# Login to the SQL Server

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**Prerequisites:** Make sure you are logged in to the Windows Server using the **Remote Console** in the DCD. For more information, see [<mark style="color:blue;">Connect via Remote Console</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/compute-services/cubes/dcd-how-tos/connect-remote-console). Alternatively, you can access the server using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) when connected to the internet.
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## Start SQL Server Management Studio

You can start the **SQL Server Management Studio** using one of the following options:

**Option 1:**

* Start the **SQL Server Management Studio** from the taskbar.

![Start SQL Server Management Studio from the taskbar](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-a7483cfed269f581eb68478a36e08f0b63a824a6%2Fstart-sql-server-management-studio.png?alt=media)

**Option 2:**

* Type SSMS in the search box and start the program.

![Start SQL Server Management Studio from search box](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7ddcd49c747d5eb962e9dacdbe50d48cab00cccc%2Fssms-start-sql-server-management-studio.png?alt=media)

**Option 3:**

1\. Press the Windows key + R. 2. Type **SSMS** in the next dialog box. 3. Click **Enter**.

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**Result:** You have successfully started the **SQL Server Management Studio**.
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## Connect to Microsoft SQL Server

* Once the login window is started, select **Windows Authentication** and adjust the **Encryption** to **Optional** to be able to connect to the SQL Server.

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**Note:** The **Optional** encryption setting lets you connect to the SQL Server instance immediately without encryption. Alternatively, you need a valid certificate from trusted certificate authority.
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![SQL Server encryption type](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-dd85d894b880e8827024ab8c44153bc958701adc%2Fconnect-sql-server.png?alt=media)

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**Result:** You have successfully connected to the SQL Server.
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**Note:** By default, the local server's hostname is the **Server name**. All members of the **Local Administrators** group have system administrator rights to the SQL Server.
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![Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (Administrator)](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-58b0531318177a396f82853addc83765e4de22d4%2Fmicrosoft-sql-server-management-studio.png?alt=media)