How to Install MinGW (GCC/G++) Compiler in Windows 11 (2025)

How to Install MinGW (GCC/G++) Compiler in Windows 11
Learn how to install MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows) compiler on Windows 11 to write and compile C/C++ programs. MinGW provides a complete development environment for building Windows applications using GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) and G++. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of setting up MinGW on your Windows 11 system.
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Why Install MinGW?
MinGW allows you to develop C/C++ programs on Windows using a free and open-source compiler. It’s widely used for cross-platform development and supports various tools like GCC, G++, and more.
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Steps to Install MinGW Compiler on Windows 11
#### 1. *Download MinGW*
Visit the official MinGW website:
[MinGW.org](www.mingw.org/)
Click on the *Downloads* tab.
Select the *MinGW-w64 Installation* package compatible with your Windows architecture (e.g., 32-bit or 64-bit).
Download the appropriate version (e.g., **MinGW-w64 GCC 12.x**) and save the installer to your system.
#### 2. *Run the Installer*
Once the download is complete, open the installer.
Follow the installation steps:
Choose the installation folder (default is fine for most users).
Select packages (ensure `gcc`, `g++`, and other necessary tools are checked).
Click *Next* and follow the on-screen instructions to install MinGW.
#### 3. *Verify Installation*
After installation is complete, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and check if MinGW is installed correctly by running:
```bash
gcc --version
```
and
```bash
g++ --version
```
#### 4. *Set Environment Variables*
To use MinGW in your command line environment, set the necessary environment variables:
Open **System Properties**:
```bash
Right-click This PC - Properties - Advanced System Settings - Environment Variables
```
Add MinGW’s path (`C:\MinGW\bin`) to both *System Variables* and **User Variables**.
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Optional: Using IDEs with MinGW
If you prefer a more integrated development experience, consider installing IDEs like Code::Blocks, Visual Studio Code, or Eclipse alongside MinGW.
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Troubleshooting
Ensure that Windows 11's *Defender Firewall* or *antivirus* is not blocking the installation.
Check if Windows’ *Build Tools for Visual Studio* are not interfering with MinGW installation.
With these steps, you’ll have MinGW set up and ready to compile your C/C++ programs on Windows 11. Happy coding!
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