log-in-to-an-instance-of-sql-server-command-prompt.md

title	Log In to an Instance of SQL Server (Command Prompt) | Microsoft Docs
description	Learn about the "sqlcmd" utility. See how to use it in a command prompt to test connectivity to an instance of SQL Server.
ms.custom
ms.date	03/14/2017
ms.prod	sql
ms.prod_service	high-availability
ms.reviewer
ms.technology	configuration
ms.topic	conceptual
helpviewer_keywords	logins [SQL Server], named instance of SQL Server log ins [SQL Server] logins [SQL Server], default instance of SQL Server command prompt [SQL Server], logins logging in [SQL Server]
ms.assetid	f67c11e3-c519-40c9-82c1-07efa9d9985e
author	markingmyname
ms.author	maghan

Log In to an Instance of SQL Server (Command Prompt)

[!INCLUDE SQL Server] This topic describes how to test connectivity to an instance of [!INCLUDEssNoVersion], use the sqlcmd utility.

To log in to the default instance of SQL Server

1. From a command prompt, enter the following command to connect by using Windows Authentication:

   sqlcmd [ /E ] [ /S servername ]  
   
   

To log in to a named instance of SQL Server

1. From a command prompt, enter the following command to connect by using Windows Authentication:

   sqlcmd [ /E ] /S servername\instancename  
   
   

See Also

sqlcmd Utility
osql Utility