SQL Server Configuration Manager: Change the password of the accounts used

  • Article

Applies to: SQL Server

This article describes how to change the password of the accounts used by the Database Engine and the SQL Server Agent in SQL Server by using SQL Server Configuration Manager.

The SQL Server Database Engine and SQL Server Agent run on a computer as a service using credentials that are initially provided during setup. If the instance of SQL Server is running under a domain account and the password for that account is changed, the password used by SQL Server must be updated to the new password. If the password isn't updated, SQL Server might lose access to some domain resources and if SQL Server stops, the service don't restart until the password is updated.

To change SQL Server Authentication passwords, see Choose an authentication mode.

Before you begin

SQL Server Configuration Manager is the tool designed and authorized to change the settings of the SQL Server services. Changing a SQL Server service by using the Windows Service Control Manager (services.msc) application doesn't always change all of the necessary settings and might prevent the service from functioning properly. However, in a clustered environment, after changing the password on the active node by using SQL Server Configuration Manager, you must change the password on the passive node by using the Service Control Manager.

Permissions

You must be an administrator of the computer to change the password used by a service.

Use SQL Server Configuration Manager

Change the password used by the SQL Server (Database Engine) service

  1. Select the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server, point to Configuration Tools, and then select SQL Server Configuration Manager.

    Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the Microsoft Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager doesn't appear as an application in newer versions of Windows.

    Operating system Details
    Windows 10 and Windows 11 To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the Start Page, type SQLServerManager16.msc (for SQL Server 2022 (16.x)). For other versions of SQL Server, replace 16 with the appropriate number. Selecting SQLServerManager16.msc opens the Configuration Manager. To pin the Configuration Manager to the Start Page or Task Bar, right-click SQLServerManager16.msc, and then select Open file location. In the Windows File Explorer, right-click SQLServerManager16.msc, and then select Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.
    Windows 8 To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the Search charm, under Apps, type SQLServerManager<version>.msc, such as SQLServerManager16.msc, and then press Enter.

  2. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, select SQL Server Services.

  3. In the details pane, right-click SQL Server (<instancename>), and then select Properties.

  4. In the SQL Server (<instancename>) Properties dialog box, on the Log On tab, for the account listed in the Account Name box, type the new password in the Password and Confirm Password boxes, and then select OK.

    The password takes effect immediately, without restarting SQL Server.

Change the password used by the SQL Server Agent service

  1. Select the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server, point to Configuration Tools, and then select SQL Server Configuration Manager.

  2. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, select SQL Server Services.

  3. In the details pane, right-click SQL Server Agent (<instancename>), and then select Properties.

  4. In the SQL Server Agent (<instancename>) Properties dialog box, on the Log On tab, for the account listed in the Account Name box, type the new password in the Password and Confirm Password boxes, and then select OK.

    On a stand-alone instance of SQL Server, the password takes effect immediately, without restarting SQL Server. On a clustered instance, SQL Server might take the SQL Server resource offline, and require a restart.

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