Having previously detailed how to install MySQL Server, the next step is configuring MySQL. The MySQL configuration wizard can either be run immediately following installation from the MySQL installation wizard or manually from the Start Menu.

Following the splash screen you can then choose whether to run a detailed or standard configuration. The detailed configuration allows you to create the optimal configuration for your specific machine, whereas the standard configuration creates a general configuration that can then be manually tuned. I chose detailed.

You are then asked to choose the type of server instance that is being configured. In this case it is a developer machine.

Following this you are asked to choose the type of database usage that you expect on the server. I opted for multifunctional.

You must then specify the location of the InnoDB tablespace.

Next specify the number of concurent connections to the server.

Now you must configure the networking options. I left the Strict mode enabled as this is the recommended option, but I disabled TCP/IP networking as I wanted to restrict this MySQL installation to the local machine only.

Set the character set that is best suited to your use - for me this was the default standard character set.

Next up is the option to run MySQL as a service and whether or not to include the mysql dircetories in the windows PATH. I kept the install as a windows service option enabled, but unchecked the Launch MySQL server automatically option. This is because I only wanted MySQL running when I specifically want to use it. I also enabled the include in windows PATH option.

You can then change the security settings for the mysql installation. I opted to change the root password, disable root from local machines and disable annoymous access.  

You are now ready to execute the configuration.

Once completed you should hopefully see the completed screen with lots of nice ticks against the various configuration tasks.