SQL Server Configuration Manager Not Showing Up? Here’s How to Find It

It’s a common scenario for SQL Server users, especially after a fresh installation or system upgrade on Windows 10 or later, to find themselves unable to locate the SQL Server Configuration Manager. This crucial tool is essential for managing SQL Server services, network configurations, and client protocols. If you’re experiencing the frustration of “Sql Server Configuration Manager Not Showing Up,” you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through proven methods to access it and troubleshoot related connection issues.

Method 1: Direct Access via File Explorer

The most straightforward way to launch the SQL Server Configuration Manager is by directly navigating to its executable file within the System32 directory. Here’s how:

1. Open File Explorer: Go to “This PC” or simply open any folder.
2. Navigate to the System32 directory: Type or paste C:WindowsSystem32 into the address bar and press Enter.
3. Locate SQLServerManager.msc: In the System32 folder, search for a file named SQLServerManagerNN.msc, where NN represents the version of your SQL Server installation. For instance, if you have SQL Server 2019 installed, the file name will be SQLServerManager15.msc. (Refer to the table below for version numbers).
4. Run as Administrator: Right-click on the SQLServerManagerNN.msc file and select “Run as administrator”. This will launch the SQL Server Configuration Manager.

You can also create a shortcut to this file on your desktop for quicker access in the future.

Method 2: Access via Computer Management

Another reliable method to access the SQL Server Configuration Manager is through the Computer Management console. This approach can be helpful if you prefer using administrative tools within Windows.

1. Open Computer Management: Right-click on the Windows “Start” button and select “Computer Management”. Alternatively, you can search for “Computer Management” in the Start Menu search bar.
2. Locate SQL Server Configuration Manager: In the Computer Management window, look for “Services and Applications” in the left-hand pane. Expand it, and you should find “SQL Server Configuration Manager” listed there.
3. Select the correct version: Depending on your installed SQL Server versions, you might see multiple Configuration Managers listed (e.g., SQL Server Configuration Manager (Local)). Choose the one corresponding to the SQL Server instance you want to manage.

Troubleshooting “Could not open a connection to SQL Server” Errors

If you’re able to open the SQL Server Configuration Manager but encounter errors like “(provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 – Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 2)” when trying to connect to your SQL Server instance, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify SQL Server Service Status: Ensure that the main SQL Server service is running. Use the Configuration Manager (once you’ve accessed it) or the Services app in Windows to check and start the service if necessary.
2. Check SQL Server Browser Service (for Named Instances): If you are using a named SQL Server instance (not the default MSSQLSERVER), the SQL Server Browser service must be running to facilitate connections. Verify and start this service if needed. Double-check that you are using the correct instance name when connecting (e.g., YourComputerNameYourInstanceName).
3. Remote Connections Configuration: SQL Server might be configured to disallow remote connections by default. In SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or using SQLCMD (if you can connect locally), check the server properties to ensure “Allow remote connections to this server” is enabled. You can also configure network protocols (like TCP/IP and Named Pipes) in the SQL Server Configuration Manager itself under SQL Server Network Configuration.
4. Examine SQL Server Error Logs: Review the SQL Server error logs for details about listening ports and network interfaces. These logs can provide clues if SQL Server is not listening on the expected network or port. The default location is usually C:Program FilesMicrosoft SQL ServerMSSQLNN.MSSQLSERVERMSSQLLogERRORLOG (adjust MSSQLNN and MSSQLSERVER based on your version and instance name).
5. Test Network Connectivity with PING: From the client machine where you are trying to connect, use the PING command in the Command Prompt to test basic network connectivity to the SQL Server machine (e.g., PING YourServerName or PING YourServerIP).
6. Test Port Connectivity with TELNET: Use the TELNET command to test if the SQL Server port (default is 1433 for default instances, check SQL Server Configuration Manager for specific named instances or custom ports) is open and accessible from the client machine. For example, TELNET YourServerName 1433. If Telnet is not recognized, you may need to enable it in Windows Features.
7. Firewall Configuration: If steps 5 or 6 fail, firewall settings on both the SQL Server machine and the client machine are likely blocking communication. Ensure that Windows Firewall or any other firewall is configured to allow traffic on the SQL Server port (1433 for TCP, and 1434 for UDP for the Browser service, along with Named Pipes if used).

For more in-depth troubleshooting, refer to these official Microsoft resources and community guides:

• Resolving could not open a connection to SQL Server errors
• Troubleshoot connecting to the SQL Server Database Engine
• Lesson 1: Connecting to the Database Engine.

By following these methods, you should be able to locate and access the SQL Server Configuration Manager and resolve common connection problems. Remember to verify your SQL Server instance type (default or named) as connection strings differ accordingly. Default instances can often be connected to using just the server name, while named instances require the format ServerNameInstanceName.