the official PHP website and download the latest version. Ensure that you download the version compatible with your operating system. If you’re using Windows, opt for the Zip version.

Step 3: Install Latest PHP Version

Unzip the downloaded PHP package to your desired location. For Windows users, copy the extracted files to “C:\xampp\php.”

Step 4: Verify Installation

Open the XAMPP Control Panel and start Apache and MySQL servers. Then, open any web browser and type in “localhost” in the address bar. If it directs you to the XAMPP dashboard, the installation was successful.

Step 5: Update Your WordPress Website

After successfully installing the latest PHP version, you need to update your WordPress website to use it. Firstly, make a copy of your WordPress site as a backup. Then, access your site’s files via FTP or hosting file manager. Navigate to “wp-config.php” file and incorporate the following code at the beginning of it:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );

define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', true );

Next, add this code to the end of the file:

ini_set('display_errors', 1);
ini_set('display_startup_errors', 1);
error_reporting(E_ALL);

Save the file and upload it back to your server.

Step 6: Check for Compatibility Issues

After updating your PHP version, it’s crucial to look for compatibility issues. Install the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin and activate it. The plugin will scan your website for any compatibility issues that may occur due to the new PHP version.

If any issues arise, update the themes and plugins that cause them. If the problems persist, consider hiring a WordPress developer.

Step 7: Revert Backup

If everything goes smoothly, you can delete the backup and enjoy running your WordPress localhost site on the latest PHP version.

Conclusion

Although updating your PHP version may seem daunting, it’s necessary to maintain website security and efficiency. By following the above steps, you can update PHP on WordPress localhost with ease and avoid any complications caused by operating an outdated PHP version. Always remember to run a compatibility check to ensure all plugins and themes are compatible with the latest PHP version.