Guide to Downloading and Installing MariaDB 12.1.2 on Windows

Technical Articles August 23, 2025

MariaDB is a popular open-source relational database management system, and version 12.1.2 is the latest in its rolling release series as of August 23, 2025. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of downloading MariaDB 12.1.2 (x64) for Windows, addressing where to find it, how to install it, and how to handle the setup wizard’s prompt for creating or upgrading database instances.

Where to Download MariaDB 12.1.2 (x64)

To download MariaDB 12.1.2 for Windows (x64), you have several reliable options:

MariaDB Foundation Official Website
- URL: mariadb.org/download/
- Navigate to the MariaDB Server section, select version 12.1.2, and choose Windows (x86_64). Download the .msi installer (e.g., mariadb-12.1.2-winx64.msi). This is the most authoritative source for MariaDB releases.
MariaDB Downloads Page
- URL: downloads.mariadb.org
- Select MariaDB Server and version 12.1.2. Choose a mirror close to your location for faster downloads. Verify the file’s integrity using the provided SHA256 checksum.
Domestic Mirrors (for Chinese Users)
- Tsinghua University Mirror: mirrors.tuna.tsinghua.edu.cn/mariadb/mariadb-12.1.2/winx64-packages/
- This mirror is recommended for users in China to accelerate download speeds. Look for mariadb-12.1.2-winx64.msi. Other mirrors, like Alibaba Cloud or Huawei Cloud, may also host MariaDB 12.1.2.
GitHub Source Code
- URL: github.com/MariaDB/server
- For users needing to compile from source, select the mariadb-12.1.2 tag and download the source code as a .tar.gz or .zip file.

Note: MariaDB 12.1.2 is a rolling release, suitable for testing or development environments. For production, consider a Long Term Support (LTS) version like 11.8.3 or 10.11.14, which offer extended support.

Understanding MariaDB 12.1.2

MariaDB 12.1.2, released on August 6, 2025, is part of the rolling release series, meaning it receives updates until the next version (e.g., 12.2). It introduces features like password-protected keys, new authentication plugins, and improved replication. However, users are encouraged to upgrade to subsequent versions for continued support, as 12.1.2 will not receive further updates after 12.2’s release. For detailed changes, refer to the MariaDB 12.1.2 Release Notes.

Installing MariaDB 12.1.2 on Windows

After downloading the mariadb-12.1.2-winx64.msi file, follow these steps to install MariaDB on a Windows system (e.g., Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit):

Step 1: Run the Installer

Double-click the .msi file to launch the MariaDB setup wizard.
Select your preferred language (e.g., English) and click Next.

Step 2: Handle the “Create or Upgrade Database Instance” Prompt

During installation, if the wizard detects existing MariaDB or MySQL instances, it will display:

Setup found existing database instances that can be upgraded to MariaDB 12.1 (x64). You can create a new database instance and/or upgrade existing one.

Create new database instance.

Do not create a new database. Optionally upgrade existing instances.

Choose the option that suits your needs:

Option 1: Create a New Database Instance

When to Choose: You want a fresh MariaDB 12.1.2 instance without affecting existing databases.
Steps:
1. Select Create new database instance and click Next.
2. Configure the following:
  - Installation Directory: Default is C:\Program Files\MariaDB 12.1. You can customize it.
  - Data Directory: Choose a location for database files (e.g., C:\ProgramData\MariaDB\data). Ensure sufficient disk space.
  - Service Name: Assign a unique name (e.g., MariaDB121) to avoid conflicts with existing instances.
  - Port: Default is 3306. If occupied (e.g., by another MySQL/MariaDB instance), use an alternative like 3307.
  - Root Password: Set a strong password for the root user.
  - Windows Service: Enable registering MariaDB as a service (recommended, named e.g., MariaDB).
3. Complete the wizard and click Install.
4. After installation, secure the instance by running:
```
mysql_secure_installation
```
  This sets the root password (if not set), removes anonymous users, disables remote root login, and deletes the test database.

Option 2: Upgrade Existing Database Instances

When to Choose: You want to upgrade an existing MariaDB (e.g., 10.11, 11.8) or MySQL instance to 12.1.2, preserving data.
Precautions:
- Backup: Use mysqldump to back up all databases to prevent data loss.
- Compatibility: MariaDB 12.1 supports upgrades from 10.11 or 11.x. Older versions may require stepwise upgrades (e.g., 5.5 → 10.11 → 12.1).
- Check the Upgrading MariaDB guide for compatibility details.
Steps:
1. Select Do not create a new database. Optionally upgrade existing instances and click Next.
2. The wizard lists detected instances. Select the ones to upgrade.
3. Configure:
  - Data Directory: Verify the existing data directory (e.g., C:\ProgramData\MariaDB\data).
  - Service Name: Retain or update the existing service name.
  - Port: Usually keep the existing port (e.g., 3306).
4. Complete the wizard and click Install.
5. Post-upgrade, run:
```
mysql_upgrade --user=root --password
```
  Enter the root password to update system tables for MariaDB 12.1 compatibility.
6. Start the MariaDB service:
```
net start MariaDB
```
7. Test the connection:
```
mysql -u root -p
```
  Log in to confirm the upgrade.

Option 3: Create and Upgrade Simultaneously

If you want both a new instance and to upgrade existing ones, select Create new database instance and choose to upgrade specific instances in the next steps. Ensure unique service names and ports for each instance.

Step 3: Verify Installation

Check the MariaDB version:
```
mysql --version
```
Expected output: mysql Ver 12.1.2-MariaDB....
Log in to the database:
```
mysql -u root -p
```
Enter the root password to access the MariaDB command line.

Step 4: Secure the Installation

Run:
```
mysql_secure_installation
```
Follow prompts to:
- Set or confirm the root password.
- Remove anonymous users.
- Disable remote root login.
- Delete the test database.
- Reload privilege tables.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Port Conflicts:
- If port 3306 is occupied, specify a different port (e.g., 3307) during setup.
- Edit my.ini (typically in C:\Program Files\MariaDB 12.1\data\my.ini):
```
[mysqld]
port=3307
```
- Restart the service:
```
net stop MariaDB
net start MariaDB
```
Upgrade Failures:
- Back up databases before upgrading.
- Check error logs (e.g., C:\ProgramData\MariaDB\data\*.err) for issues.
- Re-run mysql_upgrade if errors occur.
Slow Downloads:
- Use the Tsinghua University mirror for faster downloads in China.
Permission Issues:
- Run the installer and command prompt as an administrator.
- Ensure write permissions for the installation and data directories.

Additional Notes

Stability: MariaDB 12.1.2 is a rolling release, not recommended for production due to its short support cycle. Consider LTS versions like 11.8.3 for stability.
Documentation: Refer to:
- MariaDB 12.1.2 Release Notes
- Windows Installation Guide
Support: For issues, visit MariaDB Zulip or file a bug on JIRA.

Conclusion

MariaDB 12.1.2 (x64) can be easily downloaded from the MariaDB Foundation website or domestic mirrors like Tsinghua University. The Windows installer provides flexibility to create new database instances or upgrade existing ones. By following the steps above, you can set up or upgrade MariaDB efficiently, ensuring a secure and functional database environment. For specific issues or advanced configurations, consult the official documentation or community resources.

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