Quick Answer: MySQL Workbench is free (GPL license). Download it directly from dev.mysql.com/downloads/workbench/. The current version is 8.0.46 for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
That's the link. No Oracle account required — just click "No thanks, just start my download" at the bottom of the page. You'll be running queries in five minutes.
System Requirements
Before you download, make sure your machine can handle it. MySQL Workbench isn't heavy, but it does need a 64-bit system.
| Requirement | Windows | Mac | Linux |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS Version | Windows 11 / Server 2022 | macOS 14 (Sonoma) or 15 (Sequoia) | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Oracle/RHEL 8–9 |
| Architecture | x86_64 | x86_64 or ARM (Apple Silicon) | x86_64 |
| RAM | 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended) | 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended) | 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended) |
| Display | 1024×768 minimum | 1024×768 minimum | 1024×768 minimum |
| Dependencies | Visual C++ Redistributable, .NET Framework 4.5+ | None | gnome-keyring-daemon |
Download & Installation Steps
Head to dev.mysql.com/downloads/workbench/ and pick your OS. If you're looking for more options beyond Workbench, check out our MySQL GUI tool recommendations.
Windows Installation
Mac Installation
Linux Installation
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo dpkg -i mysql-workbench-community_8.0.46-1ubuntu24.04_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get install -f
# RHEL/Oracle Linux
sudo rpm -i mysql-workbench-community-8.0.46-1.el9.x86_64.rpmTired of clunky database tools?
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Common Installation Errors & Fixes
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "MSVCP140.dll not found" (Windows) | Missing Visual C++ Redistributable | Download and install from Microsoft's site |
| "Can't connect to MySQL server" | MySQL Server isn't running | Start MySQL service: sudo systemctl start mysql (Linux) or check Services panel (Windows) |
| "App can't be opened" (Mac) | macOS Gatekeeper blocking unsigned app | System Settings → Privacy & Security → click "Open Anyway" |
| "Unmet dependencies" (Linux) | Missing libraries | Run sudo apt-get install -f to resolve dependencies |
MySQL Workbench vs Modern Alternatives
- 1.Select "Microsoft Windows" on the download page
- 2.Download the MSI installer (about 30 MB)
- 3.Run the
.msifile — accept defaults - 4.Windows may prompt for Visual C++ Redistributable. Install it if asked
- 5.Launch MySQL Workbench from the Start menu
- 6.Select "macOS" on the download page
- 7.Download the
.dmgfile - 8.Open the DMG and drag MySQL Workbench to your Applications folder
- 9.On first launch, macOS will block it. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway"
- 10.Launch from Applications
- 11.Select your distro on the download page (Ubuntu, Fedora, or generic Linux)
- 12.Download the
.debor.rpmpackage - 13.Install via terminal:
- 14.Launch with
mysql-workbenchfrom terminal or your app menu
MySQL Workbench does the job. It's free, it's official, and it supports everything from data modeling to server administration. But it carries baggage. The interface feels dated, startup is slow, and there's no AI assistance built in.
If you mostly need to browse data, run queries, and edit rows without the overhead of a full IDE, a lighter tool might suit you better. QueryGlow gives you a modern web-based UI with AI-powered query generation, Safe Mode to block dangerous operations, and support for six databases — not just MySQL. One-time $79 payment, no subscriptions. See our full QueryGlow vs MySQL Workbench comparison for a detailed breakdown.
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