MariaDB is a open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) sharing a common heritage with MySQL, from which it was forked in 2009 by original MySQL developers following Oracle Corporation's acquisition of Sun Microsystems, with the intent to keep it free and open-source software under the GNU General Public License.
MariaDB originated as a drop-in replacement for MySQL; the two databases have diverged since version 5.6 in some features, syntax, and behaviour. Over sixteen years of independent development, MariaDB has evolved into a distinct database with capabilities spanning transactional, analytical, and AI workloads.
The MariaDB Foundation is a non-profit organisation that safeguards the open-source development of MariaDB independently of any commercial entity. MariaDB plc is a commercial entity providing enterprise products, support, and cloud services, owns the MariaDB trademark, and is the largest contributor to MariaDB's codebase.
What is MariaDB?
MariaDB is an open-source database program for Windows from MariaDB Corporation Ab. It ranks 1st by popularity among databases in this catalogue. The first release dates back to 2009. It is written in C, C++, and Perl. Besides Windows, it is available for macOS, Linux, Solaris and OpenBSD.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit as MSI. The main installer is 93.0 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation. An MSI package is available for deployment with Group Policy, Intune or Configuration Manager.
Updates and version history
The current version is 13.0.2.0, released on September 15, 2026. 22 versions are listed since August 6, 2021, each with links to its own installer files. That is about 4.3 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 149,759 times. The source code on GitHub (MariaDB/server) has 8,408 stars. Wikipedia has an article about it in 30 of our languages. Similar programs include HeidiSQL, SQLite and Dolt.
Project description on GitHub: “MariaDB server is a community developed fork of MySQL server. Started by core members of the original MySQL team, MariaDB actively works with outside developers to deliver the most featureful, stable, and sanely licensed open SQL server in the industry.”
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- MSI package for managed deployment
- Documented silent install
- Updated in the last two months
- Also runs on macOS, Linux and Solaris
- Large user base
- Mature project (since 2009)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: MariaDB is an open-source database tool for 64-bit PCs. It is actively maintained. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Screenshots
Is MariaDB safe to download?
- The file is served by downloads.mariadb.org, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
9FBEE3A481F7CB133BDE017F614C1E0C72D596992456983DBABDE4374290D7BF· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- The source code is public
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 22 versions ›22 versions over 5 years · about 4.3 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.0.2.0Latest | September 15, 2026 | 93.0 MB | 64-bit MSI |
| 12.3.3.0 | August 22, 2026 | 92.9 MB | 64-bit MSI |
| 12.3.2.0 | May 29, 2026 | 92.6 MB | 64-bit MSI |
| 12.2.2.0 | February 12, 2026 | 89.2 MB | 64-bit MSI |
| 12.1.2.0 | November 19, 2025 | 87.0 MB | 64-bit MSI |
| 12.0.2.0 | August 8, 2025 | 85.2 MB | 64-bit MSI |
| 11.8.2.0 | June 5, 2025 | 80.5 MB | 64-bit MSI |
| 11.7.2.0 | February 13, 2025 | 79.1 MB | 64-bit MSI |
Release cycle and support
Version 13.0.2.0 belongs to the 13.0 release line, supported until December 31, 2026.
| Release line | Released | Support ends | Latest version | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.0 | September 15, 2026 | December 31, 2026 | 13.0.2 | Supported |
| 12.3 (LTS)LTS | May 28, 2026 | June 12, 2029 | 12.3.3 | Supported |
| 12.2 | February 13, 2026 | May 28, 2026 | 12.2.2 | End of life |
| 12.1 | November 18, 2025 | February 13, 2026 | 12.1.2 | End of life |
| 12.0 | August 7, 2025 | November 18, 2025 | 12.0.2 | End of life |
| 11.8 (LTS)LTS | June 4, 2025 | June 4, 2028 | 11.8.9 | Supported |
| 11.7 | February 12, 2025 | May 12, 2025 | 11.7.2 | End of life |
| 11.6 | November 13, 2024 | February 13, 2025 | 11.6.2 | End of life |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id MariaDB.Server -echoco install mariadb.install -yscoop install main/mariadbmsiexec /i mariadb-13.0.2-winx64.msi /qn /norestartRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
brew install mariadbInformation
- Publisher
- MariaDB Corporation Ab
- Category
- Databases
- Licence
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Source code
- github.com/MariaDB/server
- Written in
- C, C++, and Perl
- Interface languages
- English
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit
- Installer
- MSI
- Other platforms
- macOS, Linux, Solaris, OpenBSD
- Version
- 13.0.2.0
- Released
- September 15, 2026
- First release
- 2009
- Added to the catalogue
- August 9, 2021
- Versions listed
- 22
- Updates / year
- 4.3
- Chocolatey downloads
- 149,759
- GitHub stars
- 8,408
- GitHub forks
- 2,173
- Website
- mariadb.org
- winget ID
- MariaDB.Server
- Chocolatey package
- mariadb.install
- Scoop package
- main/mariadb
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to MariaDB
See all ›-
HeidiSQL12.22.0.7382A lightweight client for managing MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL and SQLite, written in DelphiOpen source528.2K ↓ -
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Frequently asked questions
Is MariaDB free?
Yes. MariaDB is open-source software under the GPL-2.0 licence.
Is MariaDB safe to download?
The download comes from downloads.mariadb.org, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install MariaDB with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can MariaDB be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer, including msiexec for the MSI package.
Does MariaDB run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of MariaDB?
The versions page lists all 22 versions with links to their official installer files, back to August 6, 2021.
What are alternatives to MariaDB?
HeidiSQL, SQLite, Dolt, Liquibase and MongoDB. The alternatives page compares them.
