> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/knowledge-base/knowledge-base-articles/sql-server-express-configuration.md).

# SQL Server express configuration

To be able to connect to an SQL database with Devolutions Server, here is the suggested configuration in Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition.

**Most of our customers use the mixed mode Server Authentication**. As per Microsoft, it is not the safest authentication method to use with Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition but we recommend to use it to configure and test your Devolutions Server instance. After a successful installation of Devolutions Server, you can set it back to ***Windows Authentication*** mode and set the ***Domain single sign-on (SSO)*** option in the ***Database*** tab of the Devolutions Server Server Settings. Consult [Configure domain single sign-on (SSO)](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/kb/how-to-articles/configure-windows-authentication/). To enable the mixed mode, in the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, open the properties dialog of your server and go in the ***Security*** tab. Then, select the SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode option.

<figure><img src="https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/docs_en_kb_KB4311.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The next option that needs to be activated is the ***Allow remote connections to this server*** option. You will find that option in the ***Connections*** tab of the SQL Server ***Properties*** dialog. Then, click on the ***OK*** button to save the modifications.

<figure><img src="https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/docs_en_kb_KB4312.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Finally, the SQL Server Browser service must be started on the machine where the SQL Server is hosted. Please run servicesmsc and look for the SQL Server Browser in the list.

<figure><img src="https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/docs_en_kb_KB4313.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We recommend to set the Startup type to Automatic for the SQL Server Browser service. Double-click on the service to open the ***Properties*** dialog. Then start the service by clicking on the ***Start*** button and select ***Automatic*** in the Startup type drop down menu. Finally, click on the ***OK*** button.

<figure><img src="https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/docs_en_kb_KB4314.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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