Mingw w64 windows install

MinGW-w64 — набор средств разработки для Windows, включает в себя компилятор GNU C/C++, отладчик gdb, профайлер gprof, системы сборки make и cmake и прочие утилиты комплекта GNU. MinGW расшифровывается, как Minimalistic Gnu for Windows. Проект отделился от проекта MinGW.

Сайт проекта: https://www.mingw-w64.org/

Установка mingw-w64

Существуют различные независимые сборки mingw-w64, большинство их которых распространяется в виде нескольких архивов, которые необходимо отдельно распаковывать. Разобраться в том, какие именно архивы нужно скачивать и распаковывать довольно сложно. Вариант установки с использованием exe-приложения, самостоятельно скачивающего нужные пакеты, к сожалению, содержит весьма устаревшую версию 8.1.0 компилятора.

Довольно простой способ установки (понадобится скачать только один архив) актуальной версии компилятора — это использование сайта winlibs.com.

Откройте этот сайт и перейдите к разделу «Download». Там будет довольно много разных ссылок на скачивание, расскажем как выбрать правильный архив, если вы не знаете в точности, что именно вам нужно.

Перейдите к разделу «Release versions» — «UCRT runtime». Выберите самую верхнюю версию MinGW в списке, она помечена, как LATEST. Вам нужна сборка с POSIX threads, версия для Win64. Если предлагаются варианты сборки с LLVM/Clang/LLD/LLDB, выберите вариант без (without) LLVM/Clang/LLD/LLDB (по крайней мере, если вы не знаете точно, что вам нужны именно LLVM/Clang/LLD/LLDB). Выберите zip-архив (если у вас установлен архиватор 7-zip, то можете скачать архив 7-zip, он меньше). То есть вам понадобится вот этот файл.

Прямая ссылка на скачивание архива с компилятором gcc 12.2.0 (последняя версия на февраль 2023): https://github.com/brechtsanders/winlibs_mingw/releases/download/14.2.0posix-19.1.1-12.0.0-ucrt-r2/winlibs-x86_64-posix-seh-gcc-14.2.0-mingw-w64ucrt-12.0.0-r2.zip

Внутри скачанного архива будет каталог mingw64. Распакуйте этот каталог на диск, лучше всего не использовать каталоги с пробелами или русскими буквами в именах (в том числе «Program Files»), поэтому лучше всего распаковать архив прямо в корень диска C:\. Далее будем считать, что у вас получился каталог C:\mingw64, внутри которого есть подкаталоги bin, include, lib, libexec, share и x86_64-w64-mingw32.

Добавление mingw-w64 в PATH

Для того, чтобы можно было использовать приложения из распакованного архива, а сторонние среды разработки, такие как Code::Blocks или Visual Studio Code могли найти компилятор, необходимо подкаталог bin из распакованного архива добавить в системную переменную Path.

Вам необходимо открыть окно «Свойства системы» панели управления Windows. Для этого нужно открыть проводник, сделать правый клик мышью на «Этот компьютер», выбрать «Свойства». Появится окно «Система — О системе», в котором нужно кликнуть на «Дополнительные параметры системы».

Или можно сразу открыть окно «Свойства системы», если нажать на Win+R, в строку «Открыть» ввести команду sysdm.cpl, затем нажать Enter.

В окне «Свойства системы» выберите вкладку «Дополнительно» и нажмите на «Переменные среды…». Верхний список — это переменные среды для текущего пользователя, нижний список — системные переменные. В списке системных переменных выберите Path и нажмите на кнопку «Изменить»… Нажмите на кнопку «Создать», в списке появится новая строка. Нажмите на кнопку «Обзор» и выберите каталог C:\mingw64\bin (или подкаталог bin подкаталога mingw64, если вы распаковали его в другое место). Нажмите на OK, затем на OK, затем на OK.

Подробней про переменные среды и их изменение можно прочитать здесь.

Проверка работы компилятора

После распаковки архива и добавления MinGW-w64 в Path, запустите командную строку. Нажмите на Win+R и введите команду cmd, затем нажмите Enter.

Наберите команду g++. Вы должны увидеть сообщение «g++: fatal error: no input files compilation terminated». Наберите команду

g++ --version

Вы увидите сообщение с версией компилятора. Убедитесь, что версия соответствует той, которую вы скачали.

MinGW-w64 (Minimalist GNU for Windows) is a popular software development environment for compiling native Windows applications. It offers a complete open-source programming environment that includes libraries and compilers. Unlike the original MinGW, MinGW-w64 supports both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows binaries and is more actively maintained. This guide will walk you through the process of installing MinGW-w64 on Windows 11, helping you set up a robust development environment to work on your projects.

Understanding the Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, it is vital to understand the prerequisites for successfully installing MinGW-w64. First, ensure that your Windows 11 operating system is fully updated, as this can solve potential compatibility issues during installation.

Next, you will need administrative rights on your computer. This permission allows the installation process to create directories and add environment variables without any hindrances. If you are unsure whether you have administrative rights, please check with your system administrator or proceed with the installation and grant permissions when prompted.

Downloading MinGW-w64

The first step in the installation process is to download MinGW-w64 from the official source. Follow these instructions to obtain the latest version:

1. Visit the official MinGW-w64 website:
   Open your web browser and navigate to the MinGW-w64 GitHub repository or the official MinGW-w64 download page on SourceForge.

   • GitHub URL: MinGW-w64 GitHub Releases
   • SourceForge URL: MinGW-w64 on SourceForge

2. Locate the Installer:
   On the download page, you’ll find several files listed. For most users, the «mingw-w64-install.exe» or the latest installer file is the most straightforward option as it will guide you through the installation process.

3. Download the Installer:
   Click on the desired installer link, and the download should begin automatically. The file size may vary; make sure to check your internet connection stability during the download.

Running the Installer

Once the download is complete, we can proceed with the installation. Follow these steps to run the installer successfully:

1. Locate the downloaded file:
   Go to your Downloads folder or the location where you saved the installer file.

2. Run the installer:
   Double-click the «mingw-w64-install.exe» file. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click «Yes» to allow the installer to make changes to your system.

3. Choose the installation settings:

   • Architecture: You will be presented with the choice of the architecture to install. Choose between x86_64 for 64-bit systems or i686 for 32-bit systems. For Windows 11, it is recommended to select x86_64.
   • Threads: Choose the threading model; posix is generally preferable for compatibility with POSIX-compliant systems.
   • Exception: Choose seh (Structured Exception Handling) for the architecture you selected, as it adds better support for debugging and exception handling.

4. Select the installation directory:
   Next, you will be asked to choose the installation directory. You can use the default location or create a new directory (e.g. C:mingw-w64). If you create a custom directory, remember to avoid spaces in the directory name as it may lead to complications later.

5. Install:
   Click the “Next” button, review your selections, and then click “Install” to begin the installation process. The installation may take a while, depending on your system specifications.

Once the installation process is complete, you will see a confirmation message. Click “Finish” to close the installer.

Adding MinGW-w64 to the System Path

To ensure that MinGW-w64 can be called from any command prompt window, you need to add it to the system PATH. This step allows you to invoke the gcc (GNU Compiler Collection) compiler from any directory in the command prompt.

1. Open the System Properties:
   Right-click on the «Start» button or press Windows + X and select «System.» In the System window, click on «Advanced system settings» on the left sidebar.

2. Environment Variables:
   In the System Properties window, click on the «Environment Variables» button at the bottom.

3. Edit the PATH Variable:
   Under the «System variables» section, scroll down and find the «Path» variable. Select it and click on «Edit.»

4. Add a New Path:
   In the Edit Environment Variable window, click «New» and add the path to the bin directory of your MinGW-w64 installation. For example:

   C:mingw-w64mingw64bin

   Adjust this path according to your installation directory.

5. Confirm Changes:
   Click «OK» to close the Edit Environment Variable window, and then click «OK» again to close the Environment Variables window. Finally, click «OK» in the System Properties window.

Verifying the Installation

To verify that MinGW-w64 is installed correctly and available in your PATH, you can perform the following steps:

1. Open Command Prompt:
   Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter to open the Command Prompt.

2. Check GCC Version:
   In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

   gcc --version

   If MinGW-w64 is installed correctly, you should see output that includes the version of GCC and details about the compiler.

3. Test Compilation:
   Create a simple «Hello, World!» C program to test the compilation process. Use Notepad or any text editor to create a file called hello.c with the following code:

   #include 
   
   int main() {
      printf("Hello, World!n");
      return 0;
   }

   Save the file in a directory of your choice. Use the command prompt to navigate to that directory by typing cd followed by the path to your directory. Then, compile the program using:

   gcc hello.c -o hello.exe

   After compiling, run the executable with:

   hello.exe

   If you see the message «Hello, World!» printed in the console, congratulations! You’ve successfully installed and tested MinGW-w64.

Configuring Code Editor or IDE

To improve your development experience, it is advisable to utilize a code editor or Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that complements MinGW-w64. Some popular choices include:

• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A lightweight and versatile code editor that offers extensive features through extensions. You can install extensions for C/C++ to improve your coding experience.
• Code::Blocks: A free C/C++ IDE that is easy to set up and use with MinGW-w64.
• Eclipse CDT: A powerful IDE that supports C/C++ development. You’ll need to configure it to work with MinGW-w64.

To configure these programs, you typically need to specify the path to the MinGW-w64 installation in the settings. This process varies from one editor to another, so referring to the editor’s documentation is essential for proper configuration.

Setting Up Additional Tools

Once you’ve established a functional installation of MinGW-w64, consider integrating additional tools or libraries to enhance your development capabilities:

1. CMake: If you’re dealing with larger projects or libraries, using CMake can streamline your build process. Download and install CMake from its official website.

2. Git: For version control and managing your code repositories, Git is essential. Install it from the official Git website.

3. Debugger: Familiarize yourself with debugging tools. GDB is integrated into MinGW-w64, but you may also explore debugging plugins for your code editor.

4. Text Editors/IDEs Extensions: Depending on your coding needs, you might want to explore various extensions that help in debugging, porting, and enhancing the coding environment.

5. Libraries: Look into libraries you might want to use within your applications. Popular libraries like SDL, SFML, or OpenGL can often be compiled with MinGW-w64.

Conclusion

Installing MinGW-w64 on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that unleashes powerful development capabilities on your system. By following these steps, you’ve learned how to download, install, and configure MinGW-w64. Along with a well-chosen IDE or code editor, you’ll have a powerful environment to bring your software projects to life.

Whether you’re working on small projects or embarking on larger software development tasks, MinGW-w64 provides the tools necessary for success. With your new setup in place, you can dive into the world of C and C++ programming confidently, backed by the full power of the GNU Compiler Collection on Windows 11. Happy coding!

How to Install MinGW-w64 in Windows 11

Introduction

MinGW-w64 (Minimalist GNU for Windows) is a compiler suite for Windows that allows you to run and compile C and C++ programs. It is a port of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) and extends its functionality, particularly in the Windows environment. MinGW-w64 supports 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, provides native Windows headers, and yields executables that can run on all Windows systems.

This guide will walk you through the installation of MinGW-w64 on Windows 11, ensuring you can effectively compile software using this powerful toolchain.

Step 1: Downloading MinGW-w64

Before you can install MinGW-w64, you need to download the installer. You have several options for getting MinGW-w64, but it is generally recommended to use the official online installer provided by the MinGW-w64 project.

1. Visit the official MinGW-w64 website:
   You can go to the MinGW-w64 website. There, you’ll find links for downloading the installer.

2. Open the SourceForge page:
   One of the reliable sources for downloading MinGW-w64 is its SourceForge page. You can access it by visiting MinGW-w64 SourceForge.

3. Select the appropriate installer:
   When you land on the SourceForge page, you will see various downloadable files. Click on the latest version that has x86_64 for 64-bit or x86 for 32-bit, depending on your requirements. For most modern development needs, the 64-bit version is recommended.

4. Downloading the installer:
   After clicking the link, you might need to wait for a few seconds as SourceForge prepares your download. Once it is ready, the installer file (usually in .exe format) will download to your computer.

Step 2: Running the Installer

Once the download completes, navigate to the directory where you saved the file, and follow these steps to install MinGW-w64.

1. Run the installer:
   Double-click on the downloaded .exe file to run it. You may see a security dialog; if so, click “Run” to continue.

2. Choose Installation Mode:
   The installation wizard will present you with several options. Choose «Installation Mode.» You can select either the «Use the MinGW-w64 Online Installer» or directly install using the downloaded installer. The online installer is generally more convenient as it fetches the latest versions during installation.

3. Select Architecture:
   On the next screen, you will have to choose the architecture of the binaries. Select «x86_64» for 64-bit or «i686» for 32-bit depending on your system.

4. Select Threads and Exception:
   Next, you will be prompted to choose the threading model. Typically, posix is selected as it is compatible with most software development needs. For exceptions, select seh for 64-bit or dw2 for 32-bit, as these are standard for Windows development.

5. Choose Installation Directory:
   You can choose where to install MinGW-w64. The default location is usually fine, but ensure it is a path without spaces or special characters for optimal performance.

6. Begin Installation:
   Click “Next” and the installer will start downloading and installing the packages. This may take a little time depending on your internet speed and system performance.

7. Finish Installation:
   Once the installation is complete, you will see a message prompting you that the installation successfully terminated. You should now have MinGW-w64 installed on your system.

Step 3: Setting Up Environment Variables

After installation, you must set up the environment variables to use MinGW-w64 from the command line.

1. Access Environment Variables:
   Right-click on the Start button and choose System. From the About screen, select Advanced system settings from the sidebar. This action will bring up the System Properties dialog.

2. Open Environment Variables:
   In the System Properties dialog, you will see an Environment Variables button. Click on it.

3. Edit Path Variable:
   In the Environment Variables window, look for the Path variable in the «System Variables» section. Select it and click on the Edit button. This action will lead you to a new window where you can add new entries to the Path.

4. Add MinGW-w64 Path:
   Click on New and add the path to the bin directory of your MinGW-w64 installation. For instance, if you installed MinGW-w64 in the default directory, it would be something like C:Program Filesmingw-w64x86_64-mingw32bin.

5. Save Changes:
   Click OK to close the edit window, and then press OK again to close the Environment Variables window. Finally, click OK to exit the System Properties dialog.

Step 4: Verifying the Installation

Now that MinGW-w64 is installed and the environment variables are set, it is important to verify that everything is working as expected.

1. Open Command Prompt:
   Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type cmd, and hit Enter to open the Command Prompt.

2. Check GCC version:
   Type the following command in the Command Prompt:

   gcc --version

   If MinGW-w64 is installed correctly, you will see information about the version of GCC installed.

3. Check G++ version:
   Similarly, check the C++ compiler version by typing:

   g++ --version

   Again, you should see the version information displayed on the terminal.

Step 5: Compiling a Simple Program

To further confirm that the installation is fully functional, let’s write and compile a simple C++ program.

1. Create a new C++ source file:
   Use a text editor (like Notepad or Visual Studio Code) to create a new file named hello.cpp and paste the following code into it:

   #include 
   
   int main() {
      std::cout << "Hello, MinGW-w64!" << std::endl;
      return 0;
   }

2. Save the file:
   Ensure you save the file in a directory where you can easily locate it, for example, C:MinGWProjects.

3. Navigate to the file location in Command Prompt:
   Use the cd command in the Command Prompt to navigate to the directory where you saved hello.cpp:

   cd C:MinGWProjects

4. Compile the program:
   Run the following command to compile your program:

   g++ hello.cpp -o hello

   This command tells the compiler to compile hello.cpp and create an output file named hello.exe.

5. Run the compiled program:
   Execute the compiled program by running:

   hello

   If MinGW-w64 was installed correctly, you should see the output:

   Hello, MinGW-w64!

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

During installation and usage, you may encounter various issues. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:

1. Installation Failure:
   Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and that you ran the installer as an administrator. Also, ensure that your system meets the hardware and software requirements.

2. Command Not Found Error:
   If the Command Prompt returns "gcc: command not found" or a similar message, this usually indicates that the bin directory of MinGW-w64 is not added to your PATH. Double-check the environment variable setting.

3. Compilation Errors:
   If you get compilation errors, ensure your code is syntactically correct, and make sure you’re using the command prompt in the right directory where your source file is located.

4. Using an IDE:
   If you prefer a graphical interface for development, consider using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Code::Blocks, Visual Studio, or CLion. These IDEs typically support MinGW-w64 as a compiler.

Conclusion

Installing MinGW-w64 on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that opens the door to a vast world of C/C++ development on Windows. By following the above steps, you can easily set up the MinGW-w64 environment, code applications, and compile programs with ease. Whether you are a beginner learning to code or an experienced developer needing a ready-to-use GCC compiler, MinGW-w64 offers a robust solution.

Make sure to explore additional options and configurations within MinGW-w64, as they can enhance your development experience and enable you to build more advanced applications. Happy coding!