Can you have multiple instances of SQL Server?

Question

Yes, we can use multiple instance of SQL Server of same machine/server. All instances of the database engine other than the default instance are identified by an instance name specified during installation of the instance. 12 нояб. 2011 г.

How many instances can a SQL Server have?

You can install as many as 50 SQL Server instances on a Windows Server; obviously, we do not recommend this. In a Windows failover cluster, the maximum number of SQL Server instances is reduced by half if you're using shared cluster drives. Only one of the SQL Server instances on a server can be the default instance.

How do I create multiple instances of SQL Server?

Run the SQL Server installation wizard. On the Instance Name panel of the installation wizard, select Named instance, and then specify a new instance name in the field. Edit your firewall configuration to allow the new instances to communicate through their listening ports.

Why does SQL Server have multiple instances?

Multiple instances are ideal for those pesky third party applications that require elevated SQL Server privileges where you do not want to commingle applications on the same instance.

Expert · Answer