How to Install Microsoft SQL Server on Windows

SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. It is designed to compete with other popular SQL-based databases such as MySQL. Its primary functions include storing, retrieving, and securing data for users and applications. It utilizes the traditional Structured Query Language (SQL) to manage and manipulate data. Applications and utilities communicate with an SQL Server instance or database via Transact-SQL.

In this article, we will demonstrate the step-by-step process of installing Microsoft SQL Server on a Windows operating system.

Prerequisite

Many SQL-based databases, including MySQL database, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and SQL Server, are designed for efficient data storage, retrieval, management, and querying. Each database has its own specific hardware and software requirements for installation. More specifically, the hardware and software requirements for installing SQL Server on Windows are listed below:

Hardware Requirements

• Hard Disk: A minimum of 6GB of space is required for SQL Server and its components.
• Memory: The minimum requirement is 1GB. However, this will increase as the database size grows.
• Processor: A minimum of an x64 processor with 1.4 GHz is required.

Software Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 or the latest version of Windows, and Windows Server 2016 or greater.
• .NET Framework: The .NET Framework is required to run Microsoft SQL Server. If the required framework is not pre-installed, it will be automatically installed with the Microsoft SQL Server installation.

Let’s proceed toward the installation process of Windows SQL Server.

Install SQL Server on Windows

Different editions and versions are available for Microsoft SQL Server installation, such as the Developer Edition, Express Edition, Evaluation Edition, and Basic or Custom versions. In this section, we will install the Basic version of Microsoft SQL from the Developer Edition. However, all other editions are also freely available and you can install them in a similar way.

To install the SQL server on Windows, follow the below demonstrations:

Step 1: Download Installer

Navigate to the official Microsoft website and choose the edition of Microsoft SQL server. After that, press the “Download now” button:

Step 2: Execute SQL Server Installer

By default, the installer will be stored in the Downloads folder of Windows. Now, navigate to the Downloads directory, and execute the Micro SQL server installer:

Step 3: Select SQL Server Installation Type to Download

Now, select the SQL server installation type according to your preferences. For example, the “Basic” edition will install basic features and configuration:

Step 4: Accept License Terms and Agreements

Agree with Microsoft SQL server License terms and privacy conditions by hitting the “Accept” button:

Step 5: Install SQL Server

Browse the location where you want to install the SQL server and then press the “Install” button:

Upon doing so, the installation process will start:

After the installation, the SQL Server main wizard will appear, showing basic information about SQL Server, such as the instance name, system administrator name, connection string, location of SQL logs, and so on. It is also recommended that we install the SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) tool, which allows us to manage and use SQL Server through a user-friendly interface.

Step 6: Connect to Microsoft SQL Server

Launch the Command Prompt as an administrator via the Windows Start menu and connect to the SQL server by utilizing the following command:

sqlcmd -S DESKTOP-AC9A75E -E

Step 7: View Database

View the existing database information using the below command:

select DB_NAME() 
GO

Step 8: Create a New Database

To create a new database in the SQL server, use the “Create database <Database name>” query:

Create database Demodatabase

For validation, check the system databases through the following queries:

select name from sys.databases 
go

Here, the output indicates that the new “Demodatabase” is created effectively in the SQL server. To exit the SQL server prompt interface, type “Exit” query:

This is all about Microsoft SQL server installation.

Conclusion

Microsoft SQL Server for Windows is a relational database that manages, manipulates, and retrieves data securely in an RDBMS. All editions and versions are available on Microsoft’s official website and you can easily install them free of cost. After downloading the installer, simply run it and start the installation of Microsoft SQL Server.

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