Skip to main content

Updating PHP on Windows

This guide walks through the process of updating the PHP version on a Windows server running DreamFactory. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth upgrade process.

Prerequisites​

Before beginning the update process ensure you have backed up:

  • Your existing PHP folder
  • Your system database
  • A copy of your .env file

Installation Steps​

1. Download PHP​

  1. Visit the official PHP for Windows website
  2. Download the Non-Thread-Safe (NTS) version for your architecture (x64 or x86)
    • Example: php-8.2.25-nts-Win32-vs16-x64.zip
Important

Always use the Non-Thread-Safe (NTS) version of PHP with DreamFactory on Windows.

2. Install PHP​

  1. Create a new directory: C:\PHP\php-X.X.X (replace X.X.X with version number)
  2. Extract the downloaded ZIP contents to this directory
  3. Create a symlink from C:\php to your version-specific directory (optional, but recommended for easier management)

3. Configure Environment Variables​

  1. Open System Properties: 
    Win + R → sysdm.cpl → Enter
  2. Navigate to: Advanced tab → Environment Variables
  3. Under System Variables:
    • Edit Path
    • Add new PHP directory path (e.g., C:\PHP\php)
    • Remove old PHP path if present
  4. Verify installation: 
    php -v

4. Configure PHP​

  1. Configure php.ini:

    • If you are on the same major versio nof PHP you can copy your existing php.ini from the previous installation, OR
    • Create new from php.ini-production: 
      copy php.ini-production php.ini

  2. Enable required extensions in php.ini:

5. Configure IIS​

  1. Open IIS Manager

  2. Access PHP Manager:

    • Register new PHP version: C:\php\php-cgi.exe
    • Verify extensions are enabled
    • Check PHP configuration status

  3. Restart Services:

    iisreset

6. Verify Installation​

  1. Check PHP configuration:

    • Use PHP Manager's "Check phpinfo()"
    • Verify PHP version
    • Confirm required extensions are loaded

  2. Test DreamFactory:

    • Access your DreamFactory instance
    • Check the System Information page
    • Verify all services are functioning

Troubleshooting​

If you encounter issues:

  1. Check PHP Version:

    • Ensure you're using NTS version
    • Verify architecture matches (x64/x86)

  2. Verify Extensions:

  3. Review Logs:

    • Check PHP error logs
    • Review IIS logs
    • Examine DreamFactory logs

For additional help, see our Troubleshooting Guide or contact DreamFactory Support.