Before you start
- Sign in as an administrator with Remote Desktop.
- Install all Windows updates and restart first.
- Check requirements: an x64 processor, at least 512 MB of RAM for Express (more in practice), and at least 6 GB free on the system drive for setup, even if you install to another drive (Microsoft Learn).
- SQL Server 2025 needs .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later; setup checks this for you.
What are the SQL Server Express limits?
Source: SQL Server 2025 editions on Microsoft Learn. From SQL Server 2025, Express also includes what used to be “Express with Advanced Services”, such as Full-Text Search. If you outgrow these limits, you need a paid edition.
How to install SQL Server Express
1
Download the installer
On the server, open the SQL Server downloads page and select Download now under SQL Server 2025 Express.
2
Start a custom installation
Right-click the downloaded file and choose Run as administrator. Choose the custom installation, so the full SQL Server Installation Center opens and you can set the options below yourself.
3
New standalone installation
In SQL Server Installation Center, select Installation, then New SQL Server standalone installation or add features to an existing installation.
4
Accept the licence
Read the licence terms, tick I accept the license terms and select Next. If the Microsoft Update page appears, ticking it lets Windows Update also patch SQL Server, which we recommend.
5
Select features
On Feature Selection, tick Database Engine Services. Add other features only if you need them.
6
Name the instance
On Instance Configuration, keep the Named instance the installer suggests (our examples use
SQLEXPRESS) or type your own. Write it down: you connect to localhost\SQLEXPRESS.7
Service settings
On Server Configuration, keep the default service accounts. Make sure SQL Server Database Engine has Startup Type Automatic.
8
Choose authentication
On Database Engine Configuration:
- Windows authentication mode (default): only Windows accounts can sign in. Best if only apps on this server use the database.
- Mixed Mode: also allows SQL logins such as
sa. Needed for many web apps and remote tools. Enter a strong password forsa.
9
Install
Select Next, then Install. When setup reports that all features installed successfully, select Close.
How to connect with SQL Server Management Studio
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a free, separate download, linked from the same downloads page. Install it, start it and connect to:- Server name:
localhost\SQLEXPRESS(your instance name) - Authentication: Windows Authentication, or SQL Server Authentication with
saif you chose Mixed Mode
Running.
How to allow remote connections (only if you need them)
For security, Express installs with only local connectivity: apps on the same server can connect, other computers can’t (Microsoft Learn). If your website runs on the same server, skip this section.1
Enable TCP/IP
Open SQL Server Configuration Manager (run
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SQLServerManager17.msc for SQL Server 2025). Expand SQL Server Network Configuration, select Protocols for SQLEXPRESS, right-click TCP/IP and choose Enable.2
Set a fixed port
Double-click TCP/IP, open the IP Addresses tab and scroll to IPAll. Delete the value in TCP Dynamic Ports (it’s
0 when dynamic), type 1433 in TCP Port and select OK. Named instances like Express use dynamic ports by default, which a firewall rule can’t follow (Microsoft Learn).3
Restart SQL Server
Select SQL Server Services, right-click SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) and choose Restart.
4
Allow the port only from your IP
198.51.100.25 with the public IP that needs access.203.0.113.10,1433 (IP, comma, port). With a fixed port you don’t need the SQL Server Browser service or UDP port 1434.
How to check it worked
From the computer you allowed, run in PowerShell:TcpTestSucceeded : True means the port is reachable. Then connect with SSMS or HeidiSQL.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use SQL Server Express in production?
Yes. Microsoft states that Express is licensed for production use. Stay within its size, memory and CPU limits.How do I back up an Express database without SQL Server Agent?
Express has no Agent, so schedule backups with Windows Task Scheduler runningsqlcmd with a BACKUP DATABASE statement, and copy the .bak files off the server. Also keep server backups.
Should I use MySQL or SQL Server?
Use what your application supports. .NET applications often expect SQL Server; PHP apps such as WordPress expect MySQL or MariaDB.I forgot the sa password. What now?
Sign in to SSMS with Windows Authentication as a Windows account you added as SQL Server administrator during setup, then reset thesa password under Security > Logins.
Related guides
VPS and dedicated server guides
Every guide in this section.
Install IIS
Run the website that uses the database.
Open a port in Windows Firewall
Rules limited to one IP.
Connect with HeidiSQL
A free desktop client.
Back up a Windows server
Protect your data.
Checked against Microsoft Learn: SQL Server 2025 requirements, editions, Installation Wizard, listen on a specific TCP port and firewall configuration on 4 November 2026. Not tested on a live Windows server for this page; installer screens can differ slightly between releases.
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Last Updated: November 2026