How to Install SQL Server 2019: A Step-by-Step Guide for Devs

Greetings, Dev! If you’re interested in installing SQL Server 2019, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed guide on how to install SQL Server 2019 on your machine. This guide is perfect for beginners who are new to SQL Server or for experienced developers who want to upgrade their skills. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to install SQL Server 2019 with ease. Before we begin, let’s cover some basics.

What is SQL Server 2019?

SQL Server 2019 is the latest version of Microsoft’s relational database management system (RDBMS). It is designed to help organizations manage and store data efficiently. It offers a wide range of features, including improved security, performance, and scalability. SQL Server 2019 can be installed on Windows, Linux, and Docker containers.

Features of SQL Server 2019

SQL Server 2019 comes with a host of new features that make it a powerful and reliable RDBMS. Some of the key features of SQL Server 2019 are:

Feature
Description
Intelligent Query Processing
Improves query performance and reduces query plan regression
Data Classification
Labels sensitive data automatically and provides security recommendations
Big Data Clusters
Allows you to deploy scalable data storage and analytics clusters
Accelerated Database Recovery
Makes database rollbacks faster and reduces downtime

Now that you have an idea of what SQL Server 2019 is and its features, let’s move on to installation.

Requirements for Installing SQL Server 2019

Before you install SQL Server 2019, there are some prerequisites you need to meet. Here are the minimum requirements for installing SQL Server 2019:

  • 64-bit processor with at least 1.4 GHz speed
  • At least 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)
  • At least 6 GB of hard disk space
  • Windows operating system (Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 or later)
  • .NET Framework 4.6.1 or later

If your machine meets these requirements, you’re ready to install SQL Server 2019.

Downloading SQL Server 2019

The first step in installing SQL Server 2019 is to download the installation files from Microsoft’s website. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to the SQL Server downloads page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-downloads
  2. Choose the edition of SQL Server you want to download (Developer, Express, or Evaluation)
  3. Select your desired language
  4. Click the Download button

Once the download is complete, you’re ready to proceed with the installation.

Installing SQL Server 2019

Now that you’ve downloaded SQL Server 2019, you can proceed with the installation process. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Run the Installation Wizard

Double-click the installation file you downloaded to start the installation wizard. You will be prompted to choose between Basic and Custom installation. Choose the Custom installation option to have more control over the installation process.

Step 2: Specify Installation Type

You will be prompted to choose the installation type. There are two options: New SQL Server stand-alone installation or Add features to an existing instance of SQL Server. Choose the first option if this is your first time installing SQL Server. Choose the second option if you want to add features to an existing instance.

Step 3: Accept License Terms

You will be prompted to accept the license terms. Read the terms carefully and click Accept if you agree to them.

Step 4: Choose Installation Path

You will be prompted to choose the installation path. Choose the desired installation path and click Next.

Step 5: Specify Instance Configuration

You will be prompted to specify the instance configuration. Choose the default instance or specify a named instance. If you choose a named instance, enter a name and click Next.

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Step 6: Choose Setup Role

You will be prompted to choose the setup role. Choose the SQL Server Feature Installation option.

Step 7: Select Features

You will be prompted to select the features you want to install. Choose the features you want and click Next.

Step 8: Specify Instance Configuration

You will be prompted to specify the instance configuration. Choose the default instance or specify a named instance. If you choose a named instance, enter a name and click Next.

Step 9: Specify Service Accounts

You will be prompted to specify the service accounts. Choose the service accounts you want to use and click Next.

Step 10: Specify Collation Settings

You will be prompted to specify the collation settings. Choose the desired collation settings and click Next.

Step 11: Specify Database Engine Configuration

You will be prompted to specify the database engine configuration. Choose the authentication mode (Windows or Mixed mode) and specify the administrators. Click Next.

Step 12: Specify Analysis Services Configuration

You will be prompted to specify the Analysis Services configuration. Choose the desired configuration and click Next.

Step 13: Specify Reporting Services Configuration

You will be prompted to specify the Reporting Services configuration. Choose the desired configuration and click Next.

Step 14: Review Installation Summary

You will be prompted to review the installation summary. Review the summary and click Install when you’re ready to proceed.

Step 15: Wait for Installation to Complete

Wait for the installation process to complete. This may take several minutes or longer, depending on your machine’s performance.

Step 16: Finish Installation

Once the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to finish the installation. Click Finish to complete the installation.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed SQL Server 2019 on your machine. Now you can start using its powerful features to manage and store data efficiently.

FAQ

Q: Can I install SQL Server 2019 on a Mac?

A: No, SQL Server 2019 can only be installed on Windows, Linux, and Docker containers.

Q: Can I install SQL Server 2019 on a virtual machine?

A: Yes, you can install SQL Server 2019 on a virtual machine. However, make sure that your machine meets the minimum requirements.

Q: Do I need to uninstall previous versions of SQL Server before installing SQL Server 2019?

A: It’s not necessary to uninstall previous versions of SQL Server before installing SQL Server 2019. However, it’s recommended to remove any unused or unnecessary features to free up disk space.

Q: Can I install SQL Server 2019 on a network drive?

A: No, SQL Server 2019 must be installed on a local drive.

Q: Do I need to reboot my machine after installing SQL Server 2019?

A: It’s not necessary to reboot your machine after installing SQL Server 2019. However, if you’re prompted to do so, follow the instructions.

Q: Can I install SQL Server 2019 on a 32-bit machine?

A: No, SQL Server 2019 can only be installed on a 64-bit machine.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve provided you with a detailed guide on how to install SQL Server 2019 on your machine. We’ve covered the basics of SQL Server 2019, its features, prerequisites, and installation steps. We hope that this guide has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!