SQL Server Download for Free – 2023 Latest Version
SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language, is a computer language that manages the data located on the server. Microsoft developed the SQL Server to do a lot more than simply act as a database for organizing the data. It was designed to work as a data management system. SQL Server is a valuable Business Intelligence (BI) tool that supports analytics operations and processes transactions. It’s a relational database management system that works with both structured and unstructured data.
SQL Server has many benefits for small and large businesses. Its most basic function is a database that stores and manages the information on the server. You can easily share the data with any other computer on the same network. Due to the SQL language, it can process large amounts of data much faster than other computer languages, so you get your data quicker. SQL Server is protected with the latest encryption technology, which means that you can safely store customer or client details, including credit card numbers and other sensitive data.
There are several different versions of SQL Server; this review will focus on the Microsoft SQL Server Express. Follow the instructions below, and I’ll show you how to download and install it for free.
How to Download SQL Server for Free on PC
- Click on the download button, and the SQL Server download page will open in a new tab.
- Scroll down on the page until you see the Specialized Editions, and press the Download Now button under the Express option, and the setup file will download to your computer.
- Double click on the file when the download is complete, and the Setup Wizard will open.
- There are three installation options. If you’re new to SQL Server, choose the Basic option, which installs it with the default configuration settings. The other two options are a custom installation, where you can choose which components you want, and a Download Media that will download the files, and you can install them on a different computer. I’ll be downloading the Basic option.
- Accept the License Terms and Privacy Statement.
- Choose a destination folder or continue with the default option and press the Install button.
- SQL Server will download all the components and install them on your computer.
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How to Uninstall SQL Server
If SQL Server isn’t the right relational database software for your business, you can uninstall it in a few simple steps. SQL Server installs multiple files on your computer, and each one has to be uninstalled separately.
- Type Add or Remove Programs in the Windows search bar and press the Enter key.
- Find the Microsoft SQL Server files, and click Uninstall on each of them.
- The Windows uninstaller program will remove the files one at a time.
If you’re looking for a different database program, check out the free SQL Server alternatives below.
SQL Server Overview
Microsoft developed its SQL Server as a powerful data engine that can quickly collect data from multiple sources. It creates a secure environment that creates and manages databases with plenty of storage. In addition to this, SWL Servers gives businesses the necessary BI components needed to evaluate and analyze the data, including generating reports to keep everything clear.
SQL Server is intuitive and relatively easy to use. It comes with step by step instructions for configuring it to collect the data and automatically installs all updates.
There are four SQL Server editions:
- Enterprise: This option is ideal for large corporations with massive data storage requirements. It comes with data warehousing and cloud-based web databases.
- Standard: The Standard SQL Server edition has everything a small or medium sized business requires. There are no limits on the number of active users, and it can work as a back-end server database.
- Express: A completely free version of SQL Servers is suited for development and production for desktop, web, and small server applications
- Developer: This option comes with all the features and capabilities of the Enterprise SQL Server, except it’s suited for testing and development projects. It’s typically used by developers as they build and test their apps on the SQL Server.
SQL Server Express Features
The free Express version of SQL Server comes with many of the same features as the premium option just scaled down for a smaller business. One of the biggest differences is that it has a 10 GB storage capacity and 1 GB of maximum memory that can be used by the data engine.
It is an extremely secure software that uses the latest encryption technology, making it virtually impossible for a hacker or competitor to access your data.
Scalability
SQL Server Express is a great first SQL Server for companies that are in the initial stages of software development since it’s perfectly suited for smaller applications.
As the software gets bigger, you can add multiple users to the account. Another benefit is that while there is a 10GB limit on the database, you can add multiple databases that can each store up to 10GB.
Ideally, you will outgrow the Express version, but it easily integrates with the Standard and Enterprise editions, so the transfer should be seamless.
Generate Reports
You can customize your reports so you can evaluate the data that it’s important to you. There is a free Reporting Services tool that you will need to install to generate reports. Once the report is ready, you can export it as an Excel document or share it with other users online.
Free Data Backup
In addition to security from hackers, SQL Server Express can protect you in the event your software crashes. Your account includes free online data backup that will safely store your data on a separate secure server.
Free Alternatives to SQL Server
- DBeaver: DBeaver is a free and open source database tool designed for developers and database administrators. The software is easy to use and implement, with a well-designed UI.
- PostgreSQL: An open source relational database, PostgreSQL has been around for over 15 years. It has earned a reputation as a reliable tool that is easy to set up and provides companies with the data they need for its software applications.
FAQ
Is SQL Server free?
There are several different versions of SQL Server. While they each come with a free trial, only the Express is 100% free. Follow the instructions above, and I’ll show you how to download it today.
Is SQL Server secure?
SQL Server is an incredibly secure software. It uses the latest encryption technology to ensure that your data, customer details, and proprietary information are secure. SQL Server Express also has automatic data backup and automatic updates to ensure that you always have the most up-to-date security features.
What are the limitations of SQL Server Express?
While SQL Express does have some of the same advanced features as the premium versions. There are some notable limitations. The most significant limitation is that it’s restricted to smaller data sets, with a 10GB maximum database size. Some of the advanced features that you won’t get with Express are SQL Server Agent, tuning advisor, and analysis services.
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