[Tutorial] How to add another Apache version
With Laragon, adding another Apache version is very easy.
-
Download the latest Apache (64-bit): https://www.apachelounge.com/download/
-
Extract the downloaded files to:
{LARAGON_ROOT}\bin\apache\<version>, e.g.
C:\laragon
-- bin
-- apache
-- httpd-2.4.48-win64-VS16
-- .............
Be sure to extract the package's files not in another version.
- Select the new version at Laragon:
Menu > Apache > Version > httpd-2.4.48-win64-VS16
Very easy huh. That's all forks!
Laragon can quickly add Apache versions, with only a little configuration:
Laragon menu > Tools > Quick add > configuration...
Add the versions of Apache as required:
---
# Apache
apache2462=https://www.apachelounge.com/download/VS17/binaries/httpd-2.4.62-240904-win64-VS17.zip
---Additional Apache versions can be seen in the Apache lounge current releases or archives.
Exit Laragon and re-open, to load the new config.
For example, to install Apache 2.4.62 64-bit:
Laragon menu > Tools > Quick add > apache2462
Laragon will download, unzip and copy the Apache files to %laragon_root%\bin\apache\httpd-2.4.62-240904-win64-VS17
To switch Apache versions:
Laragon menu > Apache > Version [current version] > Choose the required version: e.g. httpd-2.4.62
Note: Ideally, the VS17 version of Apache should match to a VS17 version of PHP. If you have problems, see the workaround for PHP 8.3 VS16 below.
The latest versions of PHP are compiled with VS17. If you use this with a non-thread-safe version of PHP, Laragon will correctly identify that Apache needs to use Fast-CGI and will write and include a {LARAGON_BASE}\etc\apache2\fcgid.conf file.
Laragon 6 should fall back to using a compatible VS16 version of the Fast-CGI module that actually exists in {LARAGON_BASE}\etc\apache2\modules but unfortunately it generates a line to use a non-existent VS17 version. As a consequence when you try to start Apache you get an error about the required module not existing.
The workaround is as follows:
Try to start Apache to generate the fcgid.conf file. Then edit it and change the reference mod_fcgid-2.3.9-Win64-vs17.so to mod_fcgid-2.3.10-win64-vs16.so. Save the file and change the file properties to read-only. Apache should now start OK.
