How to Install and Use MongoDB on Windows | Step-by-Step Guide

How to Install and Use MongoDB on Windows

Step-by-step guide for beginners

Introduction

MongoDB is a popular NoSQL database used for storing JSON-like documents. If you’re a Windows user and want to start working with MongoDB, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through installation, setup, and basic usage.

Keywords:

MongoDB, Windows, NoSQL, MongoDB installation, MongoDB commands, MongoDB Compass, MongoDB shell, JSON database

Step 1: Download MongoDB for Windows

Go to the official MongoDB download page: https://www.mongodb.com/try/download/community
Choose the latest stable version.
Select Windows as the operating system.
Download the MSI installer.

Step 2: Install MongoDB

Run the downloaded MSI installer.
Choose Complete setup when prompted.
Make sure to select the option: "Install MongoDB as a Service".
Also install MongoDB Compass (MongoDB’s GUI) if you want.

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt and type:

mongod --version

If installed correctly, you will see the MongoDB server version.

Step 4: Start MongoDB Server

If you installed as a service, MongoDB should already be running. But you can manually start the MongoDB server like this:

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

(Adjust the path if you installed a different version)

Step 5: Open MongoDB Shell (mongosh)

To start using MongoDB, open another Command Prompt and type:

mongosh

This opens the MongoDB Shell where you can run commands.

Step 6: Basic MongoDB Commands

Create or Switch Database:

use mydatabase

Create Collection and Insert Data:

db.users.insertOne({ name: "Shubham", age: 22 })

Find Data:

db.users.find()

Update Data:

db.users.updateOne({ name: "Shubham" }, { $set: { age: 23 } })

Delete Data:

db.users.deleteOne({ name: "Shubham" })

Step 7: Using MongoDB Compass (Optional)

MongoDB Compass is a graphical user interface (GUI) for MongoDB. It lets you visualize databases, collections, and documents easily.

Open Compass from the Start Menu.
For localhost connection, use: mongodb://localhost:27017
Click "Connect" to see your databases.

Step 8: Setting MongoDB Path (Optional)

If you want to run mongod and mongosh from any directory in Command Prompt, add MongoDB’s bin folder to your system PATH.

Steps:

Right-click on "This PC" → Properties → Advanced system settings → Environment Variables.
Under "System Variables", find "Path" → Click Edit → Add:

C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\7.0\bin

Common Errors and Fixes

Port already in use: Stop any other services running on port 27017.
Command not recognized: Ensure you added MongoDB to your PATH.
Cannot connect with Compass: Make sure MongoDB server is running.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed and run MongoDB on your Windows system. Now you’re ready to start building NoSQL applications with MongoDB.

Happy Coding!