Applies to: SQL Server – Windows only
This article serves as your central index for in-depth guidance on installing SQL Server on Windows. Whether you are setting up your database for the first time or upgrading an existing system, this guide will point you to the resources you need for a successful installation.
For deployment scenarios beyond Windows, further documentation is available.
It’s important to note that starting with SQL Server 2016 (13.x), SQL Server is exclusively a 64-bit application. Below, you’ll find crucial information on obtaining SQL Server and initiating the installation process.
Getting Started with SQL Server Installation
Before you begin, understanding where to obtain your SQL Server installation media is key.
Installation Media
The download source for SQL Server varies depending on the specific edition you require:
[Link to specific download locations – to be added based on actual sources]
Additional SQL Server components can be located at:
[Link to additional components – to be added based on actual sources]
Important Installation Considerations
Keep these points in mind before you proceed with the installation:
- Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) Installation: Launching setup via Remote Desktop Connection with the media on a local resource within the RDC client will lead to installation failure. For remote installations, ensure the media is located on a network share or is local to the physical or virtual machine you are targeting. Your SQL Server installation media can be on a network share, a mapped drive, a local drive, or presented as an ISO to a virtual machine.
- Prerequisites Automatically Installed: SQL Server Setup automatically includes and installs the following essential software components:
- SQL Server Native Client
- SQL Server Setup support files
Step-by-Step SQL Server Installation Guides
The following table provides direct links to detailed articles, guiding you through various SQL Server installation methods:
| Article | Description |
|---|---|
| Install SQL Server from the Installation Wizard (Setup) | Learn how to Install Sql Server using the graphical Installation Wizard, launched directly from the setup.exe on your installation media. |
| Install SQL Server from the Command Prompt | Explore command-line installation. This guide provides sample syntax and parameters for executing SQL Server setup from the command prompt. |
| Install SQL Server on Server Core | Step-by-step instructions for installing SQL Server on Windows Server Core environments. |
| Understanding System Configuration Checker Parameters | Get a detailed explanation of the System Configuration Checker (SCC) and its role in ensuring a smooth SQL Server installation. |
| Automated Installation using a Configuration File | Discover how to streamline installations using configuration files. This guide includes syntax and parameters for setup via a configuration file. |
| Prepare for Installation using SysPrep | Learn to use SysPrep for efficient SQL Server deployments. Sample syntax and parameters for running Setup through SysPrep are included. |
| Adding Features to an Existing SQL Server Instance | Find out how to update and modify existing SQL Server installations by adding new features to an instance. |
| SQL Server Failover Cluster Installation Guide | Comprehensive guide to installing SQL Server in a failover cluster configuration for high availability. |
| Troubleshooting Failed SQL Server Installations | Get guidance on how to diagnose and repair corrupted or failed SQL Server installations. |
| Renaming a Computer Hosting SQL Server | Understand the process of updating system metadata in sys.servers after renaming a computer hosting a standalone SQL Server instance. |
| Applying SQL Server Servicing Updates | Learn the best practices for installing and managing updates for your SQL Server instances. |
| Accessing SQL Server Setup Log Files | Discover how to locate, view, and interpret SQL Server setup log files for troubleshooting and monitoring. |
| Validating Your SQL Server Installation | Learn how to use the SQL Discovery report to effectively verify the SQL Server version and installed features on your system. |
Installing Individual SQL Server Components
For users needing to install specific SQL Server features independently, these guides provide focused instructions:
| Article | Description |
|---|---|
| Installing the SQL Server Database Engine | Detailed steps to install and configure the core SQL Server Database Engine component. |
| Setting up SQL Server Replication | Guide to installing and configuring SQL Server Replication for data distribution and synchronization. |
| Distributed Replay Feature Installation | Links to articles detailing the installation of the Distributed Replay feature (Note: Distributed Replay is deprecated in SQL Server 2022 (16.x)). |
| Installing SQL Server Management Tools (SSMS) | Instructions for installing and configuring SQL Server management tools, including SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). |
| SQL Server PowerShell Component Installation | Considerations and steps for installing SQL Server PowerShell components for scripting and automation. |
Post-Installation SQL Server Configuration
After installing SQL Server, proper configuration is crucial. These articles will guide you through essential configuration tasks:
| Article | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuring Windows Firewall for SQL Server Access | Overview of firewall configuration best practices and specific steps to configure Windows Firewall to allow seamless access to your SQL Server instance. |
| Firewall Configuration for SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) | Learn how to configure both port settings and Windows Firewall to enable access to SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) or Power Pivot for SharePoint. |
| Configuring SQL Server in Multi-Homed Computer Environments | Guidance on configuring SQL Server and Windows Firewall with Advanced Security in multi-homed environments to ensure correct network connections to your SQL Server instance across multiple network interfaces. |
Related Resources
[Link to related content – to be added based on actual sources]
This guide is designed to be your starting point for installing SQL Server. By following the links provided, you will find comprehensive and detailed instructions to suit your specific installation needs.
