SQL Server Login Error

Login with SQL Server Authentication is throwing an error is a standard interview question. So, in this article, we will show you the step-by-step approach to resolving Login Error. First, Let me show you the error. From the below screenshot, you can see the Login Error for user Suresh.

SQL Server Login Error Message 18456

Before we start doing anything to resolve SQL Server login errors, let me show you the list of available logins in our Management Studio. From the below screenshot, you can see that the Sql Server user exists. I suggest you refer to Create a Login article to understand the steps to create users.

SQL Server Login Errors to Access

If your account doesn’t have permission to log in, right-click on the Username and select properties from the context menu.

Go to properties in Object explorer security 3

Selecting the properties option will open the following window

User General Tab 4

Under the status tab, check the permissions to resolve the Login Errors.

  • Grant: Granting permission to users to connect with the database engine.
  • Enabled: Enable this user to login with his / her details.
Check Status Settings - Permission Grant or Deny 5

In most cases, the above-mentioned method will resolve the errors.

Sql Server Authentication Login Error Fix

In some cases, your database will accept only Windows authentication. In these cases, you have to change the authentication mode to dual. Right-click on the instance name and select the Properties option from the context menu

It opens a properties window

Please navigate to the Security tab. From the below screenshot, you can see that the Server Authentication is selected in Windows Authentication Mode. It means it only accepts local Windows users.

Change the Server Authentication from Windows Mode 8

Please change the option to SQL Server and Windows Authentication Mode option.

Login Error Authentication Mode 9

Click Ok. Remember, configuration changes will take effect only after the restart. So, restart the instance

Click Ok button to apply changes 10

Try with Username Suresh and server authentication.

Log in With server credentials 11

We successfully entered the management studio.

Categories SQL