You are getting the error:

'psql' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

This means PostgreSQL’s bin folder is not added to the Windows PATH, or PostgreSQL/psql is not installed.

Let’s fix it.

✅ Solution 1: Add PostgreSQL to PATH (Most likely fix)

Step-by-Step

1. Find the PostgreSQL installation folder Normally located at:

   C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\16\bin
   

   (or version 15/14 depending on your install)

2. Copy the bin folder path Example:

   C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\16\bin
   

3. Add to Windows PATH

   • Press Windows Key → type “Environment Variables”
   • Open Edit the system environment variables
   • Click Environment Variables
   • Under System variables, select Path → Edit
   • Click New → paste the bin path (e.g., C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\16\bin)
   • Click OK

4. Restart Command Prompt

5. Test again:

   psql --version
   

You should now see something like:

psql (PostgreSQL) 16.x

✅ Solution 2: PostgreSQL is not installed

If you cannot find the folder:

• Download the official installer: https://www.postgresql.org/download/windows/

Make sure psql is selected during installation.

✅ Solution 3: Using pgAdmin but psql not installed

Many users install pgAdmin 4 only, not PostgreSQL itself. pgAdmin does not include psql.

In that case, reinstall PostgreSQL using the official installer.