MongoDB is a popular open-source NoSQL database designed for modern applications that need flexibility, scalability, and efficient data management. Unlike traditional relational databases that store data in tables and rows, MongoDB stores information in flexible, JSON-like documents.
MongoDB is widely used in web applications, mobile applications, APIs, real-time platforms, and cloud-based software. It also works well with technologies such as Node.js, Python, Java, React, and Next.js.
If you are starting a new project or learning MongoDB, installing the database correctly is the first step. In this guide, you will learn how to install MongoDB on Windows, macOS, and Linux, verify the installation, start the MongoDB server, and connect to your database.
What Is MongoDB?
MongoDB is a document-oriented NoSQL database management system. Instead of storing data in traditional rows and columns, MongoDB stores data as documents inside collections.
A MongoDB document uses a JSON-like structure, making it convenient for applications that work with frequently changing or complex data.
Some common MongoDB features include:
- Flexible document-based data storage
- Horizontal scalability
- High availability
- Powerful querying capabilities
- Indexing support
- Aggregation pipelines
- Replication
- Support for modern application development
Before installing MongoDB, make sure your operating system meets the requirements for the MongoDB version you plan to install.
How to Install MongoDB on Windows
MongoDB provides an installer that makes the setup process straightforward on Windows.
Step 1: Download MongoDB
Go to the official MongoDB website and open the MongoDB Community Server download page.
Select:
- Windows as the operating system
- MSI as the package
- The MongoDB version you want to install
Download the installer to your computer.
Step 2: Run the MongoDB Installer
Open the downloaded .msi file.
Follow the installation wizard and accept the license agreement.
For most users, the default installation options are suitable.
Step 3: Choose Setup Type
Select the Complete installation option if you want all standard MongoDB components installed.
The installation may include:
- MongoDB Server
- MongoDB Shell
- MongoDB Compass
- MongoDB Database Tools
MongoDB Compass provides a graphical interface that can make database management easier for beginners.
Step 4: Configure MongoDB as a Service
During installation, you may be given the option to configure MongoDB as a Windows service.
For a typical development environment, keeping MongoDB configured as a service is convenient because Windows can manage the MongoDB server automatically.
Complete the installation wizard.
Step 5: Verify MongoDB Installation
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:
mongosh --version
If MongoDB Shell is installed correctly, the command should display the installed version.
Step 6: Connect to MongoDB
Run:
mongosh
If the MongoDB server is running, MongoDB Shell should connect to the local MongoDB instance.
You can check the current database with:
db
How to Install MongoDB on macOS
On macOS, Homebrew provides a convenient way to install MongoDB Community Edition.
Step 1: Install Homebrew
If Homebrew is not installed on your Mac, install it first using the official Homebrew installation instructions.
After installing Homebrew, open Terminal.
Step 2: Add the MongoDB Homebrew Tap
Run:
brew tap mongodb/brew
This allows Homebrew to access MongoDB packages maintained through the MongoDB Homebrew tap.
Step 3: Install MongoDB
Install MongoDB Community Edition using:
brew install mongodb-community
Homebrew will download MongoDB and install the required files.
Step 4: Start MongoDB
Start MongoDB as a background service:
brew services start mongodb-community
This allows MongoDB to run automatically as a service.
Step 5: Verify the Installation
Check the MongoDB Shell version:
mongosh --version
Then connect to your local MongoDB server:
mongosh
If the connection is successful, MongoDB is ready to use.
Stopping MongoDB on macOS
When you need to stop the MongoDB service, run:
brew services stop mongodb-community
How to Install MongoDB on Ubuntu Linux
MongoDB can be installed on Ubuntu using MongoDB’s official package repository.
The exact repository configuration can vary depending on your Ubuntu release and the MongoDB version you want to install. Always use the official MongoDB installation instructions for your specific Ubuntu version.
Step 1: Update the Package List
Open Terminal and run:
sudo apt update
This updates your system’s package information.
Step 2: Add the MongoDB Repository
MongoDB provides official packages for supported Ubuntu releases.
Add the appropriate MongoDB repository and signing key according to the MongoDB version and Ubuntu release you are using.
After configuring the repository, update the package list again:
sudo apt update
Step 3: Install MongoDB
Install MongoDB Community Edition using the package provided by the configured MongoDB repository.
For example:
sudo apt install -y mongodb-org
The exact package and installation command can vary by MongoDB release, so check the official documentation before running the command.
Step 4: Start MongoDB
Start the MongoDB service:
sudo systemctl start mongod
Step 5: Enable MongoDB at Startup
To make MongoDB start automatically when the system boots:
sudo systemctl enable mongod
Step 6: Check MongoDB Status
Run:
sudo systemctl status mongod
If MongoDB is running correctly, the service should show an active status.
Step 7: Connect to MongoDB
Open MongoDB Shell:
mongosh
You should now be connected to your local MongoDB server.
Create Your First MongoDB Database
Once MongoDB is installed, you can create a database by switching to a database name.
Inside mongosh, run:
use myapp
MongoDB creates the database when you store data in it.
You can create your first collection and document with:
db.users.insertOne({
name: "John Doe",
email: "john@example.com"
})
To retrieve the document:
db.users.find()
You can also insert multiple documents:
db.users.insertMany([
{
name: "John Doe",
email: "john@example.com"
},
{
name: "Jane Smith",
email: "jane@example.com"
}
])
MongoDB’s flexible document structure makes it easy to store related information without defining a rigid table schema in advance.
Using MongoDB Compass
If you prefer a graphical interface, MongoDB Compass is a useful tool for working with MongoDB databases.
With Compass, you can:
- Connect to MongoDB servers
- Create databases
- Create collections
- View documents
- Add and edit documents
- Run queries
- Create indexes
- Analyze database structures
For beginners, Compass can make it easier to understand MongoDB without relying entirely on the command line.
Common MongoDB Installation Problems
mongosh Is Not Recognized
If you see an error such as:
'mongosh' is not recognized
the MongoDB Shell may not be installed correctly or its installation directory may not be included in your system PATH.
Verify that MongoDB Shell is installed and add its location to the PATH if necessary.
MongoDB Service Is Not Running
If mongosh cannot connect to the local server, check whether the MongoDB service is running.
On Linux:
sudo systemctl status mongod
On macOS with Homebrew:
brew services list
On Windows, check MongoDB through the Windows Services application.
Connection Refused
A connection-refused error usually means the MongoDB server is not running or is listening on a different address or port.
MongoDB commonly uses port:
27017
Check your MongoDB service and configuration if your application cannot establish a connection.
Permission Problems on Linux
If MongoDB fails to start because of permissions or configuration issues, check the MongoDB service logs:
sudo journalctl -u mongod
The logs can help identify configuration, permission, or startup problems.
MongoDB Installation Checklist
After installation, verify the following:
- MongoDB Server is installed
- MongoDB Shell (
mongosh) is available - MongoDB service is running
- You can connect to the local server
- MongoDB Compass works if installed
- You can create a database
- You can create a collection
- You can insert and retrieve documents
MongoDB for Application Development
MongoDB can be connected to many popular programming languages and frameworks.
Developers commonly use MongoDB with:
- Node.js
- Express.js
- Python
- Java
- Spring Boot
- PHP
- .NET
- React applications
- Next.js applications
For example, a Node.js backend can use MongoDB to store user accounts, product information, orders, application settings, and other application data.
MongoDB is particularly useful when application data has a flexible structure or when the development team needs to evolve the data model quickly.
Conclusion
Installing MongoDB on Windows, macOS, or Linux is a straightforward process when you follow the appropriate setup steps for your operating system. After installation, you can use MongoDB Shell or MongoDB Compass to connect to the database, create collections, store documents, and run queries.
For developers building modern web and mobile applications, MongoDB provides a flexible document-based approach to data storage. Once you understand the basics of installation and database management, you can move on to more advanced topics such as MongoDB indexing, aggregation, replication, authentication, performance optimization, and cloud deployment.
Whether you are learning MongoDB as a beginner or preparing a database environment for a new application, understanding the installation and basic configuration process provides a solid foundation for working with MongoDB effectively.
