Error connecing with Database under WSL 2

Question

I am using latest Windows 11 build and installed WSL 2 (Debian) for development purpose. To try out a project, I need to install and configure MariaDB under my WSL Debian system. I have installed MariaDB 10.6.5 fine with no errors, but during initial setup process, I am having issues with connecting to MySQL. When I give following command:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

it's showing me error that
ERROR 2002 (HY000): Can't connect to local server through socket '/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2)

I also tried following command:

sudo mysql_secure_installation --protocol=tcp

But it's showing error again
ERROR 2002 (HY000): Can't connect to server on 'localhost' (115)

What's the issue here? How to connect with MySQL under WSL 2?

Note: I don't have any MySQL client or anything related installed under Windows host, only WSL (Debian) has MariaDB installed.

Answer 1

Hi @Abhi D ,

I am to repro your issue and it looks like you need to start the "mariadb" service using sudo service mariadb start before running the above command in debian 11. (see screenshot below)

Please let me know this works for you.

Thanks
Saurabh

Answer 2

Hi @Abhi D ,

Thanks for using Microsoft Q&A !!

You are getting this error as you have not started your mysql instance and you need to first execute the below command to start your mysql instance before try to restrict access the server using the command you are trying to run

sudo service mysql start

I am able to reproduce your issue and able to run your command sudo mysql_secure_installation after the start. Please check below -
Error(Before staring mysql)

After starting mysql

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks
Saurabh

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