
How to Open SQL Server?
This topic describes how to start, stop, pause, resume, or restart the SQL Server Database Engine, the SQL Server Agent, or the SQL Server Browser service by using SQL Server Configuration Manager, SQL Server Management Studio, net commands from a command prompt, Transact-SQL, or PowerShell.
What is the SQL Server Database Engine service, the SQL Server Agent service, and the SQL Server Browser service?
SQL Server components are executable programs that run as a Windows service. Programs that run as a Windows service can continue to operate without displaying any activity on the computer screen.
Database Engine service
The executable process that is the SQL Server Database Engine. The Database Engine can be the default instance (limit one per computer), or can be one of many named instances of the Database Engine. Use SQL Server Configuration Manager to determine which instances of Database Engine are installed on the computer. The default instance (if you install it) is listed as SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER). Named instances (if you install them) are listed as SQL Server. By default, SQL Server Express is installed as SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS).
SQL Server Agent service
A Windows service that executes scheduled administrative tasks, which are called jobs and alerts. For more information, see SQL Server Agent. SQL Server Agent is not available in every edition of SQL Server. For a list of features that are supported by the editions of SQL Server, see Features Supported by the Editions of SQL Server 2016.
SQL Server Browser service
A Windows service that listens for incoming requests for SQL Server resources and provides clients information about SQL Server instances installed on the computer. A single instance of the SQL Server Browser service is used for all instances of SQL Server installed on the computer.
Additional Information
SQL Server Configuration Manager
A green arrow on the icon next to the service name indicates that the service is started.
SQL Server Management Studio
Permissions
By default, only members of the local administrators group can start, stop, pause, resume or restart a service. To grant non-administrators the ability to manage services, see How to grant users rights to manage services in Windows Server 2003. (The process is similar on other versions of Windows.)
Stopping the Database Engine by using the Transact-SQLSHUTDOWN command requires membership in the sysadmin or serveradmin fixed server roles, and is not transferable.