How to Install and Configure SQL Server 2025 in Windows

Introduction

SQL Server 2025, developed by Microsoft, is a powerful relational database management system (RDBMS) suited for enterprise-level database applications. Installing SQL Server 2025 on a Windows operating system is straightforward if you follow the recommended steps carefully.

System Requirements

Make sure your system meets the following requirements before proceeding:

• Operating System: Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, or higher
• Processor: Minimum 2 GHz; recommended multi-core processor
• RAM: Minimum 4 GB; recommended 8 GB or higher
• Disk Space: At least 10 GB of free space
• .NET Framework: Version 4.8 or higher

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Download SQL Server 2025

Visit the official Microsoft website and navigate to the SQL Server 2025 download page. Choose the appropriate version (Standard, Enterprise, or Developer) based on your needs, and download the installation package. Or click here to download SQL Server 2025, then fill out the form below to download the SQL Server 2025 public preview version.

Then the SQL Server Media file will download as shown in the snapshot below.

Step 2: Launch the Installer

Once the download is complete:

• Locate the installer file in the download folder (file name = SQL2025-SSEI-Eval.exe).
• Right-click on the file and select Run as Administrator to ensure proper installation. 

Step 3: Choose Installation Type

The installation wizard will prompt you to select the type of installation:

• Basic Installation: Recommended for beginners or small-scale projects.
• Custom Installation: Allows you to choose specific features and settings.
• Here I am selecting Basic for now, as shown in the snapshot below.

For most users, selecting Custom Installation provides the flexibility needed to tailor the installation to their environment.

Then select Agree to accept the Microsoft SQL Server License Terms.

Then choose the installation location. For now, I am keeping the default installation path, which is C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server, and click on the Install button as shown in the snapshot below.

Then, the download and install package will begin as shown in the snapshot below. It may take a few minutes, depending on your internet speed. Once the download finishes, installation will start automatically. Just wait for a few minutes.

Step 4: Configure Instance

During installation:

• Choose between a Default Instance or a Named Instance.
• A Default Instance is typically named MSSQLSERVER and works for general purposes.
• Named Instances are useful for running multiple SQL Server versions on the same machine.
  
• If SSMS is already installed, then click on connect now, or click on the close button, then connect in SSMS, or if SSMS is not installed already, then click on install SSMS, or follow my other article to learn about What is SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and How to install SSMS in Windows. Or if you are installing SQL Server for the first time on your machine, then follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 5: Set Up Server Configuration

The wizard will ask for server configuration details:

• Specify the Authentication Mode:
• Windows Authentication: Recommended for integration with Windows accounts.
• Mixed Mode: Allows both Windows and SQL Server authentication.

Provide a strong password for the system administrator (SA) account if using Mixed Mode.

Step 6: Select Features

Choose the features you wish to install:

• Database Engine Services: For managing databases.
• Analysis Services: For data analytics.
• Reporting Services: For generating reports.
• Integration Services: For ETL processes.

Make sure to only select the features that are relevant to your project to save system resources, and then click on the next button as shown in the snapshot below.

Step 7: Installation Progress

Once all configurations are set, the installer will begin installing SQL Server 2025. This process may take several minutes. Monitor the progress bar and ensure the installation completes without errors.

Step 8: Verify Installation

After installation:

• Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or a similar tool.
• Connect to the newly installed SQL Server instance using your credentials.
• Run a simple query to test database functionality.
  

Conclusion

Following these steps will help you install SQL Server 2025 successfully on a Windows system. Make sure to keep software and drivers up to date for optimal performance and security.

If you require any clarification/suggestions on the article, please leave your questions and thoughts in the comment section below. Follow C# Corner to learn more new and amazing things about SQL or to explore more technologies.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you like it.