How do I fix SQL Server error 18456?
Troubleshooting Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456
- Step 1: Log In with Remote Desktop.
- Step 2: Run Microsoft SQL Server Management.
- Step 3: Checking the Server Authentication Mode.
- Step 4: Restart the SQL Service.
- Step 5: Checking SQL User Permissions.
- Step 6: Mapping the User to the Database.
Can’t connect to SQL Server login failed for user SA?
Select Windows Authentication from the Authentication drop-down, then click Connect to log in to SQL Server. Right-click on the server name (ie COMPUTERNAME\ACCTIVATE) and choose Properties . Click Security in the list on the left. Select SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode on the right and click OK.

Could not find a login matching the name provided 18456?
Reason: Could not find a login matching the name provided. The login (whether using SQL or Windows Authentication) does not exist. For Windows Auth, it likely means that the login hasn’t explicitly been given access to SQL Server – which may mean it is not a member of an appropriate domain group.
How can I activate sa account in SQL Server?
Enable sa login
- In Object Explorer, expand Security, expand Logins, right-click sa, and then click Properties.
- On the General page, you might have to create and confirm a password for the sa login.
- On the Status page, in the Login section, click Enabled, and then click OK.
How do I enable SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode?
2.3 Enabling SQL Authentication or Mixed Authentication Right-click the server you wish to modify and then click Properties. Select the Security Page. Under the Server authentication heading choose either the desired authentication: Windows Authentication or SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode. Click OK.

What is sa account in SQL Server?
The sa Login. The sa login, short for system administrator, is one of the riskiest server-level principals in SQL Server. It’s automatically added as a member of the sysadmin fixed server role and, as such, has all permissions on that instance and can perform any activity.
What is the default sa password?
FYI, there is no “default” password for SQL Server’s sa account. It gets setup during installation, by you. If you didn’t specify mixed mode authentication, then SQL Server is running in Windows Authentication mode, which means you cannot login using sa and a password.
Can we reset sa password in SQL Server?
Log in as the SA user using SQL Server authentication and the current password. In the Object Explorer, expand Security and then Logins. Double click the SA login. Enter the desired password and confirm it.
Should I disable sa account?
The SA account is well known and often targeted by malicious users, so it is advisable to disable the sa account unless your application requires it.
Should I disable sa account in SQL Server?
Due to its administrative nature, any compromise of the sa account could have catastrophic consequences, including the complete loss of control over SQL Server. It is therefore widely considered good security practice to disable the sa account altogether.
How to fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456?
Troubleshooting Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456 Step 1: Log In with Remote Desktop. The troubleshooting and solutions require you to login to the server or at least be… Step 2: Run Microsoft SQL Server Management. Once you are logged into the server, you’ll want to run Microsoft SQL… Step 3:
What causes login failed for user ‘ ’ in SQL Server?
If you find Windows Authentication is the only mode configured, this is the likely cause of Error 18456, Login failed for user ‘ ’. Setting the Server authentication mode to allow SQL Server and Windows Authentication , you will be able to login to MS-SQL with a SQL user and password or a Windows user and password.
How to enable Windows Authentication in SQL Server management studio?
In the Object Explorer of Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, right-click on your server and select Properties. Now, in the left pane, select Security, and in the right pane, select SQL Server and Windows Authentication (or vice versa). Then apply your changes and in the Object Explorer, right-click on the server.