SQL Server 2017 Express: What You Need to Know Before You Download
How to Download 2017 SQL Express
If you are looking for a free, reliable, and powerful data management system for your web or desktop applications, you might want to consider 2017 SQL Express. This is a lightweight edition of SQL Server that offers basic data management and business intelligence capabilities. In this article, we will show you how to download and install 2017 SQL Express on your Windows machine.
What is SQL Server Express and Why Use It
SQL Server Express is a free edition of SQL Server that is ideal for learning, developing, powering desktop, web, and small server applications, and for redistribution by independent software vendors (ISVs). It supports common development tools for on-premises and cloud environments, enabling effective database management with minimal IT resources.
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SQL Server Express Features
SQL Server Express 2017 includes the following features:
The Database Engine, which is the core service for storing, processing, and securing data.
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure.
SQL Server Configuration Manager, which is a tool to manage the services associated with SQL Server.
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), which is a development tool for building SQL Server relational databases, Azure SQL databases, Analysis Services (AS) data models, Integration Services (IS) packages, and Reporting Services (RS) reports.
In-Memory OLTP and Columnstore Indexes, which are technologies that improve the performance and scalability of data-intensive workloads.
Data compression and encryption, which are features that reduce storage costs and enhance data security.
Stretch Database to Azure, which is a feature that migrates your cold data transparently and securely to Microsoft Azure.
SQL Server Express Benefits
Some of the benefits of using SQL Server Express are:
It is free to download, install, and use for both production and development purposes.
It has a small footprint and low resource consumption, making it suitable for lightweight applications.
It supports up to 10 GB of database size per instance and up to 1 GB of memory per database.
It can be easily upgraded to other editions of SQL Server if your needs grow.
It can be automated with PowerShell scripts and SMO objects.
It can be integrated with other Microsoft products and services, such as Visual Studio, Azure, Power BI, etc.
SQL Server Express System Requirements
Before you download and install SQL Server Express 2017, you need to make sure that your system meets the minimum hardware and software requirements. Here are the requirements according to Microsoft:
Hardware Requirements
ComponentRequirement
Hard DiskMinimum of 6 GB of available hard-disk space
Disk space requirements will vary with the SQL Server components you install. For more information, see .
Disk File SystemNTFS or ReFS (other file systems, such as FAT32, are unsupported)
DVD DriveA DVD drive is required for installation from disc
MonitorA monitor with Super-VGA (800x600) or higher resolution
InternetAn internet connection is required for downloading updates and other components
<td Software Requirements
The following software requirements apply to SQL Server Express 2017:
.NET Framework 4.6 or later, which is required for the Database Engine, Master Data Services, or Replication. SQL Server setup automatically installs .NET Framework if it is not already installed.
Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, or Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 as the operating system. For more information on the supported operating systems, see .
Internet Explorer 11 or a later version, or Microsoft Edge as the web browser.
Windows Installer 4.5 or a later version.
Windows PowerShell 2.0 or a later version.
SQL Server Express Installation Guide
Now that you have checked the system requirements, you are ready to download and install SQL Server Express 2017. Follow these steps to complete the installation:
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Download the Installer
The first step is to download the SQL Server Express installer from the official Microsoft website. You can use this to download the installer (SQLServer2017-SSEI-Expr.exe), which is about 5 MB in size. When you run the installer, you will have the option to perform an installation or download media only. Choose the installation option to proceed.
Choose the Installation Type
The next step is to choose the type of installation that suits your needs. You can choose from three options:
Basic: This option installs a default instance of SQL Server Express with only the Database Engine feature and SSMS. It is the simplest and fastest option, but it does not allow you to customize any settings.
Custom: This option allows you to choose which features and components to install and where to install them. It also allows you to download media for offline installation.
Download Media: This option allows you to download an ISO file or a CAB file that contains all the installation files for SQL Server Express. You can use this option if you want to install SQL Server Express on multiple machines or on a machine that does not have internet access.
For this article, we will choose the Custom option and click Install.
Configure the Instance and Features
The next step is to configure the instance and features that you want to install. You will see a screen like this:
You can use the left pane to navigate through different options and tasks. Here are some of the important options that you need to configure:
Installation: This option allows you to install a new instance of SQL Server Express or add features to an existing instance. You can also upgrade from a previous version of SQL Server Express or repair an existing installation.
Instance Features: This option allows you to select which features and components to install for your instance. You can choose from Database Engine Services, Full-Text and Semantic Extractions for Search, Data Quality Services, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Integration Services, Machine Learning Services (In-Database), Machine Learning Server (Standalone), PolyBase Query Service for External Data, and R and Python Packages for Machine Learning Services.
Instance Configuration: This option allows you to specify the name and ID of your instance. You can choose between a default instance or a named instance. A default instance is identified by the name of the computer that hosts it, while a named instance is identified by the name of the computer followed b