MySQL is a popular open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that is widely used for web applications and data management. However, sometimes, you may need to uninstall MySQL 8 from your system for various reasons, such as upgrading to a newer version or removing it to free up space. In this article, we will discuss how to uninstall MySQL 8 from Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Uninstalling MySQL 8 from Windows

If you are using a Windows operating system, uninstalling MySQL 8 is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Stop the MySQL service

To start, you need to stop the MySQL service. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Services window.

Step 2: Locate the MySQL service

In the Services window, scroll down and locate the MySQL service. Right-click on the service and select Stop.

Step 3: Uninstall MySQL 8

Once the service is stopped, open the Control Panel on your Windows system. Click on the Programs and Features option. In the list of installed programs, locate MySQL 8 and click on the Uninstall button.

Step 4: Confirm the uninstallation

A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm the uninstallation. Click on the Yes button to proceed with the uninstallation process.

Step 5: Remove the MySQL data directory

After the uninstallation is complete, you need to remove the MySQL data directory. By default, the data directory is located in the C:\ProgramData\MySQL folder. Delete this folder to remove all the data associated with MySQL 8.

Step 6: Restart your system

Finally, restart your system to complete the uninstallation process.

Uninstalling MySQL 8 from Mac

If you are using a Mac operating system, uninstalling MySQL 8 is a bit different compared to Windows. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Stop the MySQL service

To start, you need to stop the MySQL service. Open the Terminal app on your Mac and type the following command:

sudo launchctl unload -w /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.oracle.oss.mysql.mysqld.plist

This command will stop the MySQL service.

Step 2: Remove the MySQL 8 package

Once the service is stopped, you can remove the MySQL 8 package from your Mac. Open the Terminal app again and type the following command:

sudo rm -rf /usr/local/mysql

This command will remove the MySQL 8 package from your Mac.

Step 3: Remove the MySQL data directory

After removing the package, you need to remove the MySQL data directory. By default, the data directory is located in the /usr/local/mysql/data folder. Delete this folder to remove all the data associated with MySQL 8.

Step 4: Remove the MySQL configuration files

Finally, you need to remove the MySQL configuration files. The configuration files are located in the /etc/my.cnf and /etc/my.cnf.d folders. Delete these folders to remove the configuration files.

Step 5: Restart your system

Finally, restart your system to complete the uninstallation process.

Uninstalling MySQL 8 from Linux

If you are using a Linux operating system, uninstalling MySQL 8 is similar to uninstalling it from a Mac. Here are the steps you need:

Step 1: Stop the MySQL service

To start, you need to stop the MySQL service. Open the Terminal app on your Linux system and type the following command:

sudo service mysql stop

This command will stop the MySQL service.

Step 2: Remove the MySQL 8 package

Once the service is stopped, you can remove the MySQL 8 package from your Linux system. The package management tool used to install MySQL 8 will vary depending on your Linux distribution. For example, on Ubuntu and Debian, you can use the apt-get command to remove the package:

sudo apt-get remove mysql-server-8.0

On Fedora and CentOS, you can use the yum command to remove the package:

sudo yum remove mysql-server

Step 3: Remove the MySQL data directory

After removing the package, you need to remove the MySQL data directory. By default, the data directory is located in the /var/lib/mysql folder. Delete this folder to remove all the data associated with MySQL 8.

Step 4: Remove the MySQL configuration files

Finally, you need to remove the MySQL configuration files. The configuration files are located in the /etc/my.cnf folder. Delete this folder to remove the configuration files.

Step 5: Restart your system

Finally, restart your system to complete the uninstallation process.

Conclusion

Uninstalling MySQL 8 from Windows, Mac, and Linux systems is a relatively simple process. However, it’s important to note that when uninstalling MySQL 8, you should also remove the data directory and configuration files to ensure that all the associated data and settings are removed from your system. By following the above steps, you can successfully uninstall MySQL 8 from your system and free up space or upgrade to a newer version.