---
title: "Set the AUTO_CLOSE Database Option to OFF | Microsoft Docs"
ms.custom: ""
ms.date: "06/13/2017"
ms.prod: "sql-server-2014"
ms.reviewer: ""
ms.technology: security
ms.topic: conceptual
helpviewer_keywords: 
  - "Best Practices [Database Engine]"
ms.assetid: e6b03364-263a-4ec4-9794-de9869d396ce
author: MikeRayMSFT
ms.author: mikeray
manager: craigg
---
# Set the AUTO_CLOSE Database Option to OFF
  This rule checks whether the AUTO_ CLOSE option is set OFF. When AUTO_CLOSE is set ON, this option can cause performance degradation on frequently accessed databases because of the increased overhead of opening and closing the database after each connection. AUTO_CLOSE also flushes the procedure cache after each connection.  
  
## Best Practices Recommendations  
 If a database is accessed frequently, set the AUTO_CLOSE option to OFF for the database.  
  
## For More Information  
 [ALTER DATABASE SET Options (Transact-SQL)](/sql/t-sql/statements/alter-database-transact-sql-set-options)  
  
## See Also  
 [Monitor and Enforce Best Practices by Using Policy-Based Management](monitor-and-enforce-best-practices-by-using-policy-based-management.md)