How to Check MySQL Version in Windows?

Why do we need to know the MySQL Version?

Compatibility: The features and functionality of MySQL may differ between versions. Knowing the version lets you ensure the database can handle your apps and queries. This is especially important when deploying or migrating apps to various environments.
Bugs Fixes and Improvements: Every MySQL release includes new features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes. You can tell if you are running a version with known flaws or if you can take advantage of performance improvements introduced in more recent releases by knowing your MySQL version.
Security: Security patches to fix vulnerabilities are frequently included in MySQL releases. A secure database environment requires that your MySQL version be kept current. Older versions can have security flaws that hackers can use against them.
Documentation and Support: The resources for MySQL support and documentation are version-specific. Knowing your MySQL version enables you to access the appropriate assistance resources and look for answers to problems that are unique to that version.
Licensing and Features: Different editions of MySQL are available, including the Community Edition and the Enterprise Edition, each with unique features and licensing conditions. You can determine which edition you are running and whether you have access to features accessible editions by knowing the version of MySQL you are using.
Performance Tuning: Due to improvements and modifications made with each release of MySQL, database performance can differ between MySQL versions. Applying version-specific customizations and optimizations allows you to optimize your database for maximum performance.
Planning Upgrades: Knowing the current version is the first step in arranging an update if you are considering updating your MySQL installation. This knowledge is essential because upgrading to a newer version could include data migration and application changes.
Third-party tool Compatibility: Depending on the MySQL version, some third-party tools and libraries might have compatibility requirements. Knowing your MySQL version enables you to select the right tools and libraries for your database.
Community and Forums: Specifying your MySQL version when requesting assistance from the MySQL community or online forums enables others to offer more precise and pertinent guidance and solutions.
Regular Compliance: For security or auditing reasons, you could be required by compliance rules in some businesses to maintain a particular version of the program. To assure compliance, you must be aware of your MySQL version.

What are the different ways to get the MySQL version?

Using MySQL Command-Line Client:

First, we must open the Windows Command Prompt.
Then, type the following command.

After successful execution of the command, the version will be displayed on the screen.

Using MySQL Command-Line Client with SQL Query:

First, open the Windows Command Prompt.
Then, run the following command in the MySQL Command-line client.

Note- Carefully replace your_username with your MySQL username.

Next, you must enter your password.
Then, you are in the MySQL command-line client and execute the below command to get the version displayed.

Using MySQL Workbench:

Get MySQL Workbench going.
Join your MySQL server.
Select your MySQL server instance by clicking it in the Navigator panel on the left.
The server version is displayed in the main window's "Server Status" section.

Using phpMyAdmin:

Use your web browser to access phpMyAdmin.
Your MySQL server, and log on.
The version of the MySQL server is shown at the bottom of the main page.

Checking Windows Services:

You can access the Windows Services Manager by typing "services" into the Windows search box and choosing "Services."
Locate the MySQL service by scrolling down the list of services.
To access the "General" page, right-click the MySQL service, choose "Properties," and then pick. There will be a list of the version details.

Checking the Windows Registry:

By typing "regedit" into the Windows search box and clicking on it, you can launch the Windows Registry Editor.
Go to the registry and find HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesMySQL (or MariaDB for MariaDB).
The path of the MySQL server executable is contained in the ImagePath value, which you should search for. This path may contain the version information.

Using Third-party Tools:

The MySQL version installed on your Windows machine can be automatically determined and displayed using third-party applications. These tools are available for download and can be used to retrieve version information quickly.