How to run MongoDB as a Windows service?

MongoDB is a popular NoSQL database management system. It offers Windows users the convenience of running it as a service. Running MongoDB as a Windows service provides convenience and ensures that the database starts automatically with the system.

In this article, We will learn about What is Windows Service,and How to run MongoDB as a Windows Service in detail.

What is Window Service?

• A Windows service is a background application that runs without a user interface, typically performing system-level tasks or providing functionality to other programs.
• Windows services can start automatically when the operating system boots up and runs in the background, even when no user is logged in.
• They are managed through the Windows Service Control Manager (services.msc) and can be configured to start, stop, pause, and resume as needed.
• Examples of Windows services include antivirus programs, web servers and database servers.

How to run MongoDB as a Windows Service?

Let’s learn about how to run MongoDB as a Windows service in step wise manner:

Step 1: Download MongoDB

• The first step is to download MongoDB from the official website.
• Choose the appropriate version for our Windows system and follow the installation instructions provided.

Step 2: Install MongoDB

• We have to Download the MongoDB installer from the official website.
• Then Run the installer and proceed through the installation wizard.
• Now Customize the installation directory and other settings as desired.
• We must ensure to select the option to install MongoDB as a service during the installation process.

Step 3: Configure MongoDB

• MongoDB requires a configuration file to specify essential settings such as the data directory and log file location.
• By default, MongoDB looks for a configuration file named mongod.cfg in its bin directory.
• Create a mongod.cfg file in the MongoDB bin directory or modify an existing one to match preferences.
• Here’s a basic example of what the configuration might look like:

systemLog:
  destination: file
  path: C:\mongodb\log\mongod.log
storage:
  dbPath: C:\mongodb\data

Ensure to adjust the file paths according to our system’s setup.

Step 4: Start MongoDB Service

• With MongoDB installed and configured, it’s time to start the MongoDB service.
• Open Command Prompt as an administrator and navigate to the MongoDB bin directory.
• Run the following command to initiate the MongoDB service:

mongod --config "C:\mongodb\bin\mongod.cfg" --install

• This command installs MongoDB as a Windows service using the specified configuration file.

Step 5: Verify MongoDB Service

• To confirm that MongoDB is running as a service, open the Windows Services manager.
• You can access this by searching for “services.msc” in the Start menu or using the Run dialog (Windows key + R).
• Now we will look for the MongoDB service in the list of services. The service name typically begins with “MongoDB” followed by the version number.

Step 6: Manage MongoDB Service

• Once MongoDB is running as a service, we can manage it like any other Windows service.
• Use the Services manager or command-line tools such as net or sc to start, stop, pause, resume, or restart the MongoDB service as needed.
• For instance, to start the MongoDB service from the command line, use the following command:

net start MongoDB

Step 7: Verify MongoDB Service

• To verify that MongoDB is running as a service, open a web browser and navigate using below code.

 "http://localhost:27017."

• If MongoDB is running successfully, we’ll see a message indicating that the server is running on the specified port.

Conclusion

Overall, Running MongoDB as a Windows service offers a simple way to ensure the database starts automatically and remains available for your applications. By following the manual steps outlined in this article, you can set up MongoDB as a service on your Windows system with ease, enabling efficient management and operation of your MongoDB databases.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced MongoDB user, mastering the process of running MongoDB as a Windows service is essential for effective database management in Windows environments.