Connecting PostgreSQL on a Linux (WSL) Server to DBeaver

Source: Dev.to

Introduction

PostgreSQL is a relational database management system used to store and manage structured data. When installed inside Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), it runs in a Linux environment on a Windows machine. DBeaver is a graphical database management tool that supports PostgreSQL. Connecting DBeaver to PostgreSQL running in WSL allows you to manage the database using a visual interface instead of only terminal commands.

Prerequisites

• PostgreSQL installed and running inside WSL
• DBeaver installed on your Windows machine
• Access credentials for the PostgreSQL user (e.g., postgres user and password)

Step 1: Confirm Installation of PostgreSQL

Check the PostgreSQL client version:

psql --version

Verify that the service is running:

sudo systemctl status postgresql

If it is not running, start it:

sudo systemctl start postgresql

Step 2: Create or Verify Database

Switch to the postgres account:

sudo -i -u postgres

Enter the PostgreSQL prompt:

psql

List existing databases:

\l

If your database is not listed, create it (replace “ with the desired name):

CREATE DATABASE ;

Exit the prompt:

\q

Step 3: Configure Authentication

Edit the pg_hba.conf file to enable password‑based authentication:

cd /etc/postgresql/16/main
sudo nano pg_hba.conf

Change the line:

local   all   postgres   peer

to:

local   all   postgres   md5

Ensure the following lines are present:

host    all    all    127.0.0.1/32    md5
host    all    all    ::1/128         md5

Save the file and restart PostgreSQL:

sudo service postgresql restart

Step 4: Set a Password for the PostgreSQL User

Switch to the postgres user again if needed:

sudo -i -u postgres

Set the password (replace yourpassword with a strong password):

ALTER USER postgres WITH PASSWORD 'yourpassword';

Exit the prompt:

\q

Step 5: Configure PostgreSQL to Listen on All Interfaces

Edit postgresql.conf:

sudo nano /etc/postgresql/*/main/postgresql.conf

Locate the line:

listen_addresses = 'localhost'

and change it to:

listen_addresses = '*'

Save the file and restart PostgreSQL:

sudo service postgresql restart

Step 6: Obtain the WSL IP Address

Run the following command inside WSL:

ip addr show eth0

Look for the inet entry, e.g.:

inet 172.xx.xx.xx/xx

Use this IP address as the host in DBeaver.

Step 7: Connect Using DBeaver

1. Open DBeaver and create a new PostgreSQL connection.

2. Fill in the connection details:

   • Host: the WSL IP address obtained in Step 6
   • Port: 5432 (default)
   • Database: your database name
   • Username: postgres
   • Password: the password set in Step 4

   

3. In the SSL tab, set SSL mode to Disable.

4. Click Test Connection. If the configuration is correct, the test will succeed.

5. Click Finish to save the connection.

Conclusion

Connecting PostgreSQL running inside WSL to DBeaver lets you manage your database with a graphical interface instead of relying solely on terminal commands. By configuring authentication, setting a password, adjusting the listen address, and using the correct WSL IP address, you can establish a reliable connection and work with your databases more efficiently.