Windows系统pgAdmin升级咨询：下载文件作用及升级方法

Hey there! Let's walk through this clearly since you're new to upgrading pgAdmin on Windows. First, we'll break down what each of those three files does, then cover the upgrade steps.

Looking at the v2.1 Windows download page, you’ll find three distinct files—here’s a plain-language breakdown of each:

• pgAdmin4-2.1-x86.exe: This is the 32-bit installer, built for older 32-bit Windows systems, or if you’re unsure of your system’s architecture (though most modern PCs run 64-bit Windows). It installs pgAdmin to default system paths, creates Start Menu shortcuts, and lets you uninstall it via the Control Panel like any other app.
• pgAdmin4-2.1-x64.exe: This is the 64-bit installer, optimized for modern 64-bit Windows setups. It runs more smoothly on most current machines, follows the same simple installation flow as the 32-bit version, and is the recommended choice for almost all users.
• pgAdmin4-2.1.zip: This is the portable, no-install version. Just extract the ZIP file to any folder, then run pgAdmin4.exe directly to launch the app. It’s perfect if you don’t want to modify system settings, need to use pgAdmin on multiple machines without reinstalling, or prefer a self-contained setup. To "uninstall" it, just delete the extracted folder.

The upgrade process varies slightly depending on whether you originally used an installer or the portable ZIP. Here’s how to do both safely:

Using the Installer (Recommended) #

This method is straightforward and preserves all your existing settings (like saved server connections):

1. Close any running instances of pgAdmin—make sure it’s not hiding in your system tray or running in the background.
2. Download the installer that matches your system’s architecture (64-bit is preferred unless you have a confirmed 32-bit system).
3. Double-click the installer file. It will automatically detect your existing pgAdmin installation and prompt you to upgrade. Follow the on-screen wizard (most steps just require clicking "Next"; you don’t need to change default settings unless you have a specific reason).
4. Once the upgrade finishes, launch pgAdmin from the Start Menu. Verify the version is now 2.1, and check that all your saved server connections are still there.

Using the Portable ZIP Version #

If you’re using the portable version, follow these steps to upgrade without losing your custom settings:

1. Close the running portable pgAdmin instance completely.
2. Download the new v2.1 ZIP file and extract it to a fresh folder (don’t overwrite your old portable folder right away—we’ll back up your settings first).
3. Locate your old portable pgAdmin folder and copy these two critical files:
   • pgadmin4.db: This file stores all your saved server connections and user preferences.
   • config_local.py (if you created it): This file holds any custom configuration changes you made.
4. Paste these copied files into the new extracted portable folder (overwrite any existing files if prompted).
5. Run pgAdmin4.exe from the new folder. Confirm the version is 2.1 and that your settings are intact.

A quick pro tip: Before upgrading, it’s always smart to back up your configuration files just in case. For installer-based setups, your configs live in C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\pgAdmin—copy this folder to a safe spot if you want extra peace of mind.

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者Nick T