Installing SQL Server 2022 is straightforward when you follow the right steps. This guide shows you how to download the installation media and successfully install SQL Server 2022.
Downloading SQL Server 2022
To get the latest official version of SQL Server, go to Microsoft’s SQL Server Downloads page. This page has the most current SQL Server release available for download.
If you need older or specific versions, head to the Microsoft Evaluation Center. Find the SQL Server section and select the version you need.
When downloading, you’ll choose between Developer Edition and Express Edition. The Developer Edition has all features and works well for testing, while Express Edition is good for lightweight applications and development work, though it has some limitations.
I’m using Developer Edition for this guide.
Installing SQL Server 2022
After downloading, copy the SQL2022-SSEI-Dev.exe (or SQL2022-SSEI-Expr.exe for Express) to the computer where you want to install SQL Server. Start the installation by right-clicking the file and selecting “Run as Administrator.”
The installer gives you three options:
- Basic: A quick installation with default settings.
- Custom: Provides more control over the installation process and allows for specific configurations.
- Download Media: Allows you to download the full installation files for later use.
For most installations, Basic works fine. Accept the License Terms, choose where to install, and click Install. Installation usually takes a few minutes, but the time varies depending on your hardware and Windows version.
Post-Installation
When installation finishes, you’ll see configuration details and confirmation that everything worked. If something goes wrong, SQL Server creates log files with more information to help troubleshoot the problem.
If you need to cancel the installation, make sure to clean up any leftover files in the installation directory and uninstall any partially installed SQL Server components. Not doing this can cause problems with future installations.
This guide only covers installation. It doesn’t include security, best practices, or database configuration. You’ll want to look at other resources to learn about those important topics. With installation complete, you’re ready to start using SQL Server 2022 for creating databases or migrating existing ones.
If you run into issues, search for the error code before asking for help. Most installation problems have known solutions that you can find online.
You’re all set!