FOSS v12.21.0.7344 ✓ Checksum Published

Download HeidiSQL for Windows PC v12.21.0.7344 for Windows PC

Name: HeidiSQL for Windows PC
Author: Ansgar Becker

HeidiSQL is a free open source database client for Windows by Ansgar Becker, connecting to MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and SQLite through one...

⬇ Direct Download (17.0 MB)

Technical Specifications & System Requirements

Developer Ansgar Becker

Platform & OS Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)

Package Size 17.0 MB

Architecture x64 (64-bit)

Package Format EXE Installer

Security Verification SHA-256 checksum published

SHA-256 Cryptographic Checksum Computed from the file we serve

              97acf0344313c11bb89c001425a615722b745669e5ffd542e732c418a00e22ed
            

              $ Get-FileHash .\heidisql-database-client-pc.exe -Algorithm SHA256
            

Software notes

The Bottom Line: HeidiSQL's reputation rests on a single virtue: speed. It launches in about a second, connects without ceremony, and renders a million-row table faster than Java-based rivals can draw their splash screens. In testing, everyday work — browsing schemas, editing rows in the data grid, running ad-hoc queries with syntax highlighting and auto-completion — felt immediate throughout, and the bulk table editor, user manager, and import/export tools covered real administrative chores without plugins. Session management with SSH tunnels and SSL is straightforward, and the query tabs with history make iterative SQL work comfortable. It is unapologetically a Windows desktop app, so macOS and Linux users need Wine or alternatives. The interface is dense and utilitarian rather than modern, and very large result sets can still strain the grid. Advanced features like visual query builders and ER diagrams are thinner than in DBeaver or DataGrip. But for the daily reality of writing queries and poking at databases, HeidiSQL's lightness is a feature, not a limitation — it is the fastest way from 'I need to check that table' to an answer. The portable build runs without installation for DBAs who live on other people's servers, and the session export format makes it trivial to share connection setups across a team.

Features

Launches in about a second and stays responsive on million-row tables where heavier Java-based clients visibly lag.
One native client for MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and SQLite — no plugins or extra downloads needed.
Comfortable data grid with inline editing, quick filtering, and sorting for everyday row-level database work.
Solid administration tools built in: user manager, bulk table editor, and flexible import/export for real chores.
Free and open source (GPLv2) with session management, SSH tunnels, SSL support, searchable query history, and a loyal user base that has kept it maintained for two decades.

Considerations

Windows-only as a native app; macOS and Linux users must resort to Wine or pick a different client.
The interface is dense and utilitarian, lacking the modern polish and visual refinement of commercial database IDEs.
Visual query building and ER diagramming are noticeably thinner than in DBeaver or DataGrip.

About & Overview: HeidiSQL for Windows PC

HeidiSQL is a free open-source database client for Windows by Ansgar Becker, connecting to MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and SQLite through one fast native interface. Famous for starting instantly and staying out of the way, it is the lightweight alternative developers reach for when heavier tools like DBeaver feel like overkill for everyday queries.

How to Install & Verify HeidiSQL for Windows PC

STEP 1

Download the installer

Download HeidiSQL from the official vendor link on this page.

STEP 2

Run the setup

Open the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen installation steps.

STEP 3

Launch the app

Start HeidiSQL from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Verification Guide

Is HeidiSQL free?

Yes — HeidiSQL is open source (GPLv2) and free for any use, maintained by its original author with community support.

Which databases does HeidiSQL support?

MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and SQLite, all from the same interface with per-connection session settings.

How does HeidiSQL compare to DBeaver?

HeidiSQL is much lighter and faster to start, ideal for everyday queries. DBeaver is cross-platform with broader database support and richer visual tools, at the cost of speed.

Can HeidiSQL connect over SSH?

Yes — sessions support SSH tunnels natively, plus SSL, which covers secure connections to remote database servers.