6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'.

for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

Insights

How To Fix Microsoft SQL

Server, Error 18456
For SQL, Sitecore, and other technology users.

By Harmanjot Arora
January 18, 2023

Home / Insights / How To Fix Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456

How to Fix "Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL

Server, Error 18456) Error"
"Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456)" is the most common
error in SQL server login. There are multiple reasons for this error. One potential
reason is you are trying to use SQL Server Authentication, but the SQL server
instance is configured for Windows Authentication mode.

To solve this error, we need to change the authentication mode in SQL server.

https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Windows… 1/10
6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

Steps To Change The Authentication Mode

Step 1
Log in to the SQL server instance using SQL Server Management Studio(SSMS).
Right-click on the database instance, and go to Properties.

https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Windows… 2/10
6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

Step 2
On the Server Properties page, Click on Security page. Click on the radio button next
to SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode, and click on OK to close the
Server Properties page.

https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Windows… 3/10
6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

Once you click on the Ok button, we will get the following screen. We will need to
restart the SQL Server service to make this change effective. After restarting the SQL
Server, the authentication mode will be changed to SQL Server and Windows
Authentication mode.

Step 3
Now go to Sql Server Configuration Manager and restart the MSSQLSERVER.
https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Windows… 4/10
6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

Now you will be able to log in with sa user.

https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Windows… 5/10
6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

Conclusion
I hope this blog helped you solve Error 18456. Thanks for reading.

👋 Hey Sitecore Enthusiasts!

Sign up to our bi-weekly newsletter for a bite-sized curation of
valuable insight from the Sitecore community.

What’s in it for you?

Stay up-to-date with the latest Sitecore news

New to Sitecore? Learn tips and tricks to help you navigate this
powerful tool

https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Windows… 6/10
6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

Sitecore pro? Expand your skill set and discover troubleshooting

tips

Browse open careers and opportunities

Get a chance to be featured in upcoming editions

Learn our secret handshake

And more!

https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Windows… 7/10
6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

Join our newsletter on all things Sitecore!

Email

I accept the terms of the privacy statement*

SUBSCRIBE

https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Windows… 8/10
6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

United States Canada

© 2023 Fishtank Consulting Corp. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

Web
Sitecore XM Cloud Hub

Sitecore Solutions

Sitecore Development

Sitecore Support

Sitecore Upgrades

Search
Coveo Solutions

Coveo for Your Website

Coveo for Sitecore

Digital
Cloudflare

Content Strategy

Enterprise SEO Services

Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Google Tag Manager (GTM)

Quick Links
Our Work

Our Insights and News

https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Windows… 9/10
6/22/23, 12:29 PM How To Fix: Login failed for user 'sa'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456) | Fishtank Consulting

Contact Us

About Us

https://www.getfishtank.com/blog/login-failed-error-18456#:~:text=Error 18456) Error"-,"Login failed for user %27sa%27.,configured for Window… 10/10