Multiple server names in list

Question

Ever since upgrading to SQL Server 2019 and SSMS 18.6, when I sign in, the dropdown list of server names (in the authentication window) is doubled. I have 2 instances defined. Now I each of them twice for a total of 4 instances in the list. Everything seems to work okay, but it's annoying to have the extras. Why are they there? Can I get rid of the duplicates?

Answer 1

Hi @DanM ,

The way mentioned by JeffreyWilliams-3310 is the easiest way for SSMS 18.6 to clear items from this list.Just describe in detail:

1. Open the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
2. Open the Connect to Server dialog (File->Connect Object Explorer, Object Explorer-> Connect-> Database Engine, etc).
3. Click on the Server Name field drop down list’s down arrow.
4. Hover over the items you want to remove.
5. Press the delete (DEL) key on your keyboard.

In addition, according to my test, if the windows authentication and SQL Server authentication are both used to log in to the instance, duplicate server names will appear in the server name list in SSMS 18.6 (also 17.9.1), which is a design behavior.

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Answer 2

You can remove the items using the delete key while hovering over the item in the list.

Answer 3

That was simple! Thank you both for your help and prompt replies.