Apache HTTP Server is open-source web server software for serving websites and applications over HTTP. Its modular design lets administrators enable features for their needs, while configuration files control virtual hosts, access rules and request handling. It serves static files and can connect to technologies such as PHP, Python and Perl through suitable modules or integrations. SSL/TLS, IPv6 and HTTP/2 are supported in appropriate configurations.
| Author: | Apache Software Foundation |
| License: | Open Source |
| Price: | FREE |
| Released: | May 4, 2026 |
| File size: | 10.00 MB |
| Downloads: | 591 |
| Keywords: | http server for development, web server software, Apache Software Foundation, webserver, x64 architecture, apache server, Apache HTTP Server, apache http server, Windows 10 compatibility, open source web server, open-source platform, Apache, HTTP, http server, host a website, threaded apache, apache web server |
| Author URL: | https://httpd.apache.org/ |
Apache HTTP Server is open-source web server software maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. It is used by website owners, developers and system administrators to serve web pages and applications over HTTP. On Windows, it can provide a local environment for development and testing, or serve sites from a Windows machine configured for hosting.
Its modular design lets administrators choose and configure features for a particular server rather than relying on one fixed setup. Modules can handle tasks such as processing requests, applying access rules and connecting the server to other software. Apache can deliver static files directly, while dynamic sites can use compatible technologies such as PHP, Python or Perl through suitable modules or integrations. This makes it useful for projects that range from a basic collection of web pages to applications with server-side code.
Configuration files control how Apache listens for requests and responds to them. Administrators can define virtual hosts to serve multiple websites from one installation, set directory-level rules, and manage access to resources. Authentication options can restrict content, while SSL/TLS support through the relevant module allows encrypted connections when certificates and configuration are in place. IPv6 and HTTP/2 are also supported in appropriate configurations. These options give operators control over hosting behavior, but they require careful setup and maintenance.
Apache can be tuned to suit different workloads, and optional modules such as mod_cache can provide caching features where appropriate. Its configuration-based approach supports repeatable setups, while extensive documentation and community resources help users understand directives, troubleshoot errors and plan deployments. The server is therefore relevant both to developers who need to test a site locally and to administrators managing web hosting, internal services or application environments.
The software is free and open source, and the Windows download supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 on 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Running a public-facing server involves more than installing Apache: users need to configure networking, permissions, certificates and security settings for their environment, and keep the installation maintained. Support for scripting languages and optional protocols depends on the modules and related software available in the chosen setup.