DOCUMENTATION
Introduction
Everything you need to know to get started, manage projects, and optimize your development workflow.
Quick Start
Install and run your first app in 5 mins.
Go →Workflows
Best practices for Laravel, WP, and more.
Go →FAQs
Solutions to common issues
Go →
How to read this documentation
This guide is structured by "Workflows". Instead of just listing features, we show you how to get things done. Use the sidebar to navigate topics.
Installation & Setup
Download Laragon
Get the latest version from the official website. Choose "Full" for a complete stack (Apache, MySQL, PHP, Node.js) or "Lite" for a minimal setup.
Run Installer
Run the setup file and click Next. Choose an installation location (Avoid paths with special characters).
Configure Options
Select "Run Laragon When Windows Starts" for convenience and "Auto Virtual Hosts" to get pretty URLs (e.g., app.test) automatically.
Important Installation Notes
System Requirements
Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit). Extremely low resource usage.
Full vs Lite
Use Full for instant setup. Use Lite if you prefer customizing tools yourself.
Location
Install anywhere, but avoid spaces or special characters in the path.
Virtual Hosts
Enabled by default. Makes accessing local projects much easier.
Auto-start
Optional. Starts Laragon automatically when Windows boots.
MySQL Backup
Laragon includes auto-backup for data safety.
Real-world Workflows
Create a New Laravel Project
Menu > Quick app > Laravel
Name your project (e.g., "my-api")
Wait for Composer to finish. Access at http://my-api.test
Migrate from XAMPP to Laragon
Moving is easy. You just need to move your files and export/import your database.
Move Files
Copy folders from C:\xampp\htdocs to C:\laragon\www.
Export Database (in XAMPP)
Open phpMyAdmin in XAMPP, go to Export, and save the .sql file.
Import Database (in Laragon)
Start Laragon. Open HeidiSQL (Database button). Right click > Load SQL file.
Troubleshooting
Apache fails to start (Port 80 occupied)
Skype or VMWare might be using port 80. Go to Preferences > Services & Ports and change Apache port to 8080.
MySQL 8.0 cannot start
Check if you have another MySQL instance running (e.g., from XAMPP). Stop it and try again. Or check data/mysql/error.log.
Pretty URLs not working
Ensure you clicked "Start All" which reloads the hosts file. You might need to approve the UAC prompt.