SQL Server installation guide
Applies to: 
SQL Server - Windows only
This article is an index of content that provides guidance for installing SQL Server on Windows.
For other deployment scenarios, see:
- Linux
- Docker containers
- Kubernetes - Big Data Clusters (SQL Server 2019 (15.x) only)
Beginning with SQL Server 2016 (13.x), SQL Server is only available as a 64-bit application. Here are important details about how to get SQL Server and how to install it.
Get started
Editions and features: Review the supported features for the different editions and versions of SQL Server to determine which best suits your business needs.
Requirements: Review hardware and software installation requirements for SQL Server 2016 and SQL Server 2017, SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2022, or SQL Server on Linux, as well as system configuration checks, and security considerations in Planning a SQL Server Installation
Sample databases and sample code aren't installed as part of SQL Server Setup by default, but can be installed for non-Express editions of SQL Server. For more information, see Microsoft SQL samples.
Installation media
The download location for SQL Server depends on the edition:
- SQL Server Enterprise, Standard, and Express editions are licensed for production use. For the Enterprise and Standard Editions, contact your software vendor for the installation media. You can find purchasing information and a directory of Microsoft partners on the Microsoft licensing page.
- If you have a volume licensing agreement, for example an Enterprise Agreement, you can download software from the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).
- Free versions.
Other SQL Server components can be found here:
- Latest updates and version history for SQL Server
- SQL Server Reporting Services.
- SQL Server Management Studio
- Azure Data Studio
Considerations
Installation fails if you launch setup through Remote Desktop Connection with the media on a local resource in the RDC client. To install remotely the media must be on a network share or local to the physical or virtual machine. SQL Server installation media may be either on a network share, a mapped drive, a local drive, or presented as an ISO to a virtual machine.
SQL Server Setup installs the following software components required by the product:
- SQL Server Native Client
- SQL Server Setup support files
SQL Server installation
| Article | Description |
|---|---|
| Installation Wizard | Install SQL Server using the Installation Wizard GUI launched from the setup.exe setup media. |
| Command Prompt | Sample syntax and installation parameters for running a SQL Server installation from the command prompt. |
| Server Core | Install SQL Server on Windows Server Core. |
| Check Parameters for the System Configuration Checker | Discusses the function of the System Configuration Checker (SCC). |
| Configuration File | Sample syntax and installation parameters for running Setup through a configuration file. |
| SysPrep | Sample syntax and installation parameters for running Setup through SysPrep. |
| Add Features to an Instance | Update components of an existing instance of SQL Server. |
| SQL Server Failover Cluster Installation | Install a SQL Server failover cluster instance. |
| Repair a Failed SQL Server Installation | Repair a corrupt SQL Server installation. |
| Rename a computer with SQL Server | Update system metadata that is stored in sys.servers after the hostname of a computer hosting a stand-alone instance of SQL Server has been renamed. |
| Install SQL Server Servicing Updates | Install updates for SQL Server. |
| Setup Log Files | View and read the errors in the SQL Server setup log files. |
| Validate an Installation | Review the use of the SQL Discovery report to verify the version of SQL Server and the SQL Server features installed on the computer. |
Individual component installation
| Article | Description |
|---|---|
| SQL Server Database Engine | Install and configure the SQL Server Database Engine. |
| SQL Server Replication | Install and configure SQL Server Replication. |
| Distributed Replay1 | Lists articles to install the Distributed Replay feature. |
| SQL Server Management Tools with SSMS | Install and configure SQL Server management tools. |
| SQL Server PowerShell | Considerations for installing SQL Server PowerShell components. |
1 Distributed Replay is deprecated in SQL Server 2022 (16.x).
SQL Server configuration
| Article | Description |
|---|---|
| Configure Windows Firewall (SQL Server) | Overview of firewall configuration and how to configure the Windows Firewall to allow access to SQL Server. |
| Configure the Windows Firewall (SSAS) | Configure both port and firewall settings to allow access to Analysis Services or Power Pivot for SharePoint. |
| Configure a Multi-Homed Computer | Configure SQL Server and Windows Firewall with Advanced Security to provide for network connections to an instance of SQL Server in a multi-homed environment. |