How to Install PostgreSQL v18.4 on Windows 11 (2026) | Step-by-Step Guide

Below is a Step-by-Step Guide to Install PostgreSQL v18.4 on Windows 11:

Step 1: Download PostgreSQL

1. Go to the PostgreSQL Official Website:
   https://www.postgresql.org/download/
2. Click on Windows icon in select OS section.
3. Click on "Download the installer" link on "Windows installers" page.
4. Download the latest version 18.4 for Windows x86-64.

Step 2: Install PostgreSQL

1. Double-click the downloaded file:
   postgresql-18.4-1-windows-x64.exe
2. Click "Yes" if you get a security prompt.
3. On the PostgreSQL Setup Wizard, click "Next" to begin setup.
4. Choose Installation Directory (default is fine for most users) and click "Next":
   C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\18
5. Select the below components and click "Next":
   • PostgreSQL Server
   • pgAdmin 4 (GUI tool)
   • Command Line Tools
   • Stack Builder (for extensions)
6. Select Data Directory to store data and click "Next":
   C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\18\data
7. Set a password for the database superuser postgres by entering it in "Password" and "Retype password", then click "Next".
8. Configure Port – Keep the default port:
   5432
   Then click "Next".
   
   (You can keep it unless something else is using it.)
9. Leave the default locale unless you have specific requirements and click "Next".
10. Click "Next" → "Next" to begin installation.
11. Once installation is complete, click "Finish".

Step 3: Launch pgAdmin

1. Open pgAdmin 4 from Start Menu. Double-click on "Servers" in "Object Explorer".
2. Enter your postgres user password set during installation and click "OK".
3. Expand:
   Servers → PostgreSQL 18 → Databases
4. You should see your database "postgres".
5. Click on "postgres" Database and go to:
   Tools → Query Tool
6. Run the test command:

   SELECT version();

7. You should see your PostgreSQL version.

Step 4: Launch SQL Shell (psql)

1. Press Enter for the below prompts:

   Server [localhost]:
   Database [postgres]:
   Port [5432]:
   Username [postgres]:
       

2. Enter postgres superuser password for the below prompt and press Enter:

   Password for user postgres:

3. Run the test command:

   SELECT version();

4. You should see your PostgreSQL version.

Step 5: Add PostgreSQL to PATH

1. Press Win + R, type the below command and press Enter:

   sysdm.cpl

2. Go to the Advanced tab.
3. Click Environment Variables.
4. Under System variables, select Path and click "Edit".
5. Click "New" and paste the below path:

   C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\18\bin

   (Adjust if your installation path is different.)
6. Click OK → OK → OK.

Step 6: Verify Installation

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Run the below commands:

   psql --version
   psql -U postgres
       

3. Enter your password.
4. If you see:

   postgres=#

   PostgreSQL is working correctly!
5. Run the test command:

   SELECT version();

6. You should see your PostgreSQL version.