How to Change Database Owner in SQL Server? Quick Ways Explained

We are all well aware of the importance of database ownership and how it manages and allows users to perform given tasks with administrative rights. However, there are various situations where it becomes important to change database owner in SQL Server. In this write-up, we will be discussing the same issue along with the processes. Along with the steps, we will learn about all the challenges and safety measures that will enable users to proceed with the process easily. 

Let’s now examine a few situations that require users to change the owners. 

Why Change Database Owner in SQL Server? Common Causes Explained

Here, we will take a look at some of the common situations that demand this change. 

• This practice is helpful for SQL Server security hardening practices. In case the existing owner of the database is an individual user, there can be several risks associated with them. 
• Another reason the database administrators need to change the database owners is to get rid of inactive user accounts or to remove any decommissioned accounts from the database.
• Next, when the users migrate the SQL Server database from one server to another, the designated owner login might not exist in the new server. This is why it becomes important to change the owner in the new database. 
• Several operations rely implicitly on the SQL Server database owners. Furthermore, these operations might fail if the database owners are not recognized or invalid. 

In such situations, it becomes important for the users to change owners in SQL Server. We will now take a look at the challenges one might encounter while carrying out this process. 

Common Challenges Encountered By Users During Change of Owners in SQL Database

• A common challenge a user might face is that the login might already exist in the database. 
• In case the owner required for login, is dropped or doesn’t exist anymore, users might encounter orphaned owner situation. Hence, it becomes important to change the owner. 
• Database administrators might also encounter obstacles after a SQL database migration or SQL database restoration process. 

With these challenges in the database, it becomes crucial for the users to take necessary steps to efficiently switch database owners without risking database security or leading to data loss. We will now take a look at the methods and ways that will allow the users to proceed with the process easily. 

Effective Ways to Change Database Owner in SQL Server

We will now take a look at the possible methods that will help the users change the owner of the SQL Server database. We will understand all the methods one by one, for better implementation. Below are the methods explained:

1. With the help of T-SQL Command
2. With SQL Server Management Studio
3. Change Using a Professional Tool

Beginning with the first method, let’s see how it works:

Method 1: Changing With the Help of T-SQL Command

The command given below will help the users to change the database owners. 

USE Database_Name;
ALTER AUTHORIZATION ON DATABASE::Database_Name TO sa;

This command will help users to change the owner of the specified database in all SQL Server versions. Furthermore, this method works consistently for all environments. Now, we will proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Using SQL Server Management Studio for Owner Change

This method involves the use of SSMS to change the database owner in SQL Server. The steps to carry out this method are given below:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Expand the Databases tab and then right-click on the properties. 
3. Next, move to the files section, and then click on the browse button, and then go to the Owner field. 
4. Choose the required login account or SA account. 
5. Click on Ok button to change the owner easily.

These methods will allow the users to change the database owner in the required SQL Server database. Now, these methods are efficient when the database has been migrated or the user login is orphaned for some reason. In cases where database administrators are required to change the owner due to lost or forgotten credentials, a more professional approach may be necessary. We will now take a look at how this method can be helpful for the users. 

Method 3: Using Expert Tool to Restore SQL Database Owner Login

As we read earlier, one of the many reasons to change database owner in SQL Server is because of a lost or forgotten password or credentials. Now, the approach for this situation is using the SysTools SQL Password Recovery Tool.

This solution is effective for the users as it allows them to recover the passwords easily and proceed to continue with their workflow. Let’s take a look at the steps to how this tool can be used.

1. Install and launch the suggested solution. Browse the required MDF file that requires password change.
2. The tool will then scan the entire file and further provide a report with all the users of the database.
3. The preview panel will offer users with two password types: NOT SET and UNKNOWN.
   (The NOT SET specifies that the current user does not have a password set in the database, whereas UNKNOWN indicates that the database is password-protected or encrypted.)
4. From the provided list of users, select the user whose password has been lost, and next, click on the RESET PASSWORD button. 
5. The tool will then suggest to take a backup of the database before continuing. In the given display box, an option to reset password will be provided.
6. Add the New Password and confirm the password. Click on OK to finish the process.

This is a much easier and convenient option to opt for, as it helps users reset the old password and further avoids the need to change the owner entirely. By choosing this approach, it becomes easier for the users to change only the password for any orphaned user or a user with forgotten credentials. 

Conclusion

With the help of this write-up, we have learned about the need to change database owner in SQL Server. Various situations demand the user to go for this step; however, during the process, they face numerous challenges as well. In this guide, we have covered all those aspects, further explaining and suggesting the best ways to resolve the issue effectively.