Setting SQL Server to use Mixed Mode/SQL Authentication (2024)

Before you Begin

This document assumes SQL Server has already been installed. If not, find our tech note on installing SQL Server, and the steps included in that document will ensure you have the correct setup.

Pre-Requisites

During the SQL Server installation you must have allowed at least one Windows user to have access to SQL Server and be able to log into SQL Server using this account. If this has not been done, you will need to reinstall SQL.

Detailed Steps

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio by going to Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL Server YEAR > SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Log in with Windows Authentication with an administrative account.
3. Change the authentication
   1. On the Object Explorer window right click on the server name and go to Properties.
      1. Select the Security section.
         1. Under Server Authentication change the selection from Windows Authentication mode to SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode.
         2. Click Ok
      2. Click Ok
4. Enable the sa login:
   1. In Object Explorer expand the Security folder, and the Logins.
   2. Right click sa and go to Properties.
      1. On the General tab set the password you want to use.
      2. On the Status tab, in Login set it to Enabled.
      3. Click OK
5. Restart SQL Server:
   1. Right click on your Server name in Object Explorer
   2. Select Restart