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Upgrading 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.

Check your DreamFactory version first

DreamFactory 4.x runs only on PHP 7.2 to 7.4. DreamFactory 5.0.0 to 7.0.0 declare PHP 8.1. DreamFactory 7.0.1 and later need PHP 8.3 or later. If the new PHP version is outside the range for your DreamFactory version, DreamFactory stops working. Read Find your upgrade path in the PHP security advisory before you start.

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-8.3.36-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 stay on the same PHP branch (for example 8.3), copy your existing php.ini from the previous installation, OR
    • Create new from php.ini-production: 
      copy php.ini-production php.ini

  2. Copy the extension DLLs you added by hand, such as php_sqlsrv.dll, php_pdo_sqlsrv.dll or php_oci8.dll, from the old ext folder. On a new PHP branch, download the builds for that branch instead.

  3. Check that DreamFactory can run on the new PHP. From the DreamFactory root directory, run Composer with the new php.exe:

    C:\PHP\php-X.X.X\php.exe C:\ProgramData\ComposerSetup\bin\composer.phar check-platform-reqs

    Every line must report success. If the php line reports failed, your DreamFactory version cannot run on this PHP version. Do not switch IIS to it.

  4. 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 DreamFactory stops working after the switch, roll back first: register the php-cgi.exe from your old PHP folder in PHP Manager, restore the old Path entry and run iisreset.

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, contact DreamFactory Support.