Installing SQL Server Management Studio
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the official utility with which SQL Server instances and databases can be managed. We recommend installing it on a client workstation and managing instances remotely to limit the impact on the server's performance.
SSMS can be installed on the server that hosts the instance, but only for one-off troubleshooting purposes.
- Download the latest version of the installation program.
- Run the installation program.
- Once the installation is complete, restart the workstation.
- Open SSMS and check whether you are able to connect to the instance locally.