Strange MySQL Popup "Mysql Installer is running community mode"

Question

I have installed a recent community version of MySQL from MySQL site. The version is 5.6.x.

It was done using an installer and I also chose the option to create a MySQL service on Windows so that I can simply start the service. The service was set to not start automatically.

Although I am not actively using MySQL, while I am working on my PC on something else, a strange pop-up displays,

MySQL Running in community mode.

Does something, prints on screen, and closes:

I am surprised to see this and wonder: what is it doing - connecting to a remote server and doing what? Does someone know the internals and how to prevent it from connecting to a remote server?

Could this be a security issue?

Answer 1

Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools and open Task Scheduler.

In the Task Scheduler navigate to Task Scheduler Library > MySQL and select Installer.

From the list at the center of the window right-click ManifestUpdate and select Disable.

Answer found here.

Answer 2

Since the other answers require OS interaction I figured it would be beneficial to provide the "MySQL" way.

I am surprised to see and wonder what is it doing and connecting to a remote server and doing what?

It's keeping the MySQL Product Catalog up to date. As described in the documentation,

This option uses the Windows Task Scheduler to schedule a task named "ManifestUpdate". (this is the scheduled task that is disabled the OS way)

Does someone know the internals and how to prevent it from connecting to a remote server?

To prevent it from connecting you can disable it without going through the OS:

1. Start the MySQL installer
2. Click the wrench image

3. Uncheck the checkbox to disable automatic updating

You're ready to go...

This could be a security issue?

I'm not a security expert but it's connecting to the same people you trusted to get the software from so I think it's more of a nuisance than a risk.

Luckily, you can manually update it as needed by clicking the Catalog... button seen above and force it.