A Windows workstation can query a remote database without hosting one itself. The MariaDB client supplies the SQL shell, and its official Windows installer can install the tools without creating a local database instance.

MariaDB distributes the client in the MariaDB Server MSI package. Disabling Database instance skips local database initialization and service creation; the package can still place server binaries on disk.

Installation requires administrator approval. The MariaDB Command Prompt shortcut adds the installed bin directory to that shell's PATH, so no system-wide environment change is needed to run the client.

Related: How to install MariaDB server on Windows
Related: How to enable remote access to MySQL or MariaDB server

Steps to install MariaDB client on Windows:

  1. Open the official MariaDB Foundation download page in a browser. 
    https://mariadb.org/download/

  2. Select a stable MariaDB Server release from the version menu.

    The pictured release is 11.8.9; maintenance version numbers change over time. Entries marked Preview or RC are prereleases.

  3. Download the Windows x86_64 MSI Package with the Download button.

    The filename ends in winx64.msi. Connector/C is a development library, not a replacement for the interactive SQL client.

  4. Open the downloaded mariadb-<version>-winx64.msi file.
  5. Click Next on the setup wizard's welcome screen.
  6. Select I accept the terms in the License Agreement if you accept the license.
  7. Click Next to reach Custom Setup.
  8. Set Database instance to Entire feature will be unavailable using its feature-icon menu.

    Leaving Database instance enabled creates a local database and can register a Windows service. Its red X excludes that setup while leaving Client Programs installed.

  9. Click Next with Client Programs selected and Database instance disabled.

    The MariaDB Server parent feature remains selected. HeidiSQL is an optional graphical client; the other default features can remain selected for this installation.

  10. Click Install to install the selected features.

    Setup writes to the protected installation directory and needs administrator approval.

  11. Click Yes at the User Account Control prompt for MariaDB Installer.

    Approval permits changes to the computer. The downloaded installer should show MariaDB USA, Inc. as its verified publisher.

  12. Click Finish when the setup wizard reports completion.
  13. Open Command Prompt (MariaDB 11.8 (x64)) from a Start search for MariaDB.

    The shortcut name includes the installed version. Its PATH applies to this shell; a persistent change is optional.
    Related: add a folder to the PATH environment variable in Windows

  14. Run the client version command to check that MariaDB starts. 
    C:\Windows\System32>mariadb --version
mariadb from 11.8.9-MariaDB, client 15.2 for Win64 (AMD64), source revision bf9193a939f515e95dd8def1a5468088c91cede6

    The version line confirms the client runs without contacting a database server. An unrecognized-command error usually means a regular shell was opened instead of the MariaDB shortcut. mysql.exe is also available as an alternate client binary on Windows.

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