This page has 0 threads | Add post

Introduction to SQL Server Management Studio

Written by Andrew Gould

In this tutorial

Opening Management Studio
Connecting to a Server
Disconnecting from and Reconnecting to a Server
Opening and Closing Windows
Auto-Hiding Windows

SQL Server Management Studio is the application that allows you to do everything with a SQL Server installation. You can use it to create, delete and maintain databases, write and execute queries and stored procedures, and a host of other tasks. This short article introduces you to the basics of the application to help familiarise you with the Management Studio environment.

Opening Management Studio

Assuming you've installed Microsoft SQL Server or later on your computer you will have access to the Management Studio application from the Start menu.

This laptop has two versions of SSMS installed - here we're running SSMS 19, which corresponds to SQL Server 2022.

Connecting to a Server

When you choose to open Management Studio, before you can start working with the application, you are asked to connect to a server. You don't have to do this at this stage but it makes sense to do so and the diagram below explains how:

This dialog box allows you to connect to a server. The options shown are described below.

Here's how to fill in this dialog box, using the numbered circles as a guide:

Choose the type of server to which you want to connect.
Type in or select the name of the server from this drop down list.
Choose the type of authentication you would like to use. You may be able to use your Windows credentials by selecting Windows Authentication from this list. Alternatively, you'll need to select the option shown and type in a login name and password in the appropriate boxes.
Click Connect to connect to the selected server.

Once you have followed the steps above you will see the server you selected appear at the left hand side of the screen.

The server you selected will appear in the Object Explorer window at the left of the screen.

Disconnecting from and Reconnecting to a Server

You can disconnect from a server by right-clicking on the server name and choosing the option shown in the diagram below:

Right-click on the name of the server and choose the option shown here to disconnect from it.

You can reconnect to a server using the Connect tool at the top of the Object Explorer window, as shown below:

Choose the type of server to which you want to connect.

When you choose an option from the list you'll be presented with the same dialog box you see when you open Management Studio for the first time.

Opening and Closing Windows

You can close any windows in Management Studio by clicking the cross in the top right hand corner of the window.

Click the cross in the top right hand corner to close the selected window.

To open a window that is closed you can use the View menu at the top of the screen.

Click on the name of the window you want to open. You can also use the keyboard shortcuts listed next to certain windows to open them.

Auto-Hiding Windows

Rather than closing and reopening windows you might find it easier to auto-hide them instead.

To auto-hide a window, click the vertical pushpin icon in the top right hand corner.

Click on the vertical bar for the window as shown above and it will reappear!

You can stop the window from auto-hiding by clicking the pushpin icon again at the top right hand corner of the window.

Click the horizontal pushpin icon to pin the window in place.

Previous
tutorial

Previous
part

Top of page

Next
part

Working with Tabs

Next
tutorial

Creating databases

You can learn more about this topic on the following Wise Owl courses:

This page has 0 threads

Add a new post

Online tutorials

Tutorials on SQL

Getting started in SSMS

Introduction to SQL Server Management Studio

Opening Management Studio

Connecting to a Server

Disconnecting from and Reconnecting to a Server

Opening and Closing Windows

Auto-Hiding Windows

Head office

London

Manchester