SQL Server, convert a named instance to default instance?

by

I also wanted to convert a named instance to default – my reason was to access it with just the machine name from various applications.

If you want to access a named instance from any connection string without using the instance name, and using only the server name and/or IP address, then you can do the following:

  • Open SQL Server Configuration Manager
  • Click SQL Server Network Configuration
  • Click Protocols for INSTANCENAME you want to make available (i.e. SQLExpress)
  • Right-click TCP/IP and click Enabled
  • Right-click TCP/IP and go to Properties
    • Go to the IP Addresses tab
    • Scroll down to the IPAll section
    • Clear the field TCP Dynamic Ports (i.e. empty/blank)
    • Set TCP Port to 1433
    • Click Ok
  • Go to SQL Server Services
  • Right-click your SQL Server (INSTANCENAME) and click Restart

SQL Server Configuration Manager

This will make the named instance listen on the default port. Note : You can have only one instance configured like this – no two instances can have same port on the IP All section unless the instance is a failover cluster.

Leave a Comment