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Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing MySQL on a Windows computer

Step 1: Download MySQL Installer

  1. Go to the MySQL website.
  2. Click on "MySQL Installer for Windows".
  3. Choose the "Windows (x86, 64-bit), MSI Installer" and download it.

Step 2: Run the Installer

  1. Find the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click it to run the installer.
  2. If prompted by User Account Control, click "Yes" to allow the installer to make changes to your device.

Step 3: Choose Setup Type

  1. Choose a Setup Type: You will be given several setup options:

    • Developer Default: Includes MySQL server, MySQL Shell, MySQL Workbench, and other tools.
    • Server only: Only the MySQL server.
    • Client only: Only the client applications.
    • Full: Everything included in the installer.
    • Custom: Choose which components to install.

    For beginners, the "Developer Default" option is recommended. Click "Next".

Step 4: Check Requirements

  1. The installer will check if your system has all the required components. If anything is missing, the installer will prompt you to install it. Click "Execute" to install any missing requirements, then click "Next".

Step 5: Installation

  1. Click "Execute" to start the installation of MySQL products. This may take a few minutes.
  2. Once the installation is complete, click "Next".

Step 6: Configuration

  1. MySQL Server Configuration:

    • Config Type: Choose "Development Machine" if you’re using it for development purposes.
    • Connectivity: Leave the default TCP/IP settings.
    • Port Number: Default is 3306. Leave this unless you need a different port.

  2. Authentication Method:

    • Use Strong Password Encryption: Recommended.
    • Legacy Authentication Method: Use this if you need compatibility with older applications.

    Click "Next".

  3. Accounts and Roles:

    • Root Password: Set a strong password for the root account. Remember this password as you’ll need it later.
    • MySQL User Accounts: (Optional) Add additional user accounts if needed.

    Click "Next".

  4. Windows Service:

    • Configure MySQL Server as a Windows Service: This allows MySQL to start automatically with Windows.
    • Standard System Account: Leave this selected.

    Click "Next".

  5. Apply Configuration: Click "Execute" to apply the configuration settings. Once completed, click "Finish".

Step 7: Complete Installation

  1. Click "Next" and then "Finish" to complete the installation.

Step 8: Verify Installation

  1. Open MySQL Workbench (it should have been installed with the "Developer Default" setup).
  2. Click the "Local instance MySQL" to connect to the MySQL server.
  3. Enter the root password you set during installation.
  4. If everything is set up correctly, you should see the MySQL Workbench interface connected to your MySQL server.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed MySQL on your Windows computer. Now you can start creating databases and managing your data.