Install SQL Server & SSMS 2026 | Create Your First Database (Beginner Guide) | #SQL Course 3

Summary

The video guides beginners through installing SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on a Windows PC, connecting to a local server, and creating databases for SQL practice.

Install SQL Server

A database system stores data, while SQL is used to work with that data. The presenter distinguishes among several SQL Server editions:

• On-premises and Azure options for companies
• Developer edition, which includes standard and enterprise features
• SQL Server Express, a free, lightweight edition recommended for the tutorial

To install SQL Server, download it from Microsoft’s website, run the installer, choose Basic, accept the terms, and complete the installation.

The presenter recommends using the same Windows account for installation and practice. Using a different account may cause access or permissions problems.

The video describes SQL Server as a Windows-only option. Mac users could use Docker, another application such as Azure Data Studio, or a different database system such as PostgreSQL or MySQL. The course focuses on general SQL concepts, although syntax can vary between database systems.

Install SSMS and Connect to the Server

SQL Server runs as a background service, so the tutorial installs SSMS as a client for interacting with it. Download and install SSMS using Microsoft’s official documentation.

When connecting in SSMS, use the default settings shown in the tutorial:

• Server name: localhost\SQLEXPRESS
• Authentication: Windows Authentication
• Leave the other settings at their defaults.
• Ensure Trust server certificate is checked to avoid a connection issue.

Select Connect. Object Explorer should display the local SQL Server connection. Use SSMS’s disconnect and connect controls to end or restore the connection.

Create Databases and Load Sample Data

The presenter demonstrates three ways to add databases to SQL Server. The first method is recommended if it works; the others are alternatives.

Method 1: Run SQL Scripts

1. Download and extract the course materials.
2. Open the relevant SQL script in a text editor and copy its contents.
3. In SSMS, select New Query, paste the script, and select Execute.
4. Refresh Object Explorer to see the database and its tables.
5. To inspect data, right-click a table and select Select Top 1000 Rows.

The tutorial uses this method to create two practice databases: my database and sales DB.

The course materials include:

• Scripts: Queries used in the course
• Docs: PDFs containing notes and sketches
• Data sets: Sample data for SQL Server and other database systems

Method 2: Create a Database and Import Flat Files

1. In Object Explorer, right-click Databases and select New Database.
2. Name the database and leave the other settings at their defaults.
3. Right-click the new database, select Tasks, then Import Flat File.
4. Browse to a CSV file, confirm the table name and schema, and review the data preview.
5. Review or adjust the column names, data types, primary-key settings, and null settings as needed.
6. Finish the import, then refresh the database and inspect the table.
7. Repeat the import for each file you need.

This method creates an empty database first; its tables and data must be imported separately.

Method 3: Restore a Backup

1. Copy the desired backup file into the SQL Server backup folder. The tutorial finds the folder path through the restore dialog.
2. In SSMS, right-click Databases and select Restore Database.
3. Select Device, browse for the backup file, and choose it.
4. Choose a destination database name or location, then start the restore.
5. Refresh Object Explorer and check the restored database and tables.

The presenter describes backups as a way to share databases: one person can create a backup, and another can restore it.

Understand the SSMS Interface

• Object Explorer, on the left, shows the server’s structure, including databases, tables, and columns.
• The SQL editor is where you write queries.
• Execute sends a query to the database.
• Query results appear in the results grid.
• When working with multiple databases, check that the correct database is selected. The presenter describes master as an administrative database.

Find Additional Practice Databases

The presenter suggests searching for Microsoft’s AdventureWorks downloads. The video describes several types:

• OLTP: A transactional database resembling real-world application systems; its data is not primarily prepared for analysis.
• Data warehouse: A database intended to be easier to use for analytics and Power BI.
• Lightweight: A smaller database with fewer tables.

Speakers and Sources

• Presenter: The video’s instructor; their name is not stated in the subtitles.
• Microsoft website and documentation: Referenced for SQL Server downloads, SSMS installation, and AdventureWorks database downloads.
• Course materials: Include SQL scripts, notes, sample datasets, CSV files, and backup files.