How to Fix the 500 Internal Server Error in XAMPP

The 500 Internal Server Error in XAMPP can be frustrating — one moment your local sites are running fine, and the next, nothing loads. This error means Apache can’t complete the request due to a configuration, module, or script issue.

Luckily, the fix is usually straightforward. Here are 5 easy steps you can follow to get your XAMPP server back online.

1. Check and Remove the .htaccess File

After moving or upgrading XAMPP, the .htaccess file in the /xampp/htdocs/xampp/ directory can cause conflicts.

1. Navigate to:

   /XAMPP/htdocs/xampp/

2. Rename or delete the .htaccess file.
3. Restart Apache from the XAMPP Control Panel.
4. Visit http://localhost to test.

2. Enable Required Apache Modules

Some CMS or frameworks need specific Apache modules to process requests correctly.

1. In XAMPP Control Panel, click Config → Apache (httpd.conf).
2. Ensure these lines are uncommented (remove the # if present):

   LoadModule rewrite_module modules/mod_rewrite.so
   LoadModule headers_module modules/mod_headers.so

3. Restart Apache.

3. Check Apache Error Logs

Error logs give you clues about the problem.

1. Logs are stored at:

   /XAMPP/apache/logs/error.log

2. Open the file and look for recent entries.
3. Fix any missing files, incorrect paths, or syntax errors mentioned.

4. Verify PHP Code

A broken PHP script can trigger a 500 error.

1. In php.ini, set:

   display_errors = On

2. Restart Apache.
3. Reload your page — the actual PHP error should now display.

5. Check File Permissions (Linux/macOS)

If running XAMPP on Linux or macOS, make sure permissions are correct:

1. Folders: 755
2. Files: 644
3. Apache user should own the project directory.