I had planned installation of SQL Server Express 2014 on Windows 10 PRO OS. During this, I encountered minor road blocks, which I overcame to install SQL Server Express 2014. This article summarizes the step by step process of installing it.

These steps are not confined to SQL Server Express 2014, they are almost similar to other SQL Server Express like 2012, 2008 R2, 2008.

What is Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Express?

MSDN defines it as Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Express is a free, feature-rich edition of SQL Server that is ideal for learning, developing, powering desktop, web & small server applications, and for redistribution by ISVs.

SQL Server 2014 Express can be installed on Windows 10/ Windows 8.1/ Windows 7. These steps are almost similar for any SQL Server Express edition installation on any Windows OS.

Step 1 – Download SQL Server 2014 Express Edition

In this very first step, there was minor road block, from where to download SQL Server installation? Naturally, you will open Download SQL Server Express 2014 link. I tried downloading it, but it wasn’t working. Then, I found this link - The 12 step process to download Microsoft SQL Server Express 2014.

Oh !! 12 steps to be followed for downloading, then think of its installation. Scott Hanselman made our life easy by writing this post Download SQL Server. It has not only 2014 edition but SQL Server 2012, 2008 R2. Everyone just download it from this link, save your time.

I choose this “Express with Advanced Services (SQLEXPRADV)” option because of my need for:

• Reporting Services
• Full Text Search
• Full version of SQL Server 2014 Management Studio which gives us SQL Profiler
• It gives almost full working SQL Server database system with lots of tools

Download it from Scott’s blog link for Download SQL Server, I used 64 bit download (32 bit also available). It’s around 1+GB. This will take time to download, meanwhile let's see briefly what are other editions of SQL Server 2014 Express.

LocalDB (SqlLocalDB)

LocalDB is a lightweight version of Express that has all its programmability features, yet runs in user mode and has a fast, zero-configuration installation and short list of pre-requisites. It can be bundled with Application and Database Development tools like Visual Studio or embedded with an application that needs local databases.

Ibm Client Access Express

Express (SQLEXPR)

Express edition includes the SQL Server database engine only. Best suited to accept remote connections or administer remotely.

Installing Windows Updates

Express with Tools (SQLEXPRWT)

This package contains everything needed to install and configure SQL Server as a database server including the full version of SQL Server 2014 Management Studio. Choose either LocalDB or Express depending on your needs above.

SQL Server Management Studio Express (SQLManagementStudio)

This does not contain the database, but only the tools to manage SQL Server instances, including LocalDB, SQL Express, SQL Azure, full version of SQL Server 2014 Management Studio, etc. Use this if you already have the database and only need the management tools.

Step 2 – Extraction of Downloaded Installation EXE

This is fairly simple, double-click downloaded file “SQLEXPRADV_x64_ENU.exe“; it will extract all install files to directory where EXE is present, you can change that also.

Step 3 – Run Setup, Start Installation and Accept Terms

After extraction of EXE, run the Setup and click “New SQL Server Stand alone installation…” from window open. You should and must “Accept terms”.

Step 4 – Install Rules and Disable Installed ANTI VIRUS Software

Setup or Install Rules identify potential problems that might occur for SUCCESSFUL installation of SQL Server Express 2014 edition. All rules passed but “Windows Firewall” gives a warning.

“Windows Firewall” warning is related to ANTI VIRUS installation might block enabling ports, settings for SQL Server to use.

DON'T FORGET TO DISABLED ANTI VIRUS PROGRAM. It will save time during the installation process.

I have an anti-virus program with full protection, not thinking much I moved ahead without disabling. Installation was not progressing and was struck at point for hours. So Please Disable IT NOW.

Others might not come across this issue based on anti-virus program and its protection levels, but still do disable it.

Step 5 – Feature Selection

In this step, we can select the features that need to be installed, SQL Server gives us the option Database Engine, Reporting Services (only if you had downloaded appropriate version), Client Tools for connectivity and SQL Management Tools (do select SQL Profiler)

It also displays disk space requirements, make sure you have enough disk space before installation.

Step 6 – Rule “Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1” Required

I was installing SQL Server 2014 on fresh Windows 10 installation, it’s obviously that .NET Framework is not found. But SQL Server installation needs .NET 3.5 SP1 for proceeding. It is one of the requirements in Hardware and Software Requirements for Installing SQL Server 2014. We face this error as shown:

Two ways we can install .NET 3.5 framework – Download the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 or Install using “Windows Features”as shown in images below

Restart the machine to ensure everything is properly installed (Recommended) and then run “Features Rule” to verify that it's ready to proceed installation.

Step 7 – Instance and Server Configuration Settings

We are installing “SqlExpress” edition, it’s better to keep NAMED instance as “SQLEXPRESS” itself and proceed further.

Server Configuration is important as it deals with account names under which database engine runs. It's better not to play around with these settings. Click NEXT to go ahead.

Step 8 – Database Engine Configuration

It's the heart and soul of your SQL Server installation process, database engine is one which does all the work. It’s mainly split into “Server Configurations”, “Data Directories”, “User Instances” and “FILESTREAM”.

Server Configurations deal with “Who can get access to the database engine?”. We have “Windows mode” and “Mixed mode” type of authentication.

Use Mixed Mode authentication mode so that we can Windows mode and sa ‘SQL Server System administrator’ account.

Installing Client Access V7r1

Since we are installing Reporting Services along with SQL Server Express, select “Install and Configure” so that it starts operational.

Step 10 – Installation Progress and Completion

Database engine, reporting service, management tools etc. are successfully installed.

Step 11 – Connecting to Installed Sql Server Express using Management Tools

After installation, let's open “SQL Server Management Studio” from Program files directory.

It's a bit time-consuming but still installation process is clear and simple.

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