Installing & Verifying MySQL

This article is for absolute beginners who have never installed database software.

By the end of this article, you will be able to say confidently:

  • MySQL is installed
  • MySQL Server is running
  • You can connect successfully

No assumptions. No skipped steps.

What Exactly Are We Installing?

We are installing MySQL, which consists of two main parts:

  1. MySQL Server
    Runs in the background and stores data.
  2. MySQL Client Tools
    Used to connect to the server (Workbench or Command Line).

If the server is missing or not running, MySQL will not work.

 

1: Go to the Official Download Page

Open this link in your browser:

https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/

This is the only correct source.
Do not download MySQL from random websites.

 

2: What to Click (Very Important)

On the download page, you will see many products.

If You Are on Windows

Click MySQL Installer for Windows

Ignore everything else.

If You Are on macOS

Click MySQL Community Server
Then download the DMG Archive.

Do not download:

  • MySQL Shell
  • MySQL Router
  • Connector files

Those are not for beginners.

 

Installing MySQL on Windows (Step by Step)

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Step 1: Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded MySQL Installer file.

Step 2: Choose Setup Type

Select Full.

This installs:

  • MySQL Server
  • MySQL Workbench
  • MySQL Command Line Tools

Do not customize anything.

Step 3: Configuration Settings

Keep all defaults:

  • Port: 3306
  • Authentication: Strong password
  • Run MySQL as a Windows Service: Yes

Step 4: Set Root Password

Set a password for the root user.

Write this password down.
You will need it every time you connect.

Step 5: Finish Installation

Click Finish and close the installer.

At this point, MySQL Server should be running automatically.

 

Installing MySQL on macOS (Step by Step)

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Step 1: Open the DMG File

Double-click the downloaded DMG file.

Step 2: Follow the Installer

Click Continue and accept defaults.

Step 3: Set Root Password

During installation, you will be asked to set a root password.

Save this password carefully.

Step 4: Complete Installation

Finish the setup wizard.

MySQL Server is now installed on your system.

 

3: Start MySQL Server (Do Not Skip)

On Windows

  • MySQL Server starts automatically
  • You do not need to open anything manually

On macOS

  • Open System Settings
  • Click MySQL
  • Click Start MySQL Server

If the server is not running, MySQL will not work.

 

4: Install MySQL Workbench (If Not Installed)

Windows

Workbench is installed automatically with Full Setup.

macOS

Download MySQL Workbench separately from the same website and install it.

Workbench is the visual tool we’ll use as beginners.

 

5: Verify Installation (Critical Step)

This is how you confirm everything worked.

Verification Method 1: Using MySQL Workbench (Recommended)

  1. Open MySQL Workbench
  2. Click Local Instance
  3. Enter the root password

If:

  • Workbench opens
  • You see a query editor

Then:
MySQL is installed correctly.

Verification Method 2: Using Command Line

Open Terminal (macOS) or Command Prompt (Windows) and run:

mysql --version

If a version number appears, MySQL is installed.

Then try:

mysql -u root -p

Enter your password.

If you see the MySQL prompt:

mysql>

Then:
MySQL Server is running and accessible.

If Something Does Not Work

Problem: Access Denied

  • Password is incorrect
  • Caps Lock may be on

Problem: Command Not Found

  • MySQL is installed, but not added to PATH
  • Use MySQL Workbench instead

Problem: Cannot connect

  • MySQL Server is not running
  • Start the service (Windows) or enable it in System Settings (macOS)