gcc-v14-installation

GCC 14 Installation Guide for Windows A comprehensive step-by-step guide to install GCC 14 on Windows using MinGW-w64 via MSYS2 or the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

Installing GCC 14 on Windows

This repository provides a comprehensive guide to installing GCC 14 on Windows using two different methods:

1. MinGW-w64 via MSYS2
2. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Choose the method that best fits your development environment and preferences.

Table of Contents

• Prerequisites
• Method 1: Using MinGW-w64 via MSYS2
  • Step 1: Download and Install MSYS2
  • Step 2: Update MSYS2
  • Step 3: Install GCC 14
  • Step 4: Set Path Environment Variable
  • Step 5: Verify Installation
• Method 2: Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
  • Step 1: Enable WSL
  • Step 2: Install a Linux Distribution
  • Step 3: Update Linux Distribution
  • Step 4: Add GCC 14 Repository
  • Step 5: Install GCC 14
  • Step 6: Verify Installation
• Troubleshooting
• License

Prerequisites

• Windows 10 or later.
• Administrative privileges for installing software and modifying environment variables.

Method 1: Using MinGW-w64 via MSYS2

MinGW-w64 provides a complete Open Source programming toolset for developing native Windows applications.

Step 1: Download and Install MSYS2

1. Navigate to the MSYS2 Official Website.
2. Download the installer suitable for your system.
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 2: Update MSYS2

1. Launch the MSYS2 terminal (MSYS2 MSYS or MSYS2 MinGW 64-bit).
2. Update the package database and core system packages by executing:

   pacman -Syu

3. If prompted, close and reopen the terminal.
4. Run the update command again to ensure all packages are up to date:

   pacman -Syu

Step 3: Install GCC 14

1. In the MSYS2 terminal, install GCC 14 by running:

   pacman -S mingw-w64-x86_64-gcc

   Replace x86_64 with i686 if you need the 32-bit version.

Step 4: Set Path Environment Variable

1. Add the path to the GCC binaries to your system's PATH environment variable. Typically, this path is:

   C:\msys64\mingw64\bin
   

   Adjust the path if you installed MSYS2 in a different location or are using a 32-bit setup.

2. To modify the PATH:

   • Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to the Advanced tab and click on Environment Variables.
   • Under System variables, find and select Path, then click Edit.
   • Click New and add C:\msys64\mingw64\bin.
   • Click OK to save changes.

Step 5: Verify Installation

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
2. Run the following command to check the GCC version:

   gcc --version

3. You should see output indicating that GCC version 14 is installed.

Method 2: Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

WSL allows you to run a Linux environment directly on Windows without the overhead of a virtual machine.

Step 1: Enable WSL

1. Open PowerShell as an Administrator.
2. Execute the following command to enable WSL:

   wsl --install

3. Restart your computer if prompted.

Step 2: Install a Linux Distribution

1. After enabling WSL, open the Microsoft Store.
2. Search for your preferred Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) and install it.

Step 3: Update Linux Distribution

1. Launch the installed Linux distribution from the Start menu.
2. Update the package lists and upgrade existing packages:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 4: Add GCC 14 Repository

1. Add the GCC toolchain PPA to get the latest GCC version:

   sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-toolchain-r/test
   sudo apt update

Step 5: Install GCC 14

1. Install GCC 14 and its C++ counterpart:

   sudo apt install gcc-14 g++-14

Step 6: Verify Installation

1. Check the installed GCC version:

   gcc-14 --version

2. You should see output indicating that GCC version 14 is installed.

Troubleshooting

• MSYS2 Update Issues: If you encounter issues while updating MSYS2, ensure that you have a stable internet connection and that no antivirus software is blocking the update process.
• Environment Variable Not Set: After setting the PATH, ensure that you open a new terminal window for changes to take effect.
• GCC 14 Not Found in Repositories: If GCC 14 is not available in the default repositories, check the MSYS2 or your Linux distribution's community resources for alternative installation methods.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.