Installing MySQL on Windows

Introduction

To practice SQL locally, install the MySQL Server on Windows using the official MySQL Installer. This chapter downloads the MSI, configures root password and port 3306, registers a Windows service, and verifies login—matching what production-style Java and Node apps expect.

Prerequisites

What Is MySQL
Windows 10 or 11 with administrator rights
~500 MB disk space

Download MySQL Installer

Open MySQL Community Downloads — Installer
Download the full offline MSI (larger file, ~300–500 MB)—more reliable on slow networks than the web installer

Installer	When to use
Full MSI	Recommended for tutorials
Web MSI	Small download; fetches components online

Run the MSI; accept UAC if prompted.

Setup Type

Type	Installs	Choice
Server only	MySQL Server	Recommended for this track
Full	Server + Workbench + extras	OK if you want GUI immediately
Custom	Pick components	Advanced

Select Server only → Next → Execute to install.

Server Configuration

High availability

Choose Standalone MySQL Server / Classic MySQL Replication.

Type and networking

Setting	Value
Config Type	Development Computer
Port	3306 (default)
TCP/IP	Enabled

Authentication

Keep Use Strong Password Encryption (caching_sha2_password) for MySQL 8 with modern clients.

Set a strong root password—you will use it often.

Warning

Remember the Root Password

Resetting forgotten root on Windows is tedious—store in a password manager.

Windows service

Setting	Value
Run as Windows Service	Yes
Service name	`MySQL80` (default)
Start at boot	Yes for convenience

Finish configuration; installer may open MySQL Workbench—optional.

Add mysql to PATH (Optional)

Default client path:

text

C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 8.0\bin

Add to System Environment Variables → Path so PowerShell finds mysql:

powershell

mysql --version

Restart terminal after PATH change.

Verify Installation

Check service:

powershell

Get-Service MySQL80

Status should be Running.

powershell

mysql -u root -p

Enter root password. Prompt changes to:

text

mysql>

Run:

sql

SELECT VERSION();
SHOW DATABASES;

Exit:

sql

EXIT;

Code explanation:

-u root — user root
-p — prompt for password (no space before password on same flag in scripts)

Common Windows Issues

Problem	Fix
`mysql` not recognized	Add `bin` to PATH or use full path
Port 3306 in use	Change port in installer or stop conflicting app
Service will not start	Check Event Viewer; reinstall if corrupt
Access denied	Wrong password; retry or reset root

See also JDBC Windows install for driver-focused notes.

FAQ

MySQL vs XAMPP MySQL?

XAMPP bundles MariaDB/MySQL for PHP stacks—pick one server to avoid port conflicts.

Workbench not installed?

Re-run installer → Add MySQL Workbench via Custom/Full, or use DBeaver.

WSL2 Linux MySQL instead?

Valid alternative—see Installing MySQL on Linux inside WSL.

Uninstall cleanly?

Windows Apps & features → MySQL Server → Uninstall; remove data folder if reinstalling fresh.

Firewall?

Local localhost needs no rule; remote access requires opening 3306—avoid for dev.

Which MySQL 8 minor version?

Latest 8.0.x from installer is fine.