How To Start Microsoft SQL

Last Updated on April 25, 2024

Microsoft SQL Server allows you to start, pause, resume, stop, and restart its services at will–but you have to learn how to perform these actions successfully and safely. In this article, you’ll learn how to begin Microsoft Server services.

The process of starting a Microsoft SQL Server is quite straightforward. You just need to go to the SQL Server Configuration Manager in the left pane and click “SQL Server Services.” Then, head to the results pane and right-click “SQL Server” (MSSQLServer). You can also select a named instance and then click “Start.”

But what is Microsoft SQL Server used for, and how does it work? This is an important question to address before diving into how to start it.

What Is Microsoft SQL Server?

Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) from Microsoft. It’s designed to support various functions, including business intelligence (BI), transaction processing, and analytics.

Nevertheless, its primary role is to store and retrieve data according to the requests and commands of other network applications. These other apps can either run on the same PC as the SQL Server or other computers within the network.

This system is based on Transact-SQL, allowing it to include standard language programming extensions. Furthermore, it’s available for application both on the cloud and on-site. It has special tools and features and a visual interface that make it easy for you to manage your data.

You need this interface if your website allows users to access your network and web services. Microsoft SQL Server is mainly used by large organizations because it enables them to handle large volumes of data effectively.

For instance, if your company has a long list of clients, product catalogs, and a vast collection of multimedia content, this system will make it easy for you to manage these resources. This is why it has become integral to most successful websites and applications.

Beginning Microsoft SQL Server Services

First of all, it’s important to understand that Microsoft SQL Server has several critical components that enable it to perform its intended functions. These components include SQL Server Database Engine, SQL Server Browser, SQL Server Agent, SQL Server Configuration Manager, SQL Server Management Studio, and Transact-SQL.  

These tools are executable applications running as Windows services, which means that they run without showing any activities on your computer screen or interacting with users on the command line. So, you’ll start by identifying the service or component you want to start; for instance, if you want to start the SQL Server Database Engine service, you have to confirm that it’s installed using the SQL Server Configuration Manager.

This tool will also help you to know if the Database Engine service is installed as the default instance or one of the named instances on your PC. If you want to start the SQL Server Agent service, note that it’s not available in all editions of MS SQL Server.

How to Start Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine Service

Because the SQL Server Database Engine service is the system’s primary component, you should learn to start it effectively. Here are the steps you should follow when starting Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine Service:

1. Start the SQL Server Configuration Manager by going to the Start menu and selecting “All Programs” > “Microsoft SQL Server” > “Configuration Tools” > “SQL Server Configuration Manager.”
2. When the User Account Control dialog box pops up, click “Yes.”
3. Go to the SQL Configuration Manager and select “SQL Server Services.”
4. Go to the results pane and right-click “SQL Server” (MSSQLServer), or any other named instance, and select “Start.”
5. Close the SQL Server Configuration Manager by clicking “OK.”
6. Your Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine service is now started.

How to Start Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

1. Go to the Object Explorer and connect to the Database Engine’s instance. Right-click the instance and select “Start.”
2. When the User Account Control dialogue box pops up, click “Yes.”
3. If you’re asked whether you want to act, click “Yes.”

Starting Microsoft SQL Server Agent

1. Go to Object Explorer and connect to the Database Engine’s instance.
2. Right-click “SQL Server Agent” and select “Start.”
3. Click “Yes” if the User Account Control dialog box pops up.
4. Click “Yes” when prompted if you wish to act.

Starting Microsoft SQL Server Browser

1. Use the instructions indicated above to start the SQL Server Configuration Manager.
2. Go to the left pane of the SQL Server Configuration Manager and select “SQL Server Services.”
3. Go to the results panel, right-click “SQL Server Browser,” and select “Start.”
4. Click “OK” to close the SQL Server Configuration Manager.

Lastly, make sure your database admins, developers, and other IT specialists understand these processes by enrolling them in SQL training programs offered by ONLC, a prominent Microsoft training platform.