Blog

1. Download SQL Server

• Go to the Microsoft SQL Server download page.
• Choose the edition of SQL Server you want to download. You can select between free editions like the Developer or Express edition, or a paid edition.
• Download the installer for your operating system.

2. Run the Installer

• Once downloaded, run the installer (SQLServer2019-SSEI-Dev.exe or similar file).
• Choose the installation type:
  • Basic: Installs with default settings.
  • Custom: Allows you to specify installation paths, features, etc.
  • Download Media: Allows you to download the setup files for later or offline installation.

3. Choose Installation Type

• Select New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation.
• The installer will check for necessary setup files and install them.

4. Specify Installation Settings

• Product Key: Enter your product key if installing a paid edition. For Developer or Express editions, this step is usually skipped.
• License Terms: Accept the license terms.
• Microsoft Update: Choose whether to use Microsoft Update to check for updates.
• Install Rules: The installer will check for potential issues. Address any flagged items before proceeding.

5. Select Features

• Choose the features you want to install. At a minimum, select Database Engine Services.
• If you need SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), install it separately after SQL Server is installed.

6. Instance Configuration

• Choose the default instance or create a named instance.

7. Server Configuration

• Specify the SQL Server and SQL Server Agent service accounts.
• Set the startup type (Automatic is recommended).

8. Database Engine Configuration

• Authentication Mode: Choose Windows authentication mode or Mixed mode (Windows + SQL Server authentication).
• SQL Server Administrators: Add the account that will have admin privileges.

9. Specify Data Directories

• You can specify directories for database files, log files, backups, etc.

10. Install

• After configuring all the options, click Install.
• The installation process will take a few minutes.

11. Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

• If not installed during SQL Server setup, you can download SSMS separately from here.
• Install SSMS to manage SQL Server databases.

12. Post-Installation

• After installation, open SQL Server Management Studio, connect to your SQL Server instance, and verify that everything is functioning correctly.