Component

Requirement

.NET Framework

SQL Server 2016 RC1 and later require .NET Framework 4.6 for the Database Engine, Master Data Services, or Replication. SQL Server 2016 setup automatically installs .NET Framework. You can also manually install .NET Framework from Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6 (Web Installer) for Windows.

For more information, recommendations, and guidance about .NET Framework 4.6 see .NET Framework Deployment Guide for Developers.

Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 require KB2919355 before installing .NET Framework 4.6.

Network Software

Supported operating systems for SQL Server 2016 have built-in network software. Named and default instances of a stand-alone installation support the following network protocols: Shared memory, Named Pipes, TCP/IP and VIA.

Note: Shared memory and VIA are not supported on failover clusters.

Also note that the VIA protocol is deprecated. This feature will be removed in a future version of Microsoft SQL Server. Avoid using this feature in new development work, and plan to modify applications that currently use this feature.

For more information about Network Protocols and Network Libraries, see Network Protocols and Network Libraries.

Hard Disk

SQL Server 2016 requires a minimum of 6 GB of available hard-disk space.

Disk space requirements will vary with the SQL Server 2016 components you install. For more information, see Hard Disk Space Requirements later in this topic. For information on supported storage types for data files, see Storage Types for Data Files.

Drive

A DVD drive, as appropriate, is required for installation from disc.

Monitor

SQL Server 2016 requires Super-VGA (800x600) or higher resolution monitor.

Internet

Internet functionality requires Internet access (fees may apply).