The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →No—Microsoft’s 2020 announcement did not mean PHP would stop running on Windows. Microsoft said it would no longer support PHP for Windows starting with PHP 8.0. The PHP project continues to publish Windows builds and Windows installation guidance, so developers can still use PHP on Windows.
What Microsoft’s announcement actually changed
On July 9, 2020, Dale Hirt, who identified himself as Microsoft’s project manager for PHP, announced that Microsoft would stop supporting PHP for Windows “in any capacity” for PHP 8.0 and later. Until then, Microsoft had contributed development and Windows build work for PHP 7.3 and 7.4, and had helped build PHP 7.2 when security fixes were needed. Hirt’s announcement to PHP Internals concerned Microsoft’s maintenance role—not Windows compatibility.
That distinction matters: PHP is not a Microsoft product, and Microsoft ending its support work did not remove PHP from Windows or prevent Windows from executing PHP. The PHP project continues to provide official Windows downloads and installation instructions. Its Windows page describes the project’s commitment to PHP on Windows, and its PHP 8.6.0 RC2 announcement in 2026 directs users to Windows pre-release builds. For production systems, use an official stable release rather than a release candidate.
Where to get PHP for Windows
Start with the official PHP downloads and the Windows installation manual. The manual recommends official releases for production. Follow its setup guidance for the Windows version, architecture, runtime, and server interface you use; there is no general requirement to use Windows Server, because the documentation also covers client versions of Windows.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
PHP can also be installed on Azure App Services, as described in the PHP installation documentation. That is a separate hosting option from installing PHP directly on a Windows machine.
Choose the Windows build that fits your setup
| Use case | Build type | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| A single-process Apache server using mod_php | Thread-Safe (TS) | Choose the build architecture—x86 or x64—that matches the rest of your setup. |
| IIS with FastCGI, another FastCGI setup, or command-line scripts | Non-Thread-Safe (NTS); recommended by the manual for command-line scripts | Match the architecture to the PHP build and your environment. |
These build-type recommendations come from the PHP for Windows downloads guidance. If you are using a different server interface, check its compatibility requirements instead of choosing TS or NTS by habit.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Check Windows and Visual C++ requirements
- Windows version: The PHP manual says PHP 8.3 and later require Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012. It also says PHP does not currently run on Windows RT or Windows on ARM. Check the manual for the release you plan to install, since requirements can change.
- Visual C++ runtime: PHP needs the Visual C runtime. The manual identifies the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2022 as suitable for all PHP versions. Install the x86 or x64 runtime that matches the architecture of your PHP build.
- PHP lifecycle: Microsoft’s withdrawal did not set PHP’s release-support dates. Under the PHP project’s policy, each branch receives two years of active support followed by two years of security-only support. As listed by the project on October 5, 2026, security support ends on December 31, 2026 for PHP 8.2; December 31, 2027 for PHP 8.3; December 31, 2028 for PHP 8.4; and December 31, 2029 for PHP 8.5. Consult the current supported-versions schedule before choosing a version.
What the announcement does not establish
The 2020 statement explains Microsoft’s decision about its own PHP development and build work. It does not provide a reason for the decision, quantify its effect on Windows developers, or promise support for third-party IIS components. Those questions are separate from whether official PHP builds are available for Windows, which the PHP project’s current downloads and documentation show they are.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
