How to Change SQL Server Password for SA & User Login Without Any Fail?

Forget the complex password of SQL Server database Login?

Tried to change SQL Server Password via command line or cmd, but failed?

Do not know how to access the database without a password?

Take a deep breath first!

If you also have queries like this –

• How to change SQL Server password Using CMD?
• How to change SQL Server password for SA & User?
• How to set SQL Server password when lost?
• How to update complex forgotten password in SQL Server 2014?

Here’s good news for you – It is very easy to change the SQL Server Password without losing any single bit of database information. You can reset your password for security reasons or replace it with a new one if you forget it. Check our guide on how to change SQL Server Password for SA & User login.

Also Read: How to Repair SQL Server Master Database 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022

In this post, we used the easiest way to crack password of SA & User login without taking any external help. In case your SQL admin left the organization and changed all the login passwords and now the company does not know how to access it, then this write-up helps you a lot. So, without wasting any second, let’s get started and learn how to set password!!

Also Read: How to Export Database From SQL Server to CSV File Format?

Related: How to Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456?

Full Guide On How to Change SQL Server Password Without SQL Server Management Studio

If you are facing trouble while changing SQL Server password, then take the help of SysTools SQL Password Recovery. It is a software solution that can change your lost password within seconds without any hassle and set a new one.

All it needs is the ‘master.mdf’ file because it refers to the primary configuration database in Microsoft SQL Server. It has all the details of databases that exist on the server. It includes information about physical database files along with locations.

Furthermore, Master.mdf file comprises the login account information and SQL Server’s configuration settings. So, the software directly resets the password from the Master database and allows you to change it with a new one. Let’s check out how the tool works:-

Full Guide on How to Change SA Password in SQL Server 2017/16/14/12

Step 1: After successful installation of the utility, open it.

Step 2: On the welcome screen, the user will see a field ‘Select (master.mdf) file’. Here you need to add the master.mdf file in order to change the SQL Server SA & User password.

Step 3: Click on Browse to locate master.mdf file. In the Open window, select the file and click on Open as shown in the screenshot.

Note: Make Sure all the SQL Services are stopped while selecting the master.mdf file.

Step 4: The tool will scan the file completely and show all the User Name Login, including SA account too.

Step 5: The user can view two types of status under the Password column – Unknown and Not Set. The Unknown signifies that a password is applied on the SQL Server database. On the other hand, the Not Set means there is no password set to the particular login and you can connect the database with that account without entering any password.

Step 6: Select the Login Name by checking its corresponding checkbox. Afterward, click on Reset Password button.

Step 7: A warning message appears that says – Backup your master.mdf before proceeding. Then click on OK.

Step 8: Now, a Password Settings window pops up. It will allow you to change the SQL Server password. For this, you need to enter a new password for the User login and confirm it by entering it again under the Confirm Password box. And hit the OK button to change the SQL Server SA Password.

Step 9: At last, an acknowledgment message appears for successful execution of process.

You can also view the video of the working of software and learn how to update MS SQL Server Password.

Bringing It All Together

If for any reason – there is a need to set the new password of SA & User Login. Without any doubt, you can try SysTools SQL Password Changer tool. It is the best answer for how to change SQL Server Password without management studio. So, try the workarounds and continue your work in database.

Frequently Asked Questions –

Ans: - Try this sql command in SSMS- 
ALTER LOGIN [sa] WITH DEFAULT_DATABASE=[master]
USE [master]
GO
ALTER LOGIN [sa] WITH PASSWORD=N'new_password' MUST_CHANGE
GO