# How to Download and Install SQL Server 2017
Structured Query Language (SQL) is the standard language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. SQL Server 2017 is a relational database management system that helps organizations store, process, and manage data. In this article, we will guide you through the process of downloading and installing SQL Server 2017.
## Prerequisites
Before you start downloading SQL Server 2017, make sure that your system meets the following minimum requirements:
– Operating System: Windows 8, 8.1, 10, Windows Server 2012 and above
– Processor: 64-bit processor with 1.4 GHz or higher speed
– Memory: Minimum of 2 GB RAM
– Hard Disk: At least 6 GB of free space
– .NET Framework: .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later
## Downloading SQL Server 2017
1. Go to the Microsoft SQL Server 2017 download page at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-downloads.
2. From the download page, select the edition of SQL Server you want to download. There are several editions available, including Enterprise, Standard, Developer, Express, and Web.
3. Next, select the language you want to use and click the Download button to start downloading the SQL Server 2017 setup file.
## Installing SQL Server 2017
After downloading the setup file, you can proceed with the installation process using the following steps:
1. Double-click the setup file you just downloaded to launch the SQL Server 2017 setup wizard.
2. In the SQL Server Installation Center, select Installation on the left side menu and click on ‘New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation’
3. On the Product Key page, enter your product key or select the checkbox for free Developer edition software, then click Next.
4. On the License Terms page, read and accept the license terms, then click Next.
5. On the Feature Selection page, select the features you want to install or keep the default recommendations. Click Next.
6. On the Instance Configuration page, select the instance you want to install (Default or Named), enter a name for the instance, and select the appropriate authentication mode. Click Next.
7. On the Server Configuration page, select the service accounts that will be used for SQL Server services, then click Next.
8. On the Database Engine Configuration page, specify the authentication mode and the SQL Server administrators, then click Next.
9. On the Reporting Services Configuration page, select whether you want to install Reporting Services or not, then click Next.
10. On the PolyBase Configuration page, specify the PolyBase configuration if you want to use PolyBase, or keep the default settings if you don’t want to use PolyBase. Click Next.
11. On the Ready to Install page, review the installation summary and click Install.
12. Once the installation completes successfully, click on Close.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I uninstall SQL Server 2017?
To uninstall SQL Server 2017, go to the Windows Control Panel, select Uninstall a program, and select Microsoft SQL Server 2017. Click Uninstall and follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
2. Can I install SQL Server 2017 on a non-Windows operating system?
No, SQL Server 2017 can only be installed on Windows operating systems.
3. Do I need a product key to install SQL Server 2017?
If you are installing the Developer or Express editions of SQL Server 2017, you do not need a product key. However, if you are installing the Enterprise or Standard editions, you will need a product key.
4. What are the minimum hardware requirements for SQL Server 2017?
The minimum hardware requirements for SQL Server 2017 are a 64-bit processor with a minimum speed of 1.4 GHz, at least 2 GB of RAM, and 6 GB of free hard disk space.
## Conclusion
In this article, we went over the steps to download and install SQL Server 2017 and also discussed some frequently asked questions. With SQL Server 2017, you can manage and manipulate structured data in a secure and reliable manner, making it a valuable tool for any organization looking to manage its data.