Cannot connect to MSSQL server management studio as localhost

I could solve the same issue only with server name (localdb)\MSSQLLocalDB. Just FYI


In an attempt to get all the answers in one spot (and hopefully help a future searcher), you can connect to the SQL box that SQL Management Studio is installed on by changing the Server name: in the connection dialog

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to one of the following:

  • (localdb)\MSSQLLocalDB
  • .
  • 127.0.0.1 - by direct IP address, this is your loopback IP
  • The actual IP address of the machine
  • The name of the machine you are on, several ways to figure this out. https://www.cnet.com/how-to/find-out-your-computers-name-and-windows-edition-in-two-clicks/
  • The named instance of SQL you have locally installed, in this case: .\SQLEXPRESS
  • The machine name and the SQL instance like: YOURCOMPUTERNAME\SQLEXPRESS2017
  • LOCALHOST