Managing SQL Server Access: Running SSMS with Different Credentials

Here are two common approaches to connect to SSMS using a different Windows account:

1. Run SSMS as a Different User:

   • Right-click the SSMS icon in your Start Menu.
   • Hold the Shift key and then click "Run as different user".
   • Enter the credentials for the desired Windows account with access to SQL Server.

2. Use SQL Server Authentication (Not Recommended):

   • This method is less secure and requires administrative privileges.
   • You would create a new SQL Server login with a username and password separate from Windows accounts.
   • Then, when connecting to SSMS, choose "SQL Server Authentication" and provide the SQL Server login credentials.

Important points to consider:

• Using a separate SQL Server login grants access to the database server itself, bypassing Windows security controls. It's generally recommended to avoid this method unless absolutely necessary due to security concerns.
• For managing multiple servers or logins with different permissions, creating additional Windows user accounts with specific SQL Server access might be a more secure approach.

runas /netonly /user:domain\username "ssms.exe"

Explanation:

• runas: This command allows running a program with a different user account.
• /netonly: This switch specifies that the credentials are only used for accessing network resources (the SQL Server).
• /user:domain\username: This part defines the username in the format "domain\username" for the account you want to use.
• "ssms.exe": This is the actual program file for SQL Server Management Studio.

1. Domain Trust (For Users Across Domains):

   • If the SQL Server you need to connect to resides in a different domain than your current login, establishing a trust relationship between the domains can be a solution.
   • This allows your user account from one domain to be recognized and granted access on the other domain, enabling you to connect to SSMS using your existing credentials.
   • Important Note: Setting up domain trusts involves network administration and security considerations. Consult your network administrator for feasibility and implementation.

2. Remote Desktop Connection (For Server Management):

   • If you need to manage the SQL Server directly (not just the database through SSMS), consider using Remote Desktop Connection (RDP).
   • This allows you to connect to the server's graphical interface and launch SSMS locally using the server's user accounts.
   • Important Note: Some organizations might have restrictions on installing tools like SSMS directly on the server or using RDP for administrative purposes. Check with your IT department for their policies.