MySQL Installation Guide for Windows
& macOS
1. Pre‑Installation Notes
• Administrator access on your computer is required.
• Have at least 1 GB of free disk space.
• Ensure a stable internet connection for downloading the installer.
• Recommended version: MySQL Community Server 8.x (free and widely supported).
• For Python use, later install the connector using: pip install mysql-connector-python
2. Installing MySQL on Windows 10/11
Step 1: Download Installer
1. Go to [Link]
2. Choose Windows (x86, 64-bit), MySQL Installer MSI:
- Web Installer (~2 MB) downloads components during setup.
- Full Installer (~450 MB) includes all components.
3. Click Download → 'No thanks, just start my download'.
Step 2: Run Installer
• Locate the downloaded .msi file → Right-click → Run as Administrator.
• Allow User Account Control prompt.
Step 3: Choose Setup Type
Choose from the following:
• Developer Default → Recommended for students (includes MySQL Server, Workbench,
connectors).
• Server Only → Minimal installation.
• Custom → Lets you pick components.
Step 4: Check Requirements
Installer will verify required software (like Visual C++ runtime). Click Execute to download
and install missing components.
Step 5: Install Components
Click Execute to install:
• MySQL Server
• MySQL Workbench
• MySQL Shell
• Documentation & Sample Databases (optional)
Step 6: Configure MySQL Server
1. Server Type: Standalone MySQL Server
2. Config Type: Development Computer
3. Connectivity: TCP/IP Port 3306
4. Authentication: Use Strong Password Encryption (recommended)
5. Set a root password and note it down
6. Configure Windows Service → enable Start at System Startup
Step 7: Apply Configuration
Click Execute → Wait for all steps to turn green → Finish.
Step 8: Verify Installation
• Launch MySQL Workbench → Connect to Local instance → Enter root password.
• Run: SELECT VERSION();
• Test Python connection:
import [Link] as mysql
conn = [Link](host='localhost', user='root', password='your_password')
print('Connected!' if conn.is_connected() else 'Failed')
3. Installing MySQL on macOS (Apple Silicon & Intel)
Step 1: Download DMG Installer
1. Visit [Link]
2. Choose macOS 13 (ARM, x86_64) depending on your Mac:
- ARM64 DMG for Apple Silicon (M1/M2)
- x86_64 DMG for Intel Macs
3. Download → 'No thanks, just start my download'.
Step 2: Install MySQL
1. Open the downloaded .dmg → Double-click the .pkg installer
2. Follow on-screen steps → provide Mac admin password
3. Note the temporary root password shown after installation.
Step 3: Start MySQL Server
• Go to System Settings → MySQL (or System Preferences → MySQL on older macOS)
• Click Start MySQL Server
• (Optional) Enable Start MySQL at system startup
Step 4: Configure Root Password
• Open Terminal and run:
sudo /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql_secure_installation
• Follow prompts to set root password, remove anonymous users, and secure installation.
Step 5: Add MySQL to PATH
• In Terminal:
echo 'export PATH=/usr/local/mysql/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
• Test: mysql --version
Step 6: Verify Connection
• In Terminal:
mysql -u root -p
• Enter password and test with: SELECT VERSION();
• Test Python connection as done in Windows section.
4. Troubleshooting Tips
• Port 3306 already in use: Stop other MySQL/MariaDB services or change port during
configuration.
• Forgot root password: Stop server → run mysqld --skip-grant-tables → reset password
using SQL.
• Workbench cannot connect: Ensure MySQL service is running and firewall allows port
3306.
• Connector fails in Python: Install or update using: pip install mysql-connector-python.
• On macOS M1/M2 architecture errors: Ensure you used ARM64 DMG; alternatively use
Homebrew: brew install mysql.
5. Recommended Tools
• MySQL Workbench – GUI for queries, schema design, and management.
• DBeaver (optional) – Free multi‑DB GUI tool.
• VS Code + SQLTools extension – For quick SQL queries within the editor.