What is the difference between SQL Server authentication and Windows Authentication?

Which is better Windows Authentication or SQL Server authentication?

SQL Server does not ask for the password, and does not perform the identity validation. Windows Authentication is the default authentication mode, and is much more secure than SQL Server Authentication.

What is SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode?

Windows authentication uses a series of encrypted messages to authenticate users in SQL Server. When SQL Server logins are used, SQL Server login names and encrypted passwords are passed across the network, which makes them less secure.

Why is Windows Authentication more secured than SQL Server authentication?

Windows authentication can use Kerberos security protocol if set up correctly while SQL authentication can't. Windows authentication can handle more complex password policies and in SQL Authentication the DBA can actually turn off the password policies.

What is one benefit to Windows Authentication over SQL authentication?

In Windows authentication, the user should first authenticate himself within Active Directory. SQL Server authenticates users through the Windows principal token in the OS. With that, SQL Server does not ask for a password for identity validation. Therefore, Windows confirms users' identities for authentication.