How to: Rename a Database (SQL Server Management Studio)

This topic describes how to rename a user-defined database by using Object Explorer in SQL Server Management Studio. System databases cannot be renamed. The name of the database can include any characters that follow the rules for identifiers.

To rename a database

  1. In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine, and then expand that instance.

  2. Make sure that no one is using the database, and then set the database to single-user mode.

  3. Expand Databases, right-click the database to rename, and then click Rename.

  4. Enter the new database name, and then click OK.

    Note

    Back up the master database after you rename any database.