How to Install MongoDB with mongosh on Windows (Manually)

Hello Devs! Here's a clean step-by-step guide you can use to install and run MongoDB with mongosh on Windows:

Step 1: Download MongoDB Server

• Go to: https://www.mongodb.com/try/download/community

• Select:

  • Version: 8.0 (latest stable)

  • OS: Windows

  • Package: .msi (Installer)

• Click Download and run the installer.

---

Step 2: Install MongoDB Server

• Run the .msi file.

• During installation:

  • Select Complete setup.

  • ✔️ Enable “Install MongoDB as a Service” (recommended).

  • ✔️ Check “Install MongoDB Compass” if you need GUI (for beginners).

---

Step 3: Create Data Directory

MongoDB stores database files in C:\data\db by default.

• Open PowerShell and run:

    mkdir C:\data\db
  

---

Step 4: Start MongoDB Server

• Open a new terminal and run:

    mongod
  

• You’ll see logs like Waiting for connections at 127.0.0.1:27017

---

Step 5: Download mongosh (Mongo Shell)

MongoDB no longer includes mongosh by default.

• Go to: https://www.mongodb.com/try/download/shell

• Select:

  • Version: 2.5.x or latest

  • OS: Windows 64-bit

  • Package: .zip archive

• Download and extract the ZIP file.

---

Step 6: Move mongosh to Program Files

• Create a folder:

    C:\Program Files\MongoDB\mongosh
  

• Move all extracted files (from mongosh-2.5.3-win32-x64) into this folder.

---

Step 7: Add MongoDB to System PATH

So you can use mongod and mongosh from anywhere.

1. Press Win + S, search for Environment Variables, and open it.

2. Under System Variables, find Path → click Edit.

3. Click New, and add these:

    C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\8.0\bin
    C:\Program Files\MongoDB\mongosh\bin
   

4. Click OK → OK → OK to close all dialogs.

---

Step 8: Verify Installation

Open a new PowerShell or CMD window and run:

mongod --version
mongosh --version

Both should return version info.

---

Step 9: Connect to MongoDB

• Run:

    mongosh
  

• You’ll connect to mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017 and enter the Mongo shell prompt:

    test>
  

You're now ready to use MongoDB!

So! this was a step-by-step guide to installing and running MongoDB with mongosh on Windows. It involves downloading the MongoDB server and mongosh, installing them, setting up a data directory, and adding executables to the system PATH. Finally, you verify the installation and connect to MongoDB using mongosh.

---