Table of contents
What is local web hosting?How local hosting worksBenefitsChallenges and limitationsTools for local hostingWhen is local hosting the right choice?When to switch from local to live hostingVPS hostingCan you actually host a site FAQsGetting startedAdditional resources
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What is Web Hosting → Local

What is local web hosting (and is it right for you)?

Thinking of building a website on your own machine? Local web hosting might be the perfect place to start. But is it the best solution for launching your site—or just for testing?

Let’s explore what local hosting really means, how it works, and when to use it over a traditional hosting provider.

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What is local web hosting?

Local web hosting means running a web server on your own computer. It lets you simulate how a real web server works without needing to pay for a hosting plan or connect to the internet.

Instead of uploading your site to a live hosting provider, you install software like Apache or Nginx directly on your machine. That software acts as your server, and your web browser accesses the files via localhost or 127.0.0.1.

This setup is sometimes called local development, because it’s most often used by developers to test and build websites before going live.

How local hosting works

To host a website locally, you’ll need to install a few components that mimic a live web server:

  • Web server software – This serves the files in your browser. Apache and Nginx are the most common options.
  • Database engine – Most websites, especially WordPress sites, use databases like MySQL or MariaDB to store content.
  • Programming language support – PHP is the most common for WordPress, but you might need Python, Ruby, or others depending on your stack.

Once your local server is installed and configured, you can type localhost into your browser and see your website load from your own computer. It’s fast, private, and free, but only visible to you unless you take extra steps to make it public.

Benefits of local web hosting

Local hosting offers several advantages if you’re building or testing a website:

  • Work offline – No need for an internet connection to develop or preview your site.
  • Cost-effective – You don’t have to pay for a hosting plan just to try things out.
  • Private – You can experiment freely without exposing an unfinished site to the public.
  • Full control – Choose your software versions, tweak your server environment, and test under custom conditions.
  • Fast iteration – No need to upload files—everything is saved and refreshed locally in real time.

It’s a great way to get comfortable with web development or try out different platforms before committing to a host.

Challenges and limitations

While local hosting is a helpful tool, it’s not a perfect solution, especially for beginners looking to launch a real site.

  • Not public by default – Visitors won’t be able to access your site unless you configure advanced settings like port forwarding and DNS.
  • No built-in security – You’re responsible for your own firewalls, software updates, and server hardening.
  • Manual deployment – You’ll need to move files and databases to a live server manually when you’re ready to go public.
  • Hardware limits – Your computer probably can’t match the uptime, bandwidth, or scalability of a real server.
  • Steeper learning curve – Setting up a local server environment takes time and technical knowledge, especially outside of pre-configured tools.

Tools for local hosting

Several tools make local hosting much easier, especially for beginners:

  • XAMPP – Bundles Apache, MySQL, PHP, and more into one easy installer for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Local by Flywheel – Focused on WordPress, this tool lets you create and manage local WordPress sites with one click.
  • MAMP – Good for macOS and Windows users who want to simulate a local server environment quickly.
  • WampServer – Another Windows-specific stack that’s popular for PHP and MySQL-based sites.

All of these tools let you run a full local environment with minimal setup. Once installed, you can build and preview your site privately from your own machine.

When is local hosting the right choice?

Local hosting makes sense in a few key situations:

  • You’re learning how to build websites or use platforms like WordPress.
  • You want to test design changes without affecting your live site.
  • You’re building a custom theme, plugin, or feature and need a safe environment.
  • You want to create a proof-of-concept site for a client or team member before launching it online.

If you’re just experimenting or developing privately, local hosting is a great place to start.

When to switch from local to live hosting

Once you’re ready to share your website with the world, you’ll need to move it from your local environment to a live server.

Here’s how you’ll know it’s time to switch:

  • You want users to find your site on Google or other search engines.
  • You’re adding interactive features like email forms, login systems, or ecommerce.
  • You need backups, SSL certificates, uptime monitoring, or technical support.

Migrating your site usually involves:

  1. Exporting your files and database from your local setup.
  2. Uploading them to your web host via FTP or a control panel.
  3. Updating configuration files and URLs to match your live domain.

At this point, using a quality hosting provider can save you time, headaches, and long-term costs.

Local web hosting alternative: VPS hosting

If you don’t need to start local but also don’t need the compute power of an entire server, a VPS (Virtual Private Server) is your best bet.

A VPS gives you an isolated slice of a real server, including root access, custom software installation, and dedicated resources—without the overhead of managing your own hardware.

Here’s why a VPS is often a better choice than local hosting:

  • Accessible from anywhere – Unlike a local site, your VPS-hosted website can be accessed publicly from any device.
  • Built-in security – VPS providers usually include firewalls, DDoS protection, and automated patching options.
  • Affordable – Many beginner-friendly VPS plans start under $10/month.
  • Customizable – You get full control over the operating system, software stack, and environment.
  • Always online – No need to leave your computer running 24/7 or worry about power outages.

VPS hosting is ideal for developers, small businesses, and anyone who wants to graduate from local development without jumping to expensive dedicated servers. It combines the power of a live server with the flexibility and control you’d find in a local environment.

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Can you actually host a site from your own computer?

Technically yes, but it’s not usually practical or secure. Hosting a real website from your personal computer requires:

  • A static IP address (or dynamic DNS configuration)
  • Router and firewall configuration to allow incoming traffic
  • A reliable power and internet connection
  • Manual software maintenance and backups
  • Protection against malware, intrusions, and downtime

Unless you’re experienced with server administration and have business-class internet, hosting from your own PC is risky. A VPS or managed hosting plan will give you much better results with far less hassle.

Local web hosting FAQs

Yes. With tools like XAMPP or Local, you can set up a working website on your own computer. This setup is great for testing, but your site won’t be publicly visible unless you configure your network to allow outside access.

Local hosting keeps your website on your personal computer for private use. Web hosting places your website on a public server so anyone can access it online. Local hosting is for development and testing; web hosting is for live websites.

You can, but it comes with challenges. You’d need to configure your router, keep your PC on 24/7, and maintain security. A VPS or standard hosting provider is usually a better choice for public sites.

Yes—locally. Local hosting is free because you’re using your own hardware. But to make your site public, you’ll need a hosting plan. Some free web hosting options exist, but they often come with ads, limited features, and poor performance.

Next steps for local web hosting

Local hosting is perfect for development, testing, and learning. But once you’re ready to go live, a reliable, secure hosting provider will take your site to the next level.

The next step is to choose a hosting solution that fits your needs, and that’s where Liquid Web comes in. We offer the industry’s fastest and most secure VPS and dedicated servers—for Windows or Linux, unmanaged or fully managed.

Click below to explore options or start a chat with one of our hosting experts now.

Ready to get started?

Get started with premium web hosting services for every platform and purpose—from WordPress to Magento, reseller to enterprise domains.

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Aaron Tevlowitz is a Partner Team Manager at Liquid Web, where he helps build and maintain strong partner relationships. Aaron has been helping business leaders design hosting solutions and drive growth for their companies since 2022. Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, staying active, and all things sports related. 

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