Yes, you can install WordPress on your local system using XAMPP and then install and use WordPress themes as you would on a live server. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Install XAMPP
Download XAMPP:

Go to the XAMPP website and download the installer suitable for your operating system.

Install XAMPP:

Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install XAMPP. During installation, ensure that you select the components you need, typically Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
Start XAMPP:

Open the XAMPP Control Panel and start the Apache and MySQL services.

2. Set Up a Local WordPress Environment

Create a Database:

Open your web browser and go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
Click on Databases and create a new database for your WordPress installation. Note the name of this database, as you will need it during the WordPress installation.

Download WordPress:

Go to the WordPress.org download page and download the latest version of WordPress.

Extract WordPress:

Extract the downloaded WordPress ZIP file.

Move the extracted wordpress folder to the htdocs directory inside your XAMPP installation directory (e.g., C:\xampp\htdocs). You can rename this folder if you want your local site to have a different name.

3. Install WordPress Locally

Run the Installation Script:

Open your web browser and go to http://localhost/wordpress (or the path to your WordPress folder if you renamed it).
You should see the WordPress installation page. Follow the instructions to complete the setup, including providing the database name, username (root for XAMPP by default), and password (usually empty for local installations).

Complete the Installation:

After the installation is complete, you will be prompted to set up an admin username and password. Make a note of these credentials.

4. Install and Use WordPress Themes

Access Your Local WordPress Dashboard:

Go to http://localhost/wordpress/wp-admin (or the path to your WordPress folder if you renamed it).

Log in using the admin credentials you set up during the installation.
Install a Theme:

In the WordPress Dashboard, go to Appearance > Themes.

Click on Add New to browse or upload a theme. You can either search for themes available in the WordPress repository or upload a ZIP file of a theme you have downloaded.

Activate the Theme:

After installing the theme, click Activate to use it on your local site.

5. Customize and Develop

Customize Your Theme: You can now customize the theme using the WordPress Customizer or theme options panel.

Develop Locally: Use the local environment to develop and test your site before deploying it to a live server.

Is it possible to host multiple websites on a single domain?

By following these steps, you'll have a fully functional WordPress installation on your local XAMPP setup where you can develop, test, and customize your themes and plugins without affecting a live site.

Thanks,
DgiHost