To install PHP on a Windows machine, you can follow these steps:

1. Download PHP:
   Go to the official PHP website's download page: https://windows.php.net/download/. Choose the version you want to install (usually the latest stable version is recommended). You'll have options for VC15 x64 Non Thread Safe or Thread Safe versions. For most users, the VC15 x64 Non Thread Safe version is suitable.
2. Download VC Redistributable:
   Depending on the version of PHP you downloaded (VC15, VC14, etc.), you might need to download the corresponding Visual C++ Redistributable package. The PHP website often provides links to the required VC Redistributable package on the download page.
3. Extract Files:
   Once the PHP download is complete, extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP file to a location on your computer. For example, you can create a folder named `C:\php`.
4. Configuration:
   In the extracted PHP folder, look for a file named `php.ini-development` or `php.ini-production`. Duplicate the chosen INI file and rename the copy to `php.ini`. This file contains configuration settings for PHP. Open `php.ini` in a text editor (like Notepad++).
   • Configure the `extension_dir` to point to the "ext" folder within the PHP installation directory. Example: `extension_dir = "C:\php\ext"`
   • You can also configure other PHP settings as needed.
5. Environment Variable:
   Add the PHP installation directory (e.g., `C:\php`) to your system's PATH environment variable. This step is essential to run PHP from the command line.
6. Web Server Configuration:
   If you're planning to use PHP with a web server (like Apache), you need to configure the web server to work with PHP. For example, with Apache, you need to add PHP handler settings to its configuration files.
7. Testing:
   Restart your web server and create a simple PHP file (e.g., `info.php`) containing the following code:
   <?php phpinfo(); ?>
   Place this file in your web server's document root directory and access it from a web browser (e.g., http://localhost/info.php). If PHP is installed correctly, you'll see a page with PHP configuration information.

Remember that these steps are a general guideline and could slightly differ based on the PHP version and the web server you're using. Always refer to the official documentation for specific instructions and troubleshooting.

Additionally, if you find the process too complex, you might consider using pre-packaged solutions like XAMPP or WampServer, which bundle PHP, Apache, MySQL, and other tools together and simplify the installation process.