Install MongoDB on Windows: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Overview

• Download MongoDB Community Server (free) from the official site, choosing the Windows MSI package for the guided install.
• Run the installer, keep "Install as Service" checked, and optionally add Compass for a visual GUI.
• Create the data folder (C:\data\db) before starting MongoDB, or the service won't launch.
• Add MongoDB's bin folder to your Windows PATH so commands like mongod and mongosh work from anywhere.
• Verify with mongod --version and mongosh, then use net start MongoDB / net stop MongoDB to control the service; if you don't have admin rights, use the ZIP method instead.

This blog walks you through the entire process from start to finish. You will learn how to download and install MongoDB on Windows, set up the data directory, add MongoDB to your system PATH, run it as a Windows service, and fix the errors that trip up most beginners.

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How to Install MongoDB on Windows

Before jumping into the steps, it helps to understand what installing MongoDB on Windows involves. It is not just one download and click next. There are a few moving parts: the database server itself (mongod), the shell to interact with it (mongosh), and optionally a GUI tool called Compass.

Here is a quick look at what the process covers:

Step	What it does
Download MongoDB	Get the installer from the official site
Install MongoDB	Run the MSI setup wizard
Set up data directory	Choose where MongoDB stores your data
Configure PATH	Let Windows recognize MongoDB commands anywhere
Run as a service	Start MongoDB automatically with Windows
Verify installation	Confirm everything works

MongoDB Community Edition is free, and it works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 without any licensing cost. This is the version most developers and students use for local development, and it is the one this guide focuses on.

The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you follow the steps in order. Most problems people run into come from skipping the PATH setup or not creating the data folder correctly, so pay close attention to those two sections.

If you have searched for how to install MongoDB on Windows before and gotten stuck partway through, this guide is written to walk you through every part of the process without assuming prior experience.

Once installed, MongoDB runs quietly in the background as a Windows service. You will not need to manually start it every time you restart your computer, unless you choose to configure it that way. This makes it convenient for ongoing development work, whether you are building with Node.js, Python, or any other backend framework.

Also Read: Understanding MongoDB Architecture: Key Components, Functionality, and Advantages.

Prerequisites and System Requirements to Install MongoDB on Windows

Before you install MongoDB on Windows, it is worth checking whether your system meets the basic requirements. This saves you from running into issues halfway through the setup.

1. Supported MongoDB Versions

MongoDB releases new versions regularly, and not every version supports every Windows edition. As a general rule:

• The latest stable release of MongoDB Community Server is recommended for new installs
• Older MongoDB versions (below 4.0) are no longer actively supported on modern Windows
• Always check the official MongoDB download page for the current supported version before downloading

2. Compatible Windows Operating Systems

MongoDB Community Edition works on:

• Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Windows 11 (64-bit)
• Windows Server 2016 and later

32-bit versions of Windows are not supported by recent MongoDB releases. If you are running an older or 32-bit system, you will need to use an older MongoDB version, which is not recommended for new projects.

3. Permissions Required

You do not always need administrator rights to install MongoDB on Windows. There are two paths:

• With admin rights: Use the standard MSI installer, which sets things up automatically, including the Windows service.
• Without admin rights: Use the ZIP archive method, which lets you run MongoDB manually without installing it system-wide. This guide covers this method later.

4. Other Things to Check

• At least 400 MB of free disk space for the installation itself, plus extra space for your actual data.
• A stable internet connection to download the installer.
• Antivirus software that is not overly aggressive, since some antivirus tools flag mongod.exe incorrectly.

Once you have confirmed these basics, you are ready to download and install MongoDB on Windows and move through the remaining steps to install MongoDB on Windows without interruption.

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Steps to Install MongoDB on Windows

Installing MongoDB on Windows consists of a series of steps listed below

Step 1: Download MongoDB for Windows

The first real step in installing MongoDB on Windows is to download the installer file. MongoDB offers a free Community Server edition, which is what most developers use for local setups.

Where to Download MongoDB

Go to the official MongoDB download center and select:

• Version: Current stable release (recommended by default)
• Platform: Windows
• Package: MSI

The MSI package is the easiest way to download and install MongoDB on Windows because it comes with a guided setup wizard.

There is also a ZIP option, which is useful if you want a portable install without admin rights; it is covered later in this guide.

Community vs Enterprise

Edition	Best for	Cost
Community Server	Individual developers, learning, small projects	Free
Enterprise Server	Businesses needing advanced security and support	Paid

For almost everyone reading this guide, Community Server is the right choice. It has everything you need to learn MongoDB and build real applications.

Checking the File

Once the download finishes, you will have a file that looks something like mongodb-windows-x86_64-x.x.x-signed.msi. Confirm it matches the version and architecture (64-bit) you selected. This small check avoids a common issue where people accidentally download the wrong build and the installer fails partway through.

At this point, you have successfully completed the first part of how to download and install MongoDB on Windows.

The next step is running the installer itself, which is where the actual setup happens.

Keep the installer file somewhere easy to find, like your Downloads folder or Desktop, since you will run it directly in the next step.

Also Read: Top 10 MongoDB Tools for 2025: Essential Tools for Students and Developers

Step 2: Install MongoDB Server on Windows (MSI)

Now that you have the installer, it is time to actually install MongoDB on Windows. This is the core part of the steps to install MongoDB on Windows, and getting it right here saves you trouble later.

Running the Installer

1. Double-click the MSI file you downloaded.
2. Click Next on the welcome screen.
3. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
4. Choose the Setup Type.

Complete vs Custom Setup

Setup Type	What it does	Recommended for
Complete	Installs everything with default settings and paths	Most beginners
Custom	Lets you choose install location and components	Advanced users with specific needs

For most people following the steps to install MongoDB on Windows for the first time, Complete is the simpler and safer choice.

Configuring the Service

During installation, you will see an option labeled Install MongoDB as a Service. Keep this checked.

This tells Windows to run MongoDB automatically in the background, so you do not have to start it manually every time.

You will also see two service configuration options:

• Run service as Network Service user (default, works for most cases).
• Run the service as a local or domain user (only needed for specific security setups).

Stick with the default unless you have a specific reason not to.

Installing MongoDB Compass

The installer also gives you the option to install MongoDB Compass, a graphical tool for viewing and managing your database. It is optional but genuinely useful for beginners, since it lets you browse your data visually instead of typing every command in the shell.

Finishing Up

Click Install, wait for the process to complete, then click Finish. Windows may ask for permission during installation. This is normal.

At this point, MongoDB is technically installed on your machine. But there are a few more steps before it is fully ready to use, starting with setting up where your data actually lives.

Also Read: Most Common MongoDB Commands for MongoDB Beginners

Step 3: Set Up the Data Directory

MongoDB needs a dedicated folder to store your databases, collections, and documents. This is called the data directory, and setting it up correctly is one of the most important steps to install MongoDB on Windows successfully.

Default Data Directory Location

By default, MongoDB looks for data at:

C:\data\db 

If this folder does not already exist, MongoDB will fail to start, and you will see an error when you try to run it. This is one of the most common issues beginners run into, so do not skip this step.

Creating the Data Folder

Open Command Prompt and run:

md \data\db 

Alternatively, you can create the folders manually using File Explorer:

• Open your C: drive
• Create a folder named data
• Inside it, create another folder named db

Using a Custom Data Directory

If you prefer to store your data somewhere other than the default location, you can specify a custom path when starting MongoDB:

mongod --dbpath "D:\mongodb-data" 

Just make sure the folder exists before you run this command, or MongoDB will throw an error.

Understanding the Config File

MongoDB also uses a configuration file, typically located at:

C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\<version>\bin\mongod.cfg 

This file controls settings like the data path, log path, and network port. If you installed MongoDB as a service, this config file is what the service reads on startup. Opening it in a text editor lets you see (and change) where your data and logs are actually stored.

Log Directory

Similarly, MongoDB stores its logs at a default path, usually:

C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\<version>\log\mongod.log 

Checking this log file is often the fastest way to figure out what went wrong if MongoDB does not start properly.

Once your data directory is in place, you are ready to move on to making MongoDB accessible from anywhere on your system.

Step 4: Add MongoDB to the Windows PATH

This step is easy to skip, but it makes a real difference in how smoothly you can use MongoDB day to day.

Why This Matters

Without adding MongoDB to your PATH, you would need to type the full file path every time you want to run a MongoDB command, like:

"C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\7.0\bin\mongod.exe" 

That gets tedious fast. Adding MongoDB to the PATH lets you simply type mongod or mongosh from any folder in Command Prompt, without the long path.

Steps to Add MongoDB to PATH

1. Search for Environment Variables in the Windows Start menu and open Edit the system environment variables
2. Click Environment Variables
3. Under System variables, find and select Path, then click Edit
4. Click New and paste the path to your MongoDB bin folder, usually:

C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\<version>\bin 

1. Click OK on all open windows to save the changes

Verifying the PATH Update

Open a new Command Prompt window (this part matters, old windows will not pick up the change) and type:

mongod --version 

If this shows a version number instead of an error, your PATH is set up correctly.

Common Mistake

A lot of people add the wrong folder to the PATH, like the main MongoDB install folder instead of the bin subfolder. Double-check that the path you added ends in \bin, since that is where the actual executable files live.

This step is small but it solves one of the most frequent complaints people have when they install MongoDB on Windows: the dreaded "not recognized as an internal or external command" error, which we will cover in detail later in this guide.

Step 5: Run MongoDB as a Windows Service

One of the advantages of installing MongoDB with the MSI installer is that it can run as a Windows service. This means MongoDB starts automatically in the background whenever your computer boots up, and you do not need to manually launch it every time.

Checking if the Service is Running

Open Command Prompt and type:

sc query MongoDB 

If the status shows RUNNING, MongoDB is already active in the background.

Starting the Service Manually

If it is not running, start it with:

net start MongoDB 

You should see a message confirming the service started successfully.

Stopping the Service

If you ever need to stop MongoDB, run:

net stop MongoDB 

This is useful when troubleshooting or when you want to run mongod manually instead of through the service.

Restarting the Service

Sometimes a restart fixes issues faster than digging into logs. To restart MongoDB, simply stop and start it again:

net stop MongoDB 
net start MongoDB 

You can also do this through the Services app in Windows. Search for "Services" in the Start menu, find MongoDB Server, right-click it, and choose Restart.

Running MongoDB Manually (Without the Service)

If you prefer not to run MongoDB as a background service, you can start it manually anytime with:

mongod 

Just remember this only works while that Command Prompt window stays open. Closing it stops the database.

Which Method Should You Use

Method	Best for
Windows Service	Ongoing development, convenience
Manual (mongod command)	Testing, temporary sessions, learning

For most day-to-day development, letting MongoDB run as a service is the more practical choice, since you will not need to remember to start it every time.

Step 6: Install and Use MongoDB Shell (mongosh)

Once MongoDB is running, you need a way to actually talk to it. That is where mongosh, the MongoDB Shell, comes in.

What is mongosh

mongosh is a command-line tool that lets you connect to your MongoDB server, run queries, and manage your databases directly from the terminal. It replaced the older mongo shell in recent MongoDB versions.

Installing mongosh

In newer MongoDB installers, mongosh is not always bundled automatically. If it was not installed alongside your server, download it separately from the official MongoDB Shell download page, selecting the Windows MSI package.

Run the installer the same way you did for the main MongoDB package, following the setup wizard prompts.

Connecting to Your Local MongoDB Instance

Open Command Prompt and type:

mongosh 

If MongoDB is running and your PATH is set up correctly, this connects you directly to your local instance, and you will see a prompt that looks something like:

test> 

This confirms mongosh is talking to your MongoDB server successfully.

Basic Commands to Try

Once connected, here are a few commands worth knowing:

• show dbs — lists all existing databases
• use mydatabase — switches to (or creates) a database
• show collections — lists collections in the current database
• exit — closes the shell

Why mongosh Matters

Some beginners try to skip the shell and go straight to Compass, the GUI tool. That is fine for browsing data visually, but mongosh gives you more control and is closer to what you will use in real production environments and scripts. Learning it early pays off.

With mongosh connected, you are now ready to confirm everything is working correctly.

Step 7: Verify Your MongoDB Installation

After you install MongoDB on Windows, it is worth taking a minute to confirm everything is actually working before you start building anything on top of it.

Checking the MongoDB Version

Open Command Prompt and run:

mongod --version 

This should return details about your installed MongoDB version, including the build environment. If you get an error instead, it usually means your PATH was not configured correctly in Step 4.

Checking mongosh Version

Similarly, check your shell version with:

mongosh --version 

Confirming the Service Status

Run this to make sure MongoDB is active:

sc query MongoDB 

Look for STATE: RUNNING in the output.

Testing the Connection

The most reliable way to verify your install MongoDB on Windows setup worked is simply connecting via mongosh:

mongosh 

If you land on the test> prompt without any connection errors, your installation is complete and working.

Quick Verification Checklist

Check	Command	Expected Result
MongoDB version	mongod --version	Version number displayed
Shell version	mongosh --version	Version number displayed
Service status	sc query MongoDB	STATE: RUNNING
Connection test	mongosh	Connects to test> prompt

If all four checks pass, your MongoDB installation on Windows is fully functional and ready for actual use.

Create Your First Database and Collection

Now that MongoDB is installed and verified, let's create something real. This is the natural next step after any MongoDB Windows setup.

Creating a Database

Open mongosh and run:

use myFirstDatabase 

MongoDB does not actually create the database until you add data to it. This is a common point of confusion for beginners, so do not worry if show dbs does not immediately show your new database yet.

Creating a Collection and Adding Data

Collections in MongoDB are similar to tables in relational databases. To create one and add your first document, run:

db.users.insertOne({ name: "Alex", age: 28, city: "Delhi" }) 

This creates a collection called users (if it does not already exist) and inserts one document into it.

Confirming It Worked

Now run:

show dbs 

You should see myFirstDatabase in the list, since it now contains actual data.

To view what you just inserted:

db.users.find() 

This returns the document you added, confirming your database and collection are working correctly.

Why This Step Matters

A lot of guides stop at installation and verification, but actually creating and querying data is what confirms your setup works end to end. It also gives you a small, practical starting point for building your actual application on top of MongoDB.

From here, you can start connecting your application code (Node.js, Python, Java, or whatever stack you are using) to this same local MongoDB instance.

Install MongoDB Compass (GUI)

If typing commands in mongosh is not your preference, MongoDB Compass gives you a visual way to work with your database. 

What is Compass

Compass is MongoDB's official GUI application. It lets you browse databases, view documents, run queries, and analyze your schema, all through a visual interface instead of the command line.

Installing Compass

If you selected Compass during the main installer setup in Step 2, it is already installed on your machine. If not, download it separately from the official MongoDB Compass download page and run the installer the same way.

Connecting Compass to Your Local Database

Open Compass and use this connection string to connect to your local instance:

mongodb://localhost:27017 

Click Connect, and you should see all your existing databases listed, including the one you created in the previous section.

Should You Use Compass or mongosh

Both tools serve different purposes:

• mongosh is faster for quick commands, scripting, and matches what you will use in production environments
• Compass is better for visually exploring data, debugging complex documents, and building queries without memorizing syntax

Many developers use both, depending on the task. Compass is especially helpful for beginners who are still getting comfortable with MongoDB's query syntax.

Installing Compass is entirely optional. It does not affect your core MongoDB installation on Windows, and you can install or uninstall it anytime without impacting your database or data.

Installing MongoDB on Windows Without an Installer (ZIP Method)

If you do not have administrator rights on your Windows machine, you can still install MongoDB on Windows using the ZIP archive method. This does not require any elevated permissions.

Step 1: Download the MongoDB ZIP Archive

Go to the official MongoDB download page and select the ZIP package instead of MSI, for the Windows platform.

Step 2: Extract the Files

Right-click the downloaded ZIP file and choose Extract All. Pick a folder location you have full access to, such as your Documents or a folder on your Desktop.

Step 3: Locate the "bin" Folder

Inside the extracted folder, navigate to the bin subfolder. This contains mongod.exe, mongosh.exe, and other executable files you need.

Step 4: Run MongoDB Server Without Installation

Since there is no installer setting up a service for you, you need to manually create a data folder first (see Step 3 earlier in this guide for details), then run:

mongod --dbpath "C:\your-custom-path\data" 

Replace the path with a folder you have permission to write to.

Step 5: Run MongoDB Shell

Open a separate Command Prompt window, navigate to the same bin folder, and run:

mongosh 

This connects to your manually running MongoDB instance.

Key Differences from the Installer Method

Aspect	ZIP Method	MSI Installer
Admin rights needed	No	Yes
Runs as Windows service	No, manual start required	Yes, automatic
Setup complexity	Slightly more manual steps	Guided wizard
Best for	Restricted work laptops, portable setups	Most personal machines

This method is a solid workaround if you are on a managed work laptop or student system where you cannot install software normally, but still need to install MongoDB on Windows for a project or assignment.

Common MongoDB Installation Errors and Fixes

Even with careful steps, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues people hit when they install MongoDB on Windows, and how to fix each one.

1. "MongoDB is not recognized as an internal or external command"

This almost always means MongoDB is not added to your Windows PATH correctly.

Fix: Go back to Step 4, confirm the path you added ends in \bin, and make sure you opened a new Command Prompt window after making the change.

2. MongoDB Service Not Starting

This usually happens when the data directory does not exist or Windows does not have write permission to it.

Fix: Confirm C:\data\db (or your custom data path) exists and is not read-only. Check the mongod.log file for the exact error message.

3. MongoDB Connection Refused

This means mongosh is trying to connect, but nothing is listening on that port.

Fix: Check if the MongoDB service is running using sc query MongoDB. If it is stopped, start it with net start MongoDB.

4. "mongod command not found"

Similar to the PATH issue above, but sometimes caused by a typo in the folder name added to PATH.

Fix: Re-check the exact folder path in Environment Variables, matching your installed MongoDB version number exactly.

5. Port 27017 Already in Use

MongoDB's default port might be occupied by another running instance or a different application.

Fix: Run netstat -ano | findstr :27017 to see what is using the port, close that process, or start MongoDB on a different port using mongod --port 27018.

6. Service Failed to Start (Error 1053)

This Windows-specific error usually points to a corrupted service configuration or a permissions conflict.

Fix: Uninstall MongoDB, delete leftover files in C:\Program Files\MongoDB, then reinstall using the MSI installer with the "Install as Service" option checked again.

Quick Troubleshooting Table

Error	Likely Cause	Fix
Not recognized as a command	PATH not set	Re-check Step 4
Service not starting	Missing data folder	Create C:\data\db
Connection refused	Service stopped	Run net start MongoDB
Port already in use	Another process on 27017	Free port or use a new one
Error 1053	Corrupted service	Reinstall MongoDB

Installing MongoDB on Windows for Specific Use Cases

How you install MongoDB on Windows can vary slightly depending on what you are building. Here is a quick look at two common scenarios.

MongoDB for Node.js Development on Windows

If you are building a backend with Node.js, the installation steps stay the same, but you will additionally need to:

• Install Node.js separately if you have not already
• Install the MongoDB Node.js driver in your project using npm install mongodb
• Connect your app to mongodb://localhost:27017 in your code, the same connection string Compass uses

Since MongoDB runs as a background service after installation, your Node.js app can connect to it anytime without extra setup steps.

MongoDB for Local Development on Windows

For general local development, whether it is a personal project, coursework, or testing:

• Stick with the default MSI installer and Complete setup, since it configures everything automatically
• Keep MongoDB running as a service so it is always available when you start coding
• Use Compass alongside mongosh so you can visually inspect your data while developing

Local development setups do not usually need custom ports, authentication, or advanced configuration. The default install MongoDB on Windows steps covered earlier in this guide are enough for almost all learning and personal project scenarios.

How to Uninstall MongoDB from Windows

If you ever need to remove MongoDB, whether to reinstall a cleaner version or free up space, here is how to do it properly.

Steps to Uninstall

1. Open Control Panel and go to Programs and Features
2. Find MongoDB in the list and click Uninstall.
3. Follow the prompts to remove the software.

Cleaning Up Leftover Files

Uninstalling through Control Panel does not always remove everything. Manually delete these folders if they still exist:

• C:\Program Files\MongoDB
• C:\data\db (only if you no longer need your existing data)

Be careful with the data folder. If you have important databases stored there, back them up before deleting anything.

Removing MongoDB from PATH

Go back to Environment Variables (same place as Step 4) and remove the MongoDB bin folder entry from the Path variable, since it is no longer needed once MongoDB is uninstalled.

Also Read: The Future Scope of MongoDB: Advantages, Improvements & Challenges

Conclusion

Installing MongoDB on Windows is not complicated once you understand the individual pieces: downloading the right package, setting up your data directory, configuring the PATH, and getting the service running. Most of the confusion beginners face comes down to a missing data folder or an incomplete PATH setup, both of which are easy to fix once you know where to look.

Whether you used the MSI installer or the ZIP method, you should now have a working local MongoDB instance, complete with mongosh for command-line access and optionally Compass for a visual interface. From here, you are ready to connect this database to your actual application, whether that is a Node.js backend, a Python project, or anything else you are building.

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