How to Change Password in SQL Server Management Studio?

Oftentimes, users get stuck in SQL Server as they forget their passwords. This is when they want to change password in SQL Server Management Studio for database users. Now, in some cases, users need to change the admin (sa) user password and in some, they need to change passwords for other users.

This article is not only going to help users find the best ways to change the database user passwords using the SQL Server Management Studio and the modern utility. Moreover, actual reasons to execute this operation are also mentioned below. Follow the steps carefully to get the desired results.

Need to Change DB User Password in SSMS

We will now take a look at a few situations that require the users and database administrators to change their database passwords using SQL Server Management Studio.

• Security – Stronger passwords are crucial to restrict unauthorized access. This causes users to change weak passwords and replace them with strong ones.
• Compliance Needs – Users must meet the compliance & regulation standards due to which, in some cases, they must change or update their passwords from time to time.
• Audit & Tracking – With improved and managed passwords, users can track user activity and suspicious events in the database without hassles at all.
• Risk Reduction – Users change password in SQL Server Management Studio to make the defense stronger against potential threats without drawbacks.
• Best Practices – Changing passwords from time to time is also one of the best practices for maintaining a healthy database without errors.

All Possible Solutions to Change Passwords for SQL Databases

Now, before we step into the SSMS change password operation, let’s have a look at the potential methods, irrespective of their automated or manual status.

1. Method #1 SQL Server Management Studio Method
2. Method #2 Advanced Software Solution
3. Method #3 Single User Mode Method

The solutions we are going to explain below can easily help users fix the issue in SQL Server all versions like 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, etc. Users just need to follow the steps carefully to change password in SQL Server Management Studio.

Also Read: Learn the best ways on how to reset SQL password for SA users quickly and efficiently.

Precautionary Measures to Take Before Change User Password SQL Server Management Studio

Here are some steps that will help users with a secure SSMS change user password and further allow them to log into their database efficiently. Let’s understand these steps one by one, and learn how they can be effective during the process of password change using SSMS. 

• It is crucial to check and identify where the database logins are being used. This includes the applications and services linked to the database, the SQL Server Agent jobs, and also other linked servers. 
• Next, it is also important to take a backup of all the configurations to avoid any data or credential loss during the password change process. 
• Another important step while changing a password in SQL Server Management Studio is to check the password in a non-production environment. This will ensure whether the password is working correctly or not, without affecting the database.
• This step is much needed and crucial for the entire process, that is, to store the new password safely to avoid password misplacement and other similar issues.

Method #1 Change Password in SQL Server Management Studio

Users having Windows authentication enabled in their system can opt for this method. Moreover, any user having SSMS installed on their system can try this SSMS change password solution. However, this solution might be a little complex so users should be alert when change user password SQL Server Management Studio.

Step-1. Open SSMS > Connect to Instance > Go to Object Explorer > Security folder.

Step-2. Go to Logins > User logins > Right-click on Required User > Hit Properties.

Step-3. In the Login Properties > Go to passwords > Enter New Password > Hit Ok to change password in SQL Server Management Studio.

Step-4. Now, Log Out and log in again with the new password to test it out.

This is how the SSMS works, but what if users forgot their existing passwords? They can’t login to the SSMS in the first place, let alone try out the SSMS change password process. This method will fail in such a scenario. Therefore, the below-mentioned advanced automated solution is what SQL MVPs recommend.

Method #2 Change Database User Password Using Advanced Tool

Now, simply opt for the SysTools SQL Password Recovery tool to execute this operation without any disruptions or errors like the ones users might encounter when change user password SQL Server Management Studio. Now, that users know how to change the database user password SQL Server Management Studio, it’s time to use the automated method.

Download the tool for free and then follow these simple steps:

Step-1. Launch the Software after installation.

Step-2. Hit the browse button & add MDF files.

Step-3. Select the User Account to change passwords.

Step-4. Set New password & Hit the OK button to finish.

Method #3 Single User Mode to Change Password in SQL Server Management Studio for Users

This method is one of the most technical ones which is quite old-fashioned. Nowadays, users try to avoid this one as much as possible. However, expert users can still try this one if they don’t want to try the other two.

Users must have SSMS installed and enabled in the system for this method.

Step-1. Press Windows + R and then Type CMD in the Runbox & Hit Enter button.

Step-2. Type “net stop MSSQLSERVER” command & Hit Enter to stop instance.

Step-3. Type net start MSSQLSERVER -m”SQLCMD” and Hit the Enter button.

Step-4. Now, the DB is in single user mode. Type sqlcmd and Press Enter key to continue change database password in SQL Server Management Studio or CMD.

Step-5. Type CREATE LOGIN name WITH PASSWORD=’password’ & Click on Enter to create a new user and password here.

Step-6. Type Go and then Press the Enter key again to finish up this operation here.

Step-7. Write SP_ADDSRVROLEMEMBER name,’SYSADMIN’ and Hit the Enter button. Then, Type Go and again Enter. Here, name= account name

Step-8. After exiting, Type net stop MSSQLSERVER && net start MSSQLSERVER and HIt Enter to end this complex process.

Conclusion

Finally, we are aware of the ways to change password in SQL Server Management Studio for database users. We discussed both the solutions along with user queries and potential reasons. However, we displayed two methods, experts only recommend the automated solution for better results and easy-to-use GUI. In addition, it’s quite safe as well for users to opt for the modern tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-1. How to see password in SQL Server Management Studio?

Ans: Follow the steps mentioned below to see the password in SSMS:

• Open SSMS > Go to Security Folder > Login Folder >  Expand.
• Double Click SA Folder > System Admin properties window.
• See the password.

Q-2. Is it safe to change database user password SQL Server Management Studio?

Ans: In general, it is safe but users might get confused due to the complications and end up making blunders. Thus automated solution to change credentials is a better approach. 

Q-3. What else this automated tool can do?

Ans: The automated tool also recover SQL server password if forgotten by users.