---
locale: "en"
updated_at: "2025-10-27T14:15:50.216Z"
canonical: "https://www.isdecisions.com/en/userlock/docs/guides/database/install-and-configure-sql-express"
---

# How to install and configure SQL Express

Server installation, database configuration, best practices.

## Introduction

SQL Server Express is a free edition of Microsoft SQL Server. It is commonly used as a lightweight production database for UserLock when a full SQL Server is not required.

This guide walks you through installing SQL Express 2019 with default parameters and configuring it to host the UserLock database.

💡 Before you begin, check the [Database reference](/userlock/docs/reference/core-concepts/database-architecture) for supported versions and prerequisites.

> **Note**
>
> - SQL Express version used: **SQL Express 2019 + Tools**
> - Authentication Method used: **SQL Server Authentication**
> - SQL Installation type : **Local with default parameters**
> - SQL Express database size limit: **10 GB max**
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Download: [Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=101064)

## Part 1 — Install SQL Express

1. Launch the **SQL Server setup** and click **New SQL Server installation**.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/653x467/6e7f689961/1-new-sql-server.png)
2. Accept the license terms and click **Next**.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/776x603/76c7ddd2ff/2-license-terms.png)
3. (Optional) To update SQL Express during installation, check **Use Microsoft Update**, then click **Next**.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/753x441/05e75f4f4d/3-microsoft-update.png)
4. Leave the default parameters and proceed with **Next** through the wizard.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/803x605/2602bc5afa/4-feature-selection.png)
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/679x485/606c8b8c62/5-instance-configuration.png)
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/804x473/58020f6388/6-server-configuration.png)
5. When prompted for authentication mode, select **Mixed Mode**.
  - Define a password for the `sa` account.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/804x574/9a635e92ee/7-mixed-mode.png)
6. Continue with the default settings until the wizard completes, then click **Close**.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/765x515/250570158d/8-installation-complete.png)

## Part 2 — Configure SQL Express

1. Download and install **SQL Server Management Tools** (SSMS).
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/536x111/8e70c8d644/1-install-sql-server.png)
2. Open **SQL Server Management Studio**.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/264x223/caba1f1121/2-microsoft-sql-server-management.png)
3. At the logon window:
  - Enter the server name and instance (e.g. `SERVERNAME\SQLEXPRESS`).
  - Choose **SQL Server Authentication**.
  - Enter your credentials and click **Connect**.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/473x309/6067739e76/3-sql-server.png)
4. **Create the UserLock database**:
  - In the **Database name** field, enter e.g. `UserLock`.
  - Click **OK**.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/327x424/a2587391ef/4-new-database.png)
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/673x417/2914391d7c/5-database-name.png)
5. **Create a dedicated SQL account** (recommended, instead of using `sa`):
  - In **Login name**, type e.g. `UserLockAdmin`.
  - Select **SQL Server authentication** and assign a password.
  - Adjust password policies if required by your IT policy (enforce policy, expiration, force change at logon).
  - Optionally set a default database and language.
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/261x478/e880667e3f/6-new-login.png)
  ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/695x615/b61d634cec/7-user-mapping.png)
6. **Assign database roles**:
  - In **User Mapping**, select the `UserLock` database.
  - Assign roles: `db_datareader`, `db_datawriter`, `db_ddladmin`.
  - Click **OK** to validate.

## Best practices

- **Secure authentication**: avoid using the `sa` account for day-to-day operations. Create a dedicated SQL account for UserLock with the required roles only.
- **Plan for growth**: SQL Express has a 10 GB size limit. Monitor usage and consider migrating to a full SQL Server if your deployment grows.
- **Set up backups early**: configure regular SQL Server backups before moving into production.
- **Restrict access**: limit network access to the SQL Express instance with proper firewall and permissions.

## Next steps

With SQL Express installed and configured, you can now connect UserLock to this database. 

See:

- [Define a production database](/userlock/docs/guides/database/define-a-production-database): to configure UserLock to use the SQL Express instance you just installed.
- [Migrate Userlock data from MS Access to SQL Server](/userlock/docs/guides/database/transfer-records-from-ms-access-to-sql-express): if your current production data is still in Access and must be preserved.