1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager

• Press Windows + S and search for:

  • “SQL Server Configuration Manager” (Exact name may vary depending on SQL Server version: e.g., SQL Server 2019 Configuration Manager)

• Open it — you’ll see multiple configuration options for network protocols.

2. Enable TCP/IP Protocol

• In the left pane, navigate to:
  • SQL Server Network Configuration → Protocols for MSSQLSERVER

    (If you installed a named instance, it will show as Protocols for <InstanceName>)

• In the right pane, locate TCP/IP → Right-click → Enable.
• Click OK if prompted.

3. Configure TCP/IP Port

• Double-click TCP/IP to open Properties.
• Go to the IP Addresses tab.
• Scroll down to IPAll.
• In the TCP Port box, enter: 1433

  (Default port for SQL Server TCP/IP)

• Click OK.

4. Restart SQL Server Service

• In SQL Server Configuration Manager, click SQL Server Services.
• Find your instance name, e.g.:
• SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) (Default instance)
• Right-click → Restart.

5. Enable Mixed Mode Authentication (SA Account)

• Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
• Connect to your server instance as Windows Authentication.
• Right-click on the server name in Object Explorer → Properties.
• Go to Security → Select SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode.
• Click OK.
• Restart the SQL Server service again.

6. Enable and Set Password for SA Account

1. In SSMS, expand: Security → Logins
2. Right-click sa → Properties.
3. On General: Set a strong password (e.g., P@ssword123)
4. On Status: Ensure Login is set to Enabled.
5. Click OK.

7. Test the Connection

1. Open SSMS.
2. On login screen:
3. Server name: localhost,1433
4. Authentication: SQL Server Authentication
   • Login: sa
   • Password: (your password)
5. Click Connect — if successful, the configuration is correct.