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considerations-for-installing-sql-server-using-sysprep.md

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title Considerations for Installing SQL Server Using SysPrep
description SQL Server SysPrep allows you to prepare a stand-alone instance of SQL Server on a computer and to complete the configuration later.
author rwestMSFT
ms.author randolphwest
ms.date 06/03/2025
ms.service sql
ms.subservice install
ms.topic install-set-up-deploy
ms.custom
intro-installation
monikerRange >=sql-server-2016

Considerations for installing SQL Server using SysPrep

[!INCLUDE SQL Server -Windows Only]

[!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] SysPrep allows you to prepare a stand-alone instance of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] on a computer and to complete the configuration at a later time. SysPrep involves a two-step process to get to a configured stand-alone instance of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion]. The steps include:

  • Prepare image

    This step stops the installation process after the product binaries are installed, without configuring the computer, network, or account-specific information for the instance of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] that is being prepared.

  • Complete Image

    This step enables you to complete the configuration of a prepared instance of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion]. During this step, you can provide the computer, network, and account-specific information.

For more information about how to install [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] using SysPrep, see Install SQL Server with SysPrep.

Common uses for SQL Server SysPrep

You can use the [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] SysPrep capability in any of the following ways:

  • By using the Prepare Image step, you can prepare one or more unconfigured instances of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] on the same computer. You can configure these prepared instances by using the Complete Image step on the same computer.

  • You can capture the [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] Setup configuration file of the prepared instance and use it to prepare other unconfigured [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] instances on multiple computers for later configuration.

  • In combination with the Windows System Preparation tool (also known as Windows SysPrep); you can create an image of the operating system including the unconfigured prepared instances of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] on the source computer. You can then deploy the operating system image to multiple computers. After you complete the configuration of the operating system, you can configure the prepared instances by using the Complete Image step of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] Setup.

    The Windows SysPrep tool is used to prepare Windows operating system images. It's used to capture a customized image of the operating system for deployment throughout an organization. For more information about SysPrep and its uses, see SysPrep.

Installation media considerations

If you're using a full version of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion], consider:

  • Non-Express editions of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion]:

    • The Prepare Image step uses [!INCLUDE ssevaluation-md] edition to install the product binaries. When the instance is completed, the edition of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] depends on the product ID provided during the complete image step.

    • If you provide a [!INCLUDE ssevaluation-md] edition product ID, the evaluation period is set to expire 180 days after the prepared instance is completed.

  • [!INCLUDE ssexpress-md] editions:

    • To prepare an instance of [!INCLUDE ssexpress-md] edition, use the Express installation media.

    • You can't specify a Product ID for a prepared instance of [!INCLUDE ssexpress-md] edition.

Supported SQL Server installations

SysPrep in [!INCLUDE ssnoversion] supports all features, including tools.

You can prepare multiple instances for side-by-side installations of [!INCLUDE ssnoversion] or earlier versions. The features of these instances must support SysPrep.

The [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] Native Client is automatically installed and completed at the end of the prepare image step.

[!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] Browser and [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] Writer are automatically prepared when you prepare an instance of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion]. They're completed when you complete the [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] instance by using the Complete Image step.

[!INCLUDE editions-supported-features-windows]

You can perform an edition upgrade while configuring a prepared instance of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion]. This option isn't supported for [!INCLUDE ssexpress-md] editions.

Beginning in [!INCLUDE ssSQL14], [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] SysPrep supports [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] failover cluster installations from the command line.

SQL Server SysPrep limitations

Repairing a prepared instance isn't supported. If Setup fails during the Prepare Image or Complete Image step, you must run uninstall.

Prepare image

The Prepare Image step installs the [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] product and features but doesn't configure the installation.

The [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] features to be installed and the installation location for [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] product installation files can be specified during this step. You can prepare an instance of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] either through the Image Preparation of a stand-alone instance for SysPrep deployment on the Advanced page of the Installation Center or from the command prompt.

  • You can prepare multiple instances of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] on the same computer that can be completed later.

  • You can add or remove features that are supported for SysPrep installations from the existing prepared instances of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion].

After the instance is prepared, a shortcut on the Start menu becomes available to complete the configuration of the prepared instance of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion].

Complete image

You can complete the prepared instances of [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] by using either of the following methods:

  • Use the shortcut on the Start menu.

  • Access the Image completion of a prepared stand-alone instance step on the Advanced page of the Installation Center.

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