Installing SQL Server 2022 is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Below, I’ll walk you through how to download the installation media and successfully install SQL Server 2022.
Downloading SQL Server 2022
To guarantee you’re downloading the latest and official version of SQL Server, visit Microsoft’s SQL Server Downloads page. From here, you can download the most recent release of SQL Server.
If you’re looking for older or specific versions, you’ll need to head over to the Microsoft Evaluation Center. Once there, navigate to the SQL Server section and select the appropriate version.
At the download stage, you’ll be prompted to choose between the Developer Edition and Express Edition. The Developer Edition is feature-complete and ideal for testing, while Express Edition has limitations but can be useful for lightweight applications or development environments.
For this guide, I’ll be using the Developer Edition.
Installing SQL Server 2022
After downloading the installer, copy the SQL2022-SSEI-Dev.exe (or SQL2022-SSEI-Expr.exe for Express) to the machine where you want to install SQL Server. To start the installation, right-click on the file and choose “Run as Administrator.”
Once the installer opens, you’ll have 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 will suffice. Accept the License Terms, select your desired installation location, and click Install. The installation process typically takes a few minutes but can vary depending on your hardware and Windows version
Post-Installation
After installation completes, you’ll be presented with configuration details and confirmation of a successful setup. If something went wrong, SQL Server will generate a log file with more detailed information, which you can review to troubleshoot any issues.
If you need to cancel the installation partway through, ensure that you clean up any residual files in the installation directory and uninstall any partially installed SQL Server components. Failing to do so could cause problems during future installation attempts.
This guide focuses solely on the installation process and does not cover security, best practices, or database configuration. I recommend exploring additional resources to familiarize yourself with those essential topics. With the installation complete, you’re ready to begin using SQL Server 2022 for tasks such as creating new databases or migrating existing ones.
Feel free to leave a comment if you run into any issues. Before doing so, make sure to search for the error code, as most installation errors have known solutions readily available online.
Good luck!