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SQL Server Configuration Manager: Prevent automatic startup of an instance

  • Article

Applies to: SQL Server

This article describes how to prevent an instance of SQL Server from starting automatically in SQL Server by using SQL Server Configuration Manager. SQL Server is normally configured to start automatically. You can change that by setting the start mode for the instance to manual.

Use SQL Server Configuration Manager

Prevent automatic startup of an instance of SQL Server

  1. On the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server, point to Configuration Tools, and then select SQL Server Configuration Manager.

    Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the Microsoft Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager doesn't appear as an application in newer versions of Windows.

    Operating system Details
    Windows 10 and Windows 11 To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the Start Page, type SQLServerManager16.msc (for SQL Server 2022 (16.x)). For other versions of SQL Server, replace 16 with the appropriate number. Selecting SQLServerManager16.msc opens the Configuration Manager. To pin the Configuration Manager to the Start Page or Task Bar, right-click SQLServerManager16.msc, and then select Open file location. In the Windows File Explorer, right-click SQLServerManager16.msc, and then select Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.
    Windows 8 To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the Search charm, under Apps, type SQLServerManager<version>.msc, such as SQLServerManager16.msc, and then press Enter.

  2. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand Services, and then select SQL Server.

  3. In the details pane, right-click MSSQLServer, and then select Properties.

  4. In the SQL Server <instancename> Properties dialog box, on the Service tab, in the General box, set the value of Start Mode to Manual.

  5. Select OK to close the SQL Server <instancename> Properties dialog box, and then close SQL Server Configuration Manager.

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