How to Update XAMPP to PHP 8.1 While Keeping Your MySQL Databases

Learn how to safely update XAMPP to PHP 8.1 without losing your valuable MySQL databases. Follow this step-by-step guide!
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Update XAMPP to PHP 8.1, Keep MySQL Databases

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
How to Update XAMPP to PHP 8.1 While Keeping Your MySQL Databases

Upgrading your development environment can often feel daunting, especially when you're concerned about losing crucial data such as your MySQL databases. If you are currently using XAMPP with PHP 7.x on Windows 10 and want to upgrade to PHP 8.1, you may have found yourself facing a few challenges. This post aims to provide a clear solution to help you navigate the upgrade process smoothly while ensuring your databases remain intact.

Understanding the Problem

When you try to install a new version of XAMPP that supports PHP 8.1, you might notice that:

There is no option to simply upgrade the existing version.

The installer does not accept the old XAMPP folder.

You need to find a way to keep your existing MySQL databases that you've worked hard to build.

No need to worry! We will show you how to back up your databases effectively before uninstalling the old XAMPP.

Solution: Backing Up Your MySQL Databases

Locate the mysqldump Tool

The first step in the process is to back up your MySQL databases using the mysqldump tool, which is included in the XAMPP installation. Please follow these steps:

Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Create a Backup of All Databases

Once you've located the mysqldump tool, you can proceed to create a dump of all your databases. Here’s how you can do that:

Open Command Prompt:

Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

Run the mysqldump Command:

Use the following command to back up all your databases:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Replace USER_NAME with your MySQL username (usually root) and PASSWORD with your MySQL password.

Example:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Important Notes

Make sure your MySQL server is running before executing the mysqldump command; otherwise, you'll receive an error.

Keep your backup file in a safe place, as this will be your safety net once you uninstall the old version of XAMPP.

Uninstall the Old XAMPP and Install the New Version

After successfully backing up your databases, you can go ahead to uninstall the old version of XAMPP and install the new one that supports PHP 8.1.

Uninstall the Old XAMPP:

Go to Control Panel - Programs - Uninstall a program, and find XAMPP in the list. Right-click and choose Uninstall.

Download and Install XAMPP:

Visit the official XAMPP website, download the version supporting PHP 8.1, and follow the installation instructions.

Restore Your Databases:

Once you have installed the new version, you can restore your databases using:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

With these steps, you should now be able to seamlessly upgrade XAMPP to PHP 8.1 while keeping your MySQL databases intact. Regular backups are always a good practice, ensuring you do not lose any data during transitions.

Thank you for reading! If you have further questions or need assistance with other issues, do not hesitate to reach out.