Laravel + Apache + Windows = 403 Forbidden

Just some advice to prevent “403 – Forbidden” error when loading the root page of a new fresh Laravel installation on Windows/Apache:

1.- Do not modify .htaccess file: the issue is not there.

2.- Use virtualhosts configuration in your httpd.conf file

3.- Try to keep your configuration clear and simple. Once you make it work you can add extra features.

This could be a good starting point to configure your VistualHost entry, and please pay special attention to the DirectoryIndex entry:

 

<VirtualHost *:80>
    DocumentRoot "/var/www/html/yoursite/public"
    DirectoryIndex index.php
    ServerName yoursite.local
    <Directory "/var/www/html/yoursite/public">
        Options Indexes FollowSymLinks
        AllowOverride All    
        Require all granted
    </Directory>
</VirtualHost>