Redis on Windows: Options compared

Choose between a native Windows server (Memurai), the official Linux Redis via WSL2, or a direct Windows build (Cygwin-based). Here’s how to pick the best fit.

Memurai (native)

  • Native Windows service and easy install
  • Simple ops, Windows‑friendly security
  • Commercial licensing for production, trial available

Best for Windows‑first teams that want “set and forget”.

Install Memurai

WSL2 (Linux Redis)

  • Upstream Linux packages, close to production parity
  • Free, flexible, great for devs comfortable with Linux
  • Mind the WSL2 networking and autostart nuances

Best for parity with Linux servers and CI/CD.

Install via WSL2

Direct Windows build

  • Fastest way to try on Windows
  • Cygwin‑based build with service support
  • Not the official Windows release by Redis Ltd.

Great for quick local runs and demos.

Download ZIP (8.6.2)

Pros and cons at a glance

  • Setup complexity: Memurai = simplest. WSL2 = moderate (enable WSL, install distro). Direct build = simplest to try.
  • Native service: Memurai = yes. WSL2 = via Linux services inside WSL. Direct build = includes Windows service support.
  • Licensing: Memurai trial/dev available, commercial for production. WSL2 packages are open-source. Direct build = convenience, check LICENSE in ZIP.
  • Updates: Memurai via installer; WSL2 via distro package manager; Direct build requires manual update.
  • Networking: Memurai on localhost: easy. WSL2 uses a virtualized network (check ports/firewall). Direct build on localhost.
  • Performance: Both Memurai and WSL2 are fast in practice; specifics depend on workload, I/O, AV exclusions, and persistence settings.

Which one should I pick?

  • Windows‑first, service‑oriented: Choose Memurai.
  • Linux parity and package control: Choose WSL2.
  • Quick local demo or PoC: Use the Direct Windows build.
This site is not affiliated with Redis Ltd. or Memurai. Redis is a trademark of Redis Ltd. The Windows ZIP linked is a Cygwin‑based build for convenience and is not an official Windows release by Redis Ltd.

.NET on Windows

Use StackExchange.Redis for both Memurai and WSL2 setups. See connection tips, health checks, and pitfalls.

Open .NET Guide

Performance & Troubleshooting

Tuning tips for Windows: AV exclusions, persistence trade‑offs, ports and firewall, and common startup errors.

Open Performance Notes

What about Docker?

Docker Desktop with Linux containers is also viable. If you prefer containers, it can be a good middle ground. We focus on Memurai and WSL2 for clarity.

Optional path; not covered in detail here.