setup (Windows 11 + XAMPP + Apache + MariaDB
upgrade PHP without reinstalling XAMPP

https://www.php.net/
Download a 64-bit Thread Safe ZIP version of PHP.
Since our XAMPP uses Apache, choose:
Thread Safe (TS)
x64
ZIP package



Step 1: Back Up XAMPP (OPTIONAL)
OPTIONAL: Back up:
C:\xampp\php
C:\xampp\apache\conf
C:\xampp\htdocs

Step 2: Stop Apache
MariaDB can remain running, but stop everything to be safe.


Step 3: Rename the Existing PHP Folder
C:\xampp\php
Rename it to:
C:\xampp\php_old

Step 4: Download a New PHP Build
https://www.php.net/
Download a 64-bit Thread Safe ZIP version of PHP.
Since our XAMPP uses Apache, choose:
Thread Safe (TS)
x64
ZIP package

Step 5: Extract PHP
Extract the ZIP to:
C:\xampp\php

Step 6: Copy php.ini
Copy:
C:\xampp\php_old\php.ini
to:
C:\xampp\php\

Step 7: Verify Apache PHP Module (OPTIONAL)
Open:
C:\xampp\apache\conf\extra\httpd-xampp.conf
and check for references to:
C:/xampp/php

Step 8: Install Visual C++ Runtime
If Apache will not start, install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.

Step 9: Start Apache

Start Apache in the XAMPP Control Panel.

Step 10: Verify
Open Command Prompt:
C:\xampp\php\php.exe -v
You should see the new version.
You can also create:
PHP file, type 
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
and open it in your browser.


If Apache Fails to Start ...

==========================================
Development Machine ?
The "Internet hacker sends a request and takes over my PC" scenario is generally unlikely if Apache is not reachable from outside.

Quick Check

Open a browser on your PC and visit:

Plain Text
http://localhost

If that works, that's normal.

Now check:

BAT
netstat -an | findstr :80

If you see:
0.0.0.0:80

Apache is listening on all interfaces, but your router and firewall may still block outside access.

Find my IP address:
GOOGLE: Search for:
what is my ip

Google will display your public IP address at the top of the results.

To verify from the Internet, use your phone's cellular connection (Wi-Fi OFF) and browse to:
http://YOUR_PUBLIC_IP

If it does not connect, your XAMPP instance is not publicly reachable.