How to Install MySQL Workbench Using an MSI Installer on a Windows Machine

Once the MySQL Community Server is installed on your machine, you are ready for the next and last part of MySQL installation, which is installing the MySQL Workbench. This is a database management tool issued by MySQL. With the workbench, you will be able to perform data modelling, SQL development, and a bunch of other system administration tasks, such as server configuration, user administration, backup, and beyond. Practically everything you need to keep your data-driven application running smoothly.

To find a download link for the Workbench, you can go to the MySQL website or do a simple search on Google by typing in “MySQL Workbench”. You’ll find the link on the developer section, where there will also be some information on what it is and how to download it. Before actually downloading the MSI installer for Windows, take a look at the prerequisites.

At the time of writing, there are two prerequisites for installing and running the MySQL Workbench on Windows:

• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5. This is just a bunch of programming code to help developers develop applications without having to write codes explicitly.
• Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015. This is a component library that is commonly required for developing applications with Visual C++.

If you are operating on a regularly updated version of Windows 10 there is a high chance that these two programs are already installed. But to be super sure, download them before proceeding with your installation.

• Navigate towards MySQL workbench download link on MySQL website.

• Click on the .NET framework download link.
• As you arrive on the Microsoft download page, look for the download button and click it to start the download.

• Pay attention to where your computer saves the downloaded file, but most of the times the default location will be the Download folder on your PC.
• Once that is complete, navigate to the second link, which will take you to a Microsoft Visual C++ download page.
• Look for the download button and start the download.

• Make a file selection. After choosing to download, you will be given some options. Select the file that corresponds to the type of Windows working on your machine. If you are using Windows 10 you would want to select the one with the x64. Unless your computer has the 32-bit operating system, you wouldn't need the other file.

• Click Next and start the download.
• After the prerequisites are met, go back to MySQL Workbench download page to download the MySQL Windows MSI Installer.
• Click the Download button to start the process.

• When prompted to choose to log in or set up a new account, hover over the last option, which is "No, thanks, just start my download."

• This will start your download without you having to sign up for anything or log in to any new platform. It’s also fine if you have an Oracle signup, but in most cases that simply is not necessary.

If you already have the prerequisites installed or even better versions of the program installed on your machine, the installer would inform you. In that case, there is no need to install the Framework or the Visual Studio file, and you can run the MSI Installer.

• Just click Close to stop the installation and go on with installing Visual C++ Redistributable.
• If you are seeing a similar message, again, just stop the installation and go on with the MSI Installer for MySQL Workbench.

• Click Next to start the installation.
• You can change the destination folder for the program or just settle with the default. Click Next to continue.

• Let the installer run for a few minutes.

• Click Finish to end the process.

After the installation fully completes, it is a good idea to open the Workbench. If you can't find the icon for the MySQL Workbench, just type in "MySQL Workbench" on the search bar and your computer will show you where it is. Click on the program to launch it and see if you can connect to a local server.

To learn more about MySQL open source database, this article might be useful:

• Getting to Know the All-Time Favorite MySQL Open Source Database