---
title: "Installing Microsoft SQL Server Express"
description: "To Download SQL Server Express"
---

# Installing Microsoft SQL Server Express

> To Download SQL Server Express

You need to download and install both the **SQL Server Express** and the **SQL Management Studio** before you connect to the database.

## To Download SQL Server Express

This section walks through the process of installing a new instance of SQL Server Express. 

1. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-downloads. 
 
2. Look for the link/button to download the **Express Edition**.
  
3. Run the installer.

4. When given a choice between installation type, select **Custom**. 

5. Select an installation directory. If you don't have a preference, simply use the default. 

6. The installer will unpack and download required files. 

7. Once the installer is ready, the **SQL Server Installation Center** window will appear. Select the **Installation** heading on the side bar, and click on the **New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation** link.
   
8. On the **License Terms** window, choose **I accept the license terms** and click **Next**.

9. On the **Product Updates** window, click **Next** to start installing the SQL Server.
    
10. On the **Feature Selection** window, select the features you require and click **Next**.
    :::note 
    Be mindful that you may find some of the default packages extraneous. You can uncheck many of the options, such as the optional Machine Learning Services and Language Extensions. The Server and SQL Server Management Studio are the main tools you'll need when interacting with an Ignition installation. You can always remove additional components from the SQL Server installer later if you choose so.

    Check [Microsoft's documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/?view=sql-server-ver16) for more details on what each package does. 
    :::

11. The **Instance Configuration** window shows **Named instance: SQLExpress**, you can keep it or change it if you like. Click **Next**.

12. When asked about a JRE to use, you can use the provided JRE. Click **Next**. 

13. On the **Server Configuration** window, choose **Automatic** from the dropdown under **Startup Type** for the **SQL Server Browser** service, and click **Next**.
     
14. On the **Database Engine Configuration** window, for **Authentication Mode** choose **Mixed Mode**, enter a **password** for the SA account. Note that you can use a Windows Authentication Mode with Ignition, but it does require some [additional configuration](platform\database-connections\connecting-to-databases\connecting-to-microsoft-sql-server-express\connecting-to-microsoft-sql-server-express.md#different-ways-of-connecting-to-sql-server) when connecting later on. In either case, click **Next**.
       
15. On the next few windows, continue clicking **Next** until it shows installation is **Complete**.

**SQL Server Express** is now installed. 

## To Download SQL Management Studio

1. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8961
 
2. Click on the **Download** button.

3. Click on the **SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe** file to run the executable.

4. Confirm the install location and click **Install**. After the install is complete, you will have to restart your PC. 

    ![](2024-10-31_10-28-24.png)

5. Once your computer has been restarted, you can run the program. Go to **Start** > **Programs** > **Microsoft SQL Server** > **SQL Server Management Studio**.

6. Click on **Connect** to connect to the Microsoft SQL Server.

7. In **Object Explorer**, you can now see some databases under **Databases > System Databases**.

8. Right-click on **Databases** and select **New Databases...**. The **New Databases** window is displayed.

9. In **Database name**, enter **test**, click **Add**, and then **OK**.

Now you can see the **test** database in the **Databases** folder and can connect Ignition to it, see [Connecting to Microsoft SQL Server](platform\database-connections\connecting-to-databases\connecting-to-microsoft-sql-server-express\connecting-to-microsoft-sql-server-express.md).