If you prefer a portable version without a package manager, you can download a pre-built binary.
While the original MinGW project supported only 32-bit binaries, the fork is the modern standard, supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. It provides a complete development environment including the GCC compiler, headers, and libraries required for native Windows development. Step 1: Download MinGW-w64
MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows) is an essential toolset for developers looking to compile and run C, C++, and Fortran code natively on Windows without relying on a full-scale IDE like Visual Studio. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for downloading and installing the 64-bit version of MinGW-w64 on Windows 10. Why Choose MinGW-w64?
Once finished, launch the terminal from your Start menu. Option B: Standalone Zip from SourceForge
Visit the official MSYS2 website and download the .exe installer.
For a reliable and up-to-date version in 2026, the two most common methods are using a standalone installer or a package manager like MSYS2. Option A: MSYS2 (Recommended for Updates)
MinGW Download for Windows 10 (64-bit): A Complete Free Installation Guide
MSYS2 is often preferred because it includes a package manager ( pacman ) that makes it easy to keep your compiler updated.