How to Install SQL Server 2017 on Windows

This article contains screenshots from installing SQL Server 2017 for Windows using the Basic installation option.

  1. Download SQL Server 2017

    Go to the SQL Server download page and click Download now for your preferred option. This tutorial uses the Developer edition.

    Screenshot of the SQL Server download page
  2. Start the Installation

    Double click the downloaded file to start the installation process.

  3. User Account Control

    If you get a prompt asking you if it's OK to allow this app to make changes to your device, click Yes.

    Screenshot of the User Account Control prompt.
  4. Installation Type

    Click Basic to install the database engine with the default configuration.

    Screenshot of the User Account Control prompt.
  5. License

    Click Accept to accept the license agreement (after you've read it of course...).

    Screenshot of the License screen.
  6. Install Location

    Leave the location at the default location (or change it if you prefer), then click Install.

    This will download and install SQL Server.

    Screenshot of the Install Location screen.
  7. Installation Complete

    Once SQL Server has been installed, the Installation has completed successfully! screen will be displayed.

    Screenshot of the Installation Successful screen.

Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

  1. Download SSMS

    Go to the SSMS download page and click Download SQL Server Management Studio 17.6 (or whichever version is available) to download the SSMS installer.

    Screenshot of the SQL Server download page
  2. User Account Control

    If you get a prompt asking you if it's OK to allow this app to make changes to your device, click Yes.

    Screenshot of the User Account Control prompt.
  3. Install SSMS

    Click Install to begin the installation.

    Screenshot of the Install screen.
  4. Setup Completed

    Once SSMS has been installed, the Setup Completed screen appears. Click Close.

    Screenshot of the Setup Completed screen.
  5. Open SSMS

    You can open SSMS from the Windows Start menu, just as with any other application.

    Screenshot of the Windows Start menu with SSMS highlighted.
  6. Connect to SSMS

    When SSMS opens, you'll need to provide credentials to connect to SQL Server. In this example, I left the default settings (Windows Authentication) and clicked Connect.

    Screenshot of the SSMS connection window.