The Windows authentication plugin must be installed in the MySQL plugin directory (the directory named by the plugin_dir system variable). If necessary, set the value of plugin_dir at server startup to tell the server the location of the plugin directory.

To enable the plugin, start the server with the --plugin-load option. For example, put these lines in your my.ini file:

[mysqld]
plugin-load=authentication_windows.dll

Use the plugin name authentication_windows in the IDENTIFIED WITH clause of CREATE USER or GRANT statements for MySQL accounts that should be authenticated with this plugin.

To verify plugin installation, examine the INFORMATION_SCHEMA.PLUGINS table or use the SHOW PLUGINS statement. See Obtaining Server Plugin Information.