Modern local development,
forged for Windows
LocalForge is a fast, portable and isolated development environment for PHP. Apache, PHP, MySQL, MariaDB, HTTPS and pretty URLs, all managed from one app. It's ready in seconds and needs no Docker or WSL.
Windows 10/11 · 64-bit
The direct download is not code-signed yet, so Windows SmartScreen may warn. You can verify the file against SHA256SUMS.txt using Get-FileHash.
Everything you need, nothing you don't
It starts fast, uses little memory, and stays out of your way.
Fast and lightweight
A native Tauri app with a tiny footprint. Services start in seconds and stop cleanly.
PHP 8.2 – 8.5
Switch PHP versions globally or per site. Toggle extensions and install PECL ones with a click.
Pretty URLs + HTTPS
Every folder becomes myapp.test automatically, with a trusted local certificate.
MySQL & MariaDB
Run both side by side on separate ports. Back up and restore from the app.
One-click projects
Create Laravel, WordPress, Symfony or blank sites, with Composer and migrations handled for you.
Built-in terminal
A terminal with the right PHP, Composer, Node and database tools already on PATH.
Runtimes on demand
Pinned, SHA-256-verified downloads for Node, Redis and more. Nothing is installed system-wide.
Isolated and portable
Everything lives in one folder. The one-click cleanup reverts every system change.
Signed auto-updates
Updates are cryptographically signed. Runtimes are pinned to known-good, patched versions.
Free for personal use
Every feature is in every tier. A license supports development and removes the occasional reminder.
Payments are processed by Lemon Squeezy (merchant of record). All sales are final (see terms). Your license key arrives by email; activate it in Settings → License.
FAQ
Common questions.
How is LocalForge different from Laragon or XAMPP?
It's a modern native app with pinned, verified runtimes, PHP 8.5, MySQL and MariaDB side by side, signed updates and a one-click cleanup that removes every change it made to your system.
Do I need Docker or WSL?
No. Everything runs natively on Windows.
Can I use my existing projects?
Yes. Point the sites folder at your projects and each folder gets a .test domain.
Does a license unlock features?
No. Every feature and update is free. Paid tiers are for commercial use and supporting development.
Does LocalForge phone home?
The free version only checks for updates. Paid licenses are validated with Lemon Squeezy once a week. See the privacy policy.