---
title: "Upgrading PHP On Windows | DreamFactory Docs"
source: "https://docs.dreamfactory.com/upgrades-and-migrations/upgrading-php-on-windows"
canonical_url: "https://docs.dreamfactory.com/upgrades-and-migrations/upgrading-php-on-windows"
converted_at: "2026-04-05T14:00:20.531Z"
format: "markdown"
converted_by: "html-to-md-ai"
---
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[​](#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[​](#installation-steps)

### 1. Download PHP[​](#1-download-php)

1. Visit the official [PHP for Windows](https://windows.php.net/download/) 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`

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

### 2. Install PHP[​](#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[​](#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[​](#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`:

- See [PHP Extensions Guide](/getting-started/installing-dreamfactory/windows-installation#installing-php) for the complete list

- Ensure SQL Server extensions are properly configured if using [SQL Server](/getting-started/installing-dreamfactory/windows-installation#installing-sql-server-drivers-optional)

### 5. Configure IIS[​](#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[​](#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](/system-settings/config/system-info) page

- Verify all services are functioning

## Troubleshooting[​](#troubleshooting)

If you encounter issues:

1. **Check PHP Version**:

- Ensure you're using NTS version

- Verify architecture matches (x64/x86)

2. **Verify Extensions**:

- Review [required extensions](/getting-started/installing-dreamfactory/windows-installation#installing-php)

- Check extension paths in `php.ini`

3. **Review Logs**:

- Check PHP error logs

- Review IIS logs

- Examine DreamFactory logs

For additional help, contact [DreamFactory Support](https://www.dreamfactory.com/support).

## Related Documentation[​](#related-documentation)

- [Windows Installation Guide](/getting-started/installing-dreamfactory/windows-installation)

- [Upgrading to PHP 8.1](/upgrades-and-migrations/upgrading-to-php-8.1)

- [System Configuration](/getting-started/dreamfactory-configuration/basic-configuration)