How to Install Redis on a Windows System: A Comprehensive Guide

Redis is a powerful in-memory data structure store, used as a database, cache, and message broker. While Redis is primarily designed for Unix-based systems, it can also be installed on Windows. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Redis on a Windows system using WSL, ensuring you can leverage its capabilities for your development projects. Moreover, there are multiple ways to install Redis in a Windows, we will focus on WSL for now:

Prerequisites:

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• A Windows 10 or Windows 11 system.
• Administrative privileges to install software.
• Basic knowledge of command-line operations.

Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

One of the most efficient ways to install Redis on Windows is by using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This method allows you to run a Linux distribution alongside your Windows system.

Step 1: Enable WSL

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Right-click on the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
2. Enable WSL: Run the following command to enable WSL:

wsl --install

Step 2: Install Ubuntu

1. Install Ubuntu from Microsoft Store: Open the Microsoft Store, search for “Ubuntu”, and install the latest version.
2. Set Up Ubuntu: Launch Ubuntu from the Start menu and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Step 3: Install Redis

1. Update Package Lists: In the Ubuntu terminal, run:

sudo apt update

  2.  Install Redis: Run the following command to install Redis:

sudo apt install redis-server

  3. Start Redis Server: Start the Redis server with: 

sudo service redis-server start

Step 4: Verify Installation

1. Check Redis Status: Verify that Redis is running by checking its status:

sudo service redis-server status

  2. Test Redis: Use the Redis CLI to test the connection:

redis-cli

In the Redis CLI, type ping. You should receive a PONG response, indicating that Redis is working correctly.

In conclusion, installing Redis on a Windows system can be achieved through various methods, each with its own advantages. Whether you choose to use WSL, a precompiled binary, or Docker, you can set up Redis to enhance your development environment. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth installation process and start leveraging Redis for your projects. Redis is a versatile tool that can significantly improve the performance and scalability of your applications. With Redis up and running on your Windows system, you’re ready to explore its full potential. Happy coding!