SQLite (ɛsˌkjuːˌɛlˈaɪt/ "S-Q-L-ite", siːkwəˌlaɪt/ "sequel-ite") is a free and open-source relational database engine written in the C programming language. It is not a standalone application; rather, it is a library that software developers embed in their applications. As such, it belongs to the family of embedded databases. According to its developers, SQLite is the most widely deployed database engine, as it is used by several of the top web browsers, operating systems, mobile phones, and other embedded systems.
Many programming languages have bindings to the SQLite library. It generally follows PostgreSQL syntax, but does not enforce type checking by default. This means that one can, for example, insert a string into a column defined as an integer. Although it is a lightweight embedded database, SQLite implements most of the SQL standard and the relational model, including transactions and ACID guarantees. However, it omits many features implemented by other databases, such as materialized views and complete support for triggers and ALTER TABLE statements.
What is SQLite?
SQLite by SQLite (developed by D. Richard Hipp) is open-source Windows software in the databases category. It ranks 5th by popularity among databases in this catalogue. The first release dates back to 2000. It is written in C. Besides Windows, it is available for cross-platform.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides Portable installers for 64-bit and ARM64 Windows. The main installer is 6.6 MB. It runs without installation (portable).
Updates and version history
The current version is 3.53.4, released on July 24, 2026. The version history goes back to February 9, 2023: 29 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 8.4 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 731,333 times. Wikipedia has an article about it in 34 of our languages. Similar programs include MariaDB, HeidiSQL and DB Browser for SQLite.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- Native ARM64 build for Windows on Arm
- Portable: runs without installation
- Frequent updates (about 8.4 a year)
- Small download (6.6 MB)
- Also runs on cross-platform
- Mature project (since 2000)
In short: SQLite is an open-source database tool for 64-bit and ARM64 PCs. It is actively maintained.
Screenshots
Is SQLite safe to download?
- The file is served by sqlite.org, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
F46EE2475DE4CBE287E6E5F7D43C838796B14E7379CD216BDBB28D391429F9FC· 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 29 versions ›29 versions over 3 years · about 8.4 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.53.4Latest | July 24, 2026 | 6.6 MB | 64-bit ZIPARM64 ZIP |
| 3.53.3 | June 26, 2026 | 6.6 MB | ARM64 ZIP64-bit ZIP |
| 3.53.2 | June 3, 2026 | 6.6 MB | ARM64 ZIP64-bit ZIP |
| 3.53.1 | May 5, 2026 | 6.5 MB | 64-bit ZIPARM64 ZIP |
| 3.53.0 | April 9, 2026 | 6.5 MB | 64-bit ZIP |
| 3.52.0 | March 6, 2026 | 6.5 MB | 64-bit ZIP |
| 3.51.3 | March 13, 2026 | 6.4 MB | 64-bit ZIP |
| 3.51.2 | January 9, 2026 | 6.3 MB | 64-bit ZIPARM64 ZIP |
Release cycle and support
Version 3.53.4 belongs to the 3 release line, still supported, with no end date announced.
| Release line | Released | Support ends | Latest version | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | September 18, 2004 | not announced | 3.54.1 | Supported |
| 2 | September 28, 2001 | September 18, 2004 | 2.8.17 | End of life |
| 1 | August 17, 2000 | September 28, 2001 | 1.0.32 | End of life |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id SQLite.SQLite -echoco install SQLite -yscoop install main/sqliteRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
brew install sqliteInformation
- Publisher
- SQLite
- Developer
- D. Richard Hipp
- Category
- Databases
- Licence
- Public Domain
- Price
- Free
- Source code
- sqlite.org
- Written in
- C
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, ARM64
- Installer
- Portable
- Other platforms
- cross-platform
- Version
- 3.53.4
- Released
- July 24, 2026
- First release
- 2000
- Added to the catalogue
- February 9, 2023
- Versions listed
- 29
- Updates / year
- 8.4
- Chocolatey downloads
- 731,333
- Website
- sqlite.org
- winget ID
- SQLite.SQLite
- Chocolatey package
- SQLite
- Scoop package
- main/sqlite
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to SQLite
See all ›-
Open source149.8K ↓ -
HeidiSQL12.21.0.7344A lightweight client for managing MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL and SQLite, written in DelphiOpen source528.2K ↓ -
DB Browser for SQLite3.13.1A high quality, visual, open source tool to create, design, and edit database files compatible with SQLite.Open source142.4K ↓ -
Dolt2.5.1Dolt is a SQL database that you can fork, clone, branch, merge, push and pull just like a git repository.Open source47.8K ↓ -
Beekeeper Studio6.1.6A modern, easy to use, and good looking SQL client for MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, SQL Server, and more. Oh, it's also open source :-).Open source34.2K ↓ -
MongoDB9.0.2MongoDB is a general purpose, document-based, distributed database built for modern application developers and for the cloud era.Proprietary538.1K ↓ -
Open source506.9K ↓ -
Open source38.6K ↓
Frequently asked questions
Is SQLite free?
Yes. SQLite is open-source software under the Public Domain licence.
Is SQLite safe to download?
The download comes from sqlite.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 SQLite 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.
Does SQLite run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
Yes, there is a native ARM64 installer.
Where can I download an older version of SQLite?
The versions page lists all 29 versions with links to their official installer files, back to February 9, 2023.
Can I use SQLite without administrator rights?
Yes, it is portable: unpack and run it.
What are alternatives to SQLite?
MariaDB, HeidiSQL, DB Browser for SQLite, Dolt and Beekeeper Studio. The alternatives page compares them.
