How to Install MySQL on Windows Using MySQL Installer

How to Install MySQL on Windows Using MySQL Installer

This article provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to install MySQL on Windows using the official MySQL Installer. Follow the step-by-step guide to ensure MySQL Server and its tools are installed and configured correctly for development or production use.

Download MySQL Installer

The most convenient method to install MySQL on Windows is by using the official MySQL Installer. This setup wizard streamlines the installation and configuration of MySQL products running on Microsoft Windows.

Included MySQL products:
  1. MySQL Server
  2. MySQL Workbench
  3. MySQL Shell
  4. MySQL Router
  5. MySQL for Visual Studio
  6. MySQL Connectors (e.g., .NET, Python)
  7. MySQL Reference Manuals (PDF)
  8. MySQL Sample Databases
To begin, go to the MySQL Installer download page. Two installer types are available:
  1. Web Installer (smaller, requires internet) – downloads components during installation
  2. Full Installer (larger, offline) – includes all MySQL products in one package
Download MySQL Installer

Set Up MySQL Installer for Windows

After downloading the appropriate version, run the MySQL Installer executable.
💡 Note: The MySQL installer can also be used to update or manage existing MySQL products on your system.
Upon launch, accept the license agreement and choose a setup type.

Available setup types:
  1. Developer Default – Installs MySQL Server plus all development tools
  2. Server Only – Installs only the MySQL Server instance
  3. Client Only – Installs MySQL apps and connectors, excluding MySQL Server
  4. Full – Installs all available MySQL components
  5. Custom – Lets you manually choose which components to install
1. Select the Setup Type and click Next:
Select the Setup Type that is appropriate for you
2. Check Product Requirements

Following that, MySQL Installer ensures that you meet the requirements necessary for the installation. If there are any failing requirements, the installer will try to resolve the inconsistencies automatically. If it fails to do so, you will be asked to manually settle the issues. For instance, you may need to install some additional applications or packages (e.g., Microsoft Visual C++ 2019 Redistributable Package). Besides, you may encounter the problem of Path installation inconsistencies in case you have previously installed MySQL on your Windows Server.Check the status of MySQL product requirements
3. Execute Required Software Installations

Check the status of the product requirements (if you have any). If you have no manual requirements, Click Execute, and the Wizard will install the required software. Provided that you have manual requirements, resolve them on your own, click Check to verify, and then click Execute to begin the installation process:

Download MySQL Server
4. Install MySQL using the MySQL installer

The selected products will now be downloaded and installed. Once complete, click Next to continue to the configuration.
The MySQL Server installation is complete

5. Configure MySQL Server on Windows

Click Next to start server configuration.
MySQL Server is ready for configuration

6. Type and Networking

Choose a server configuration type (Development, Server, or Dedicated Computer) based on your usage.
Configure the Type and Networking section
7. Connectivity Options

You can also configure custom logging and advanced options in the following steps if you check the corresponding box. After you have finished configuring, click Next:

 Select the check box to configure additional options

8. Authentication Method

In this step, select between Strong Password Authentication (recommended) or Legacy Authentication option and click Next: Configure the authentication method
9. Accounts and Roles

Set a strong password for the MySQL root user.  Also, make sure you save the password in a secure place for later use. Optionally, you can create additional MySQL user accounts with predefined roles. Click Next as soon as you are finished:
Enter the password and create MySQL user accounts
10. Windows Service

Set MySQL Server to run as a Windows Service. Optionally configure it to start manually or use a custom account.
Configure MySQL Server as a Windows Service
11. Apply Configuration

Review all selected configuration settings.
An overview of MySQL Server configuration steps
12. Execute Configuration

By clicking Execute, you will see the configuration settings applied one by one:
The configuration steps are executed
13. Confirm Completion

Green checkmarks indicate a successful configuration. Click Finish:
The configuration for MySQL Server was successful
14. Complete Product Configuration

Click Next to finalize setup:

 Configuration is complete

15. Installation Complete

Congratulations! You have finished installing MySQL Server. You can now copy the installation process log to the Windows Clipboard and click Finish: The installation process is finished

Conclusion

This guide demonstrated how to install MySQL on Windows using the official MySQL Installer. To get started working with MySQL Server, you can use tools like MySQL Workbench or opt for powerful third-party solutions like dbForge Studio for MySQL. These tools help streamline development, data management, and administration tasks.

Explore more about how dbForge tools can enhance your MySQL experience.



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