SQL Server 2017 Express is a free edition of SQL Server, ideal for development and production for desktop, web, and small server applications.
Publisher’s description
What is Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express?
Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express is a proprietary database program for Windows from Microsoft Corporation.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit as EXE. The main installer is 1 KB. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Popularity and file types
On Windows it registers 1 file type, including .sql. Similar programs include MariaDB, HeidiSQL and SQLite.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Documented silent install
- Small download (1 KB)
Cons
- Proprietary licence: check the terms and price
- No native ARM64 build
- No update for more than a year
- The official download link did not answer at the last check
In short: Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express is a database tool for 64-bit PCs. Updates have slowed down. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express safe to download?
- The file is served by download.microsoft.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
D8A5CD8F4380BE195AF82D0DDC21316713AB2B41FF6C48D86F87C5778DE18411· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link did not answer when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 1 versions ›| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.0.1000.169Latest | September 29, 2017 | 1 KB | 64-bit EXE |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id Microsoft.SQLServer.2017.Express -eSQLServer2017-SSEI-Expr.exe /IACCEPTSQLSERVERLICENSETERMS /ENU /ACTION=Install /quiet /InstallPath="c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server"Related guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Microsoft Corporation
- Category
- Databases
- Licence
- Proprietary
- Price
- See the publisher’s site
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit
- Installer
- EXE
- Version
- 14.0.1000.169
- Released
- September 29, 2017
- Added to the catalogue
- June 2, 2023
- Versions listed
- 1
- Website
- microsoft.com
- winget ID
- Microsoft.SQLServer.2017.Express
File types it opens (1)
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express free?
Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express is proprietary (closed-source) software (licence: Proprietary). Whether it costs money depends on the edition: check the publisher’s site for prices and free tiers.
Is Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express safe to download?
The download comes from download.microsoft.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit version through emulation.
What are alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express?
MariaDB, HeidiSQL, SQLite, Dolt and Liquibase. The alternatives page compares them.
