How to Install the Latest PHP on Windows 11

Step 1: Download PHP

• Go to the official PHP website: https://windows.php.net/download/

• Under “Downloads”, choose the latest non-thread-safe x64 zip version (e.g., php-8.x.x-nts-Win32-vs16-x64.zip).

• Save the ZIP file somewhere like C:\php.

Step 2: Extract PHP

1. Right-click the ZIP file → “Extract All”.

2. Extract to C:\php.

Step 3: Add PHP to System PATH

1. Press Win + S, type “Environment Variables”, and open the result.

2. Under System variables, select Path → click Edit.

3. Click New → add C:\php.

4. Click OK to close all windows.

Step 4: Test PHP Installation

1. Open Command Prompt.

2. Type:

php -v

You should see the installed PHP version.

Step 5: (Optional) Configure php.ini

1. In C:\php, copy php.ini-development and rename it to php.ini.

2. Open it in Notepad and enable/disable extensions as needed (e.g., extension=curl).