Installation Guide for SQL Server 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2025 (Enterprise & Standard)

Step 1 — Download the Correct Installer (ISO or EXE)

Go to our Download Center and download the version/edition you need (Enterprise / Standard / Evaluation).

Step 2 — Launch the Installation Wizard

• If you have an .iso image, mount or extract it.
• Run SQLxxxx.exe from the root of the installation media.
• Click Run if you get an Open File - Security Warning
• This opens the SQL Server Installation Center.

Step 3 — Start a New Installation

In the SQL Server Installation Center:

1. Go to Installation in the left menu.
2. Click “New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation.”

Do NOT use “Basic” for Enterprise / Standard — that option is only for Express / Developer editions.

Step 4 — Enter Product Key

On the Product Key page:

• Enter the licensed key for Enterprise / Standard, or
• Select Evaluation if using a trial license.

Step 5 — Accept License Terms

• Review and accept the license agreement.

Step 6 — Feature Selection

Choose the components to install — common options include:

• Database Engine Services (required)
• Replication
• Machine Learning Services (optional)

You must explicitly choose what you need.

Step 7 — Instance Configuration

Choose:

• Default instance → named MSSQLSERVER, or
• Named instance → e.g., SQL2022

Default instance is generally used in production.

Step 8 — Server Configuration

Set service accounts and startup types:

• SQL Server Database Engine
• SQL Server Agent
• SQL Server Browser

You can use defaults or specify service accounts for each.

Step 9 — Database Engine Configuration

Choose authentication mode:

• Windows Authentication (recommended)
• Mixed Mode (requires SA password)

Add at least one administrator account here.

Step 10 — Summary & Install

• Review your choices, then click Install. Wait for the installation to complete. You’ll see a Success message on the Complete page.

Step 11 — (Optional) Restart

• If prompted, restart the server.

Step 12 — Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

• SSMS is a separate installation from the SQL Server engine.
• Download the latest SSMS installer here: 🔗 https://aka.ms/ssms
• Run and complete the SSMS installation, then launch it after installation.

Step 13 — Connect to the Server

Open SSMS and connect using:

• Server name: SERVERNAME or SERVERNAME\INSTANCENAME
• Authentication: Windows or SQL Authentication