How to Install Microsoft SQL Server on Windows 11 (2026)

youtube

How to Install Microsoft SQL Server on Windows 11 In this complete step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to install Microsoft SQL Server on Windows 11 from scratch. This video is perfect for beginners, students, database administrators, and developers who want to set up a powerful and reliable SQL Server environment on their Windows 11 system. Whether you’re learning SQL, working on backend development, or preparing for real-world database projects, this guide will help you get started the right way. We begin by downloading Microsoft SQL Server from the official Microsoft website to ensure a secure and up-to-date installation. You’ll learn how to choose the correct SQL Server edition, such as SQL Server Express, Developer, or Evaluation, and understand the differences between them so you can select the best option for your needs. The tutorial then walks you through the SQL Server installation process step by step, including selecting features, instance configuration, and server configuration. Next, we cover authentication modes in detail, including Windows Authentication and SQL Server Authentication. You’ll learn how to set up a strong SA password, add administrators, and configure essential security settings during installation. These steps are explained clearly so even first-time users can follow along without confusion. After installing SQL Server, we move on to installing and setting up SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). You’ll learn how to download SSMS separate