PgAdmin 4 Setup Guide: Docker, Ubuntu & Windows Installation 2026

Quick Answer: pgAdmin 4 is the official open-source GUI for PostgreSQL. The latest version is v9.12 (released February 5, 2026). Download it from pgadmin.org. Fastest install method: Docker. Alternatives: Windows .exe installer or Ubuntu APT packages.

pgAdmin 4 vs DBeaver: Quick Comparison

Before you install, make sure you're picking the right tool.

If you only use PostgreSQL and want free, pgAdmin 4 works. Need multiple databases in a desktop app? DBeaver. Want a modern web UI with self-hosting and no subscription? Check the best pgAdmin alternatives.

Docker Installation (Recommended)

Docker is the fastest path. One command, no system dependencies.

Quick start:

docker run -p 5050:80 \
  -e "[email protected]" \
  -e "PGADMIN_DEFAULT_PASSWORD=changeme" \
  -d dpage/pgadmin4

Open http://localhost:5050 in your browser. Log in with the email and password you set above.

For a persistent setup that survives container restarts, use a docker-compose.yml:

services:
  pgadmin:
    image: dpage/pgadmin4:latest
    container_name: pgadmin
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "5050:80"
    environment:
      PGADMIN_DEFAULT_EMAIL: [email protected]
      PGADMIN_DEFAULT_PASSWORD: changeme
    volumes:
      - pgadmin-data:/var/lib/pgadmin

volumes:
  pgadmin-data:

Run docker compose up -d. The volume mount keeps your settings between restarts.

Windows Installation

1. 1.Download the latest installer from the official pgAdmin 4 v9.12 download page.
2. 2.Run pgadmin4-9.12-x64.exe.
3. 3.Click through the wizard — the defaults are fine for most setups.
4. 4.Once installed, pgAdmin opens in your default browser at http://localhost:5050.
5. 5.Set a master password on first launch. You'll use this to unlock saved server credentials.

That's it. The installer bundles everything — no Python or Node.js setup required.

Ubuntu Installation

Add the pgAdmin repository and install via APT:

curl -fsS https://www.pgadmin.org/static/packages_pgadmin_org.pub | \
  sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/pgadmin-keyring.gpg

echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/pgadmin-keyring.gpg] \
  https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/pgadmin/pgadmin4/apt/$(lsb_release -cs) \
  pgadmin4 main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pgadmin4.list

sudo apt update
sudo apt install pgadmin4-web

After the package installs, run the web setup script:

sudo /usr/pgadmin4/bin/setup-web.sh

This configures Apache and creates your login credentials. Access pgAdmin at http://your-server-ip/pgadmin4.

If you're exploring PostgreSQL GUI options beyond pgAdmin, Docker-based tools skip the APT repository and Apache overhead entirely.

What is pgAdmin 4 Used For?

pgAdmin 4 is the official administration tool for PostgreSQL databases. You use it to run SQL queries, design schemas, manage users and permissions, monitor server performance, and handle backups with pg_dump/pg_restore.

It's solid for basic PostgreSQL work. Where it falls short: no support for other databases, no AI assistance, and a UI that hasn't aged well. Navigation gets tedious on larger databases, and the interface loads slowly.

If you're hitting those pain points, see the full QueryGlow vs pgAdmin comparison for a breakdown of where each tool fits.

Try QueryGlow: pgAdmin 4 covers the basics. For a modern, self-hosted database GUI with AI query generation, Safe Mode, and 6 databases — try QueryGlow free. $79 once. No subscription.