How to Install SQLite on Windows 11 (winget or Manual)

SQLite is a lightweight, file-based database that doesn’t need a server, which makes it perfect for learning SQL, prototyping apps, or inspecting database files. On Windows 11 there’s no traditional installer; you either install it with winget or download the official command-line tools and add them to your PATH. This guide covers both methods, how to verify the install, creating your first database, and optional GUI tools.

Quick Answer

Open Terminal and run winget install SQLite.SQLite, then open a new Terminal window and type sqlite3 --version. Or download sqlite-tools-win-x64 from sqlite.org, extract it to C:\sqlite, and add that folder to your Path environment variable.

Method 1: Install with winget (Fastest)

1. Right-click Start and choose Terminal.
2. Run: winget install SQLite.SQLite
3. Accept the source agreement if prompted.
4. Close Terminal and open a new window so the updated PATH loads.
5. Run sqlite3 --version. You should see a version number such as 3.xx.x.

To update later, run winget upgrade SQLite.SQLite.

Method 2: Manual Install from sqlite.org

1. Go to sqlite.org/download.html.
2. Under Precompiled Binaries for Windows, download sqlite-tools-win-x64-(version).zip. It contains sqlite3.exe and related tools. (The separate sqlite-dll package is only needed by developers linking SQLite into their own programs.)
3. Create a folder such as C:\sqlite.
4. Right-click the ZIP, choose Extract All, and extract the files into C:\sqlite so sqlite3.exe sits directly in that folder.

Add SQLite to PATH

1. Press Windows and search for Edit the system environment variables, then open it.
2. Click Environment Variables.
3. Under User variables, select Path and click Edit.
4. Click New, type C:\sqlite, and click OK on each window.
5. Open a new Terminal and run sqlite3 --version to confirm.

Create Your First Database

1. In Terminal, go to a working folder: cd $HOME\Documents
2. Create or open a database file: sqlite3 test.db
3. Create a table: CREATE TABLE notes (id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY, body TEXT);
4. Add a row: INSERT INTO notes (body) VALUES ('Hello, SQLite');
5. Query it: SELECT * FROM notes;
6. Type .tables to list tables, .help for commands, and .quit to exit.

The whole database lives in test.db, so you can copy, back up, or share it like any other file.

Optional: GUI Tools

• DB Browser for SQLite (free, open source) lets you browse tables, edit data, and run queries visually. Install it with winget install DBBrowserForSQLite.DBBrowserForSQLite or from its official site.
• VS Code has SQLite extensions for viewing databases inside the editor.
• Python includes the sqlite3 module, so you can use SQLite from scripts with no extra install.

Troubleshooting

• “sqlite3 is not recognized”: open a new Terminal after changing PATH, and make sure the folder you added contains sqlite3.exe directly (not in a subfolder).
• winget not found: update App Installer from the Microsoft Store.
• Windows SmartScreen warning: make sure you downloaded from sqlite.org, then choose More info > Run anyway if needed.
• “Database is locked”: close other programs using the same file, such as a GUI browser.

Related: fix SQL error -803 (SQLSTATE 23505).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SQLite free?

Yes. SQLite is in the public domain and free for any use.

Do I need to run a server?

No. SQLite reads and writes directly to a single file, with no service to start.

How do I uninstall SQLite?

Run winget uninstall SQLite.SQLite, or delete the C:\sqlite folder and remove it from PATH.

Summary

1. Install with winget install SQLite.SQLite, or download sqlite-tools from sqlite.org.
2. Add the folder to PATH if you installed manually.
3. Verify with sqlite3 --version.
4. Create a database with sqlite3 filename.db.