Remove duplicate content (#36875)

rwestMSFT · web-flow · commit 7430bf527228 · 2026-03-18T12:02:06.000Z
diff --git a/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/manage-the-database-engine-services.md b/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/manage-the-database-engine-services.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ title: Manage the Database Engine Services
 description: Get acquainted with services that are available in SQL Server. See how to start SQL Server Configuration Manager, which you can use to manage various services.
 author: rwestMSFT
 ms.author: randolphwest
-ms.date: 08/26/2025
+ms.date: 03/16/2026
 ms.service: sql
 ms.subservice: configuration
 ms.topic: concept-article
@@ -41,25 +41,18 @@ When you start an instance of [!INCLUDE [ssDEnoversion](../../includes/ssdenover
 
 You can also use [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] Configuration Manager to view the properties of the selected service. [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] Configuration Manager is a [!INCLUDE [msCoName](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] Management Console (MMC) snap-in. For more information about MMC and how a snap-in works, see Windows Help.
 
-On the **Start** menu, point to **All Programs**, point to [!INCLUDE [ssCurrentUI](../../includes/sscurrentui-md.md)], point to **Configuration Tools**, and then select **SQL Server Configuration Manager**.
-
-Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the [!INCLUDE [msconame-md](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager doesn't appear as an application in newer versions of Windows.
-
-| Operating system | Details |
-| --- | --- |
-| **Windows 10 and Windows 11** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the **Start Page**, type `SQLServerManager16.msc` (for [!INCLUDE [sssql22-md](../../includes/sssql22-md.md)]). For other versions of [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)], replace `16` with the appropriate number. Selecting `SQLServerManager16.msc` opens the Configuration Manager. To pin the Configuration Manager to the Start Page or Task Bar, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Open file location**. In the Windows File Explorer, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Pin to Start** or **Pin to taskbar**. |
-| **Windows 8** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the **Search** charm, under **Apps**, type `SQLServerManager<version>.msc`, such as `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then press **Enter**. |
+[!INCLUDE [open-sql-server-configuration-manager](../../includes/paragraph-content/open-sql-server-configuration-manager.md)]
 
 ## Manage services
 
-- [Broadcast a Shutdown Message (Command Prompt)](broadcast-a-shutdown-message-command-prompt.md)
+- [Broadcast a shutdown message from the command prompt](broadcast-a-shutdown-message-command-prompt.md)
 - [Change server authentication mode](change-server-authentication-mode.md)
 - [Configure file system permissions for Database Engine access](configure-file-system-permissions-for-database-engine-access.md)
 - [Configure Windows service accounts and permissions](configure-windows-service-accounts-and-permissions.md)
 - [Database Engine Service startup options](database-engine-service-startup-options.md)
 - [Sign in to an instance of SQL Server (Command Prompt)](log-in-to-an-instance-of-sql-server-command-prompt.md)
-- [Run SQL Server With or Without a Network](run-sql-server-with-or-without-a-network.md)
-- [Security Requirements for Managing Services](security-requirements-for-managing-services.md)
+- [Run SQL Server with or without a network](run-sql-server-with-or-without-a-network.md)
+- [Security requirements for managing services](security-requirements-for-managing-services.md)
 - [Single-user mode for SQL Server](start-sql-server-in-single-user-mode.md)
 - [SQL Server Browser service (Database Engine and SSAS)](sql-server-browser-service-database-engine-and-ssas.md)
 - [SQL Server Configuration Manager: Change the password of the accounts used](scm-services-change-the-password-of-the-accounts-used.md)
diff --git a/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-change-the-password-of-the-accounts-used.md b/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-change-the-password-of-the-accounts-used.md
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
-title: "Change the Password of the Accounts Used (SQL Server Configuration Manager)"
-description: Find out how to change the password of the accounts that the Database Engine and the SQL Server Agent use. Learn when it's important to change the password.
+title: Change the Password of the Accounts Used (SQL Server Configuration Manager)
+description: "Find out how to change the password of the accounts that the Database Engine and the SQL Server Agent use. Learn when it's important to change the password."
 author: rwestMSFT
 ms.author: randolphwest
-ms.date: 08/26/2025
+ms.date: 03/16/2026
 ms.service: sql
 ms.subservice: configuration
 ms.topic: how-to
@@ -41,16 +41,11 @@ You must be an administrator of the computer to change the password used by a se
 
 ## Use SQL Server Configuration Manager
 
-#### Change the password used by the SQL Server (Database Engine) service
+Open SQL Server Configuration Manager from the Windows Start menu.
 
-1. Select the **Start** button, point to **All Programs**, point to [!INCLUDE [ssCurrentUI](../../includes/sscurrentui-md.md)], point to **Configuration Tools**, and then select **SQL Server Configuration Manager**.
+[!INCLUDE [open-sql-server-configuration-manager](../../includes/paragraph-content/open-sql-server-configuration-manager.md)]
 
-   Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the [!INCLUDE [msconame-md](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager doesn't appear as an application in newer versions of Windows.
-
-   | Operating system | Details |
-   | --- | --- |
-   | **Windows 10 and Windows 11** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the **Start Page**, type `SQLServerManager16.msc` (for [!INCLUDE [sssql22-md](../../includes/sssql22-md.md)]). For other versions of [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)], replace `16` with the appropriate number. Selecting `SQLServerManager16.msc` opens the Configuration Manager. To pin the Configuration Manager to the Start Page or Task Bar, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Open file location**. In the Windows File Explorer, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Pin to Start** or **Pin to taskbar**. |
-   | **Windows 8** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the **Search** charm, under **Apps**, type `SQLServerManager<version>.msc`, such as `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then press **Enter**. |
+### Change the password used by the SQL Server (Database Engine) service
 
 1. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, select **SQL Server Services**.
 
@@ -60,9 +55,7 @@ You must be an administrator of the computer to change the password used by a se
 
    The password change made in SQL Server Configuration Manager takes effect immediately, without the need to restart the [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] service. If you use the Windows Services app (`services.msc`) to change the account password, a service restart is required.
 
-#### Change the password used by the SQL Server Agent service
-
-1. Select the **Start** button, point to **All Programs**, point to [!INCLUDE [ssCurrentUI](../../includes/sscurrentui-md.md)], point to **Configuration Tools**, and then select **SQL Server Configuration Manager**.
+### Change the password used by the SQL Server Agent service
 
 1. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, select **SQL Server Services**.
 
diff --git a/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-change-the-service-startup-account.md b/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-change-the-service-startup-account.md
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
-title: "Change the Service Startup Account (SQL Server Configuration Manager)"
+title: Change the Service Startup Account (SQL Server Configuration Manager)
 description: Learn how to change the service accounts that SQL Server and many of its services use. View limitations and restrictions on changes in service accounts.
 author: rwestMSFT
 ms.author: randolphwest
-ms.date: 08/26/2025
+ms.date: 03/16/2026
 ms.service: sql
 ms.subservice: configuration
 ms.topic: how-to
@@ -37,14 +37,11 @@ This article describes how to use SQL Server Configuration Manager to change the
 
 ## Use SQL Server Configuration Manager
 
-1. On the **Start** menu, point to **All Programs**, point to **[!INCLUDE [ssnoversion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)]**, point to **Configuration Tools**, and then select **SQL Server Configuration Manager**.
+Open SQL Server Configuration Manager from the Windows Start menu.
 
-   Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the [!INCLUDE [msconame-md](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager doesn't appear as an application in newer versions of Windows.
+[!INCLUDE [open-sql-server-configuration-manager](../../includes/paragraph-content/open-sql-server-configuration-manager.md)]
 
-   | Operating system | Details |
-   | --- | --- |
-   | **Windows 10 and Windows 11** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the **Start Page**, type `SQLServerManager16.msc` (for [!INCLUDE [sssql22-md](../../includes/sssql22-md.md)]). For other versions of [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)], replace `16` with the appropriate number. Selecting `SQLServerManager16.msc` opens the Configuration Manager. To pin the Configuration Manager to the Start Page or Task Bar, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Open file location**. In the Windows File Explorer, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Pin to Start** or **Pin to taskbar**. |
-   | **Windows 8** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the **Search** charm, under **Apps**, type `SQLServerManager<version>.msc`, such as `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then press **Enter**. |
+### Configure startup options
 
 1. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, select **SQL Server Services**.
 
diff --git a/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-configure-server-startup-options.md b/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-configure-server-startup-options.md
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
-title: "Configure Server Startup Options (SQL Server Configuration Manager)"
+title: Configure Server Startup Options (SQL Server Configuration Manager)
 description: Learn how to set options that the SQL Server Database Engine uses when it starts. View limitations and restrictions on making changes to startup parameters.
 author: rwestMSFT
 ms.author: randolphwest
-ms.date: 07/15/2025
+ms.date: 03/16/2026
 ms.service: sql
 ms.subservice: configuration
 ms.topic: how-to
@@ -43,16 +43,11 @@ Configuring server startup options is restricted to users who can change the rel
 
 ## Use SQL Server Configuration Manager
 
-### Configure startup options
-
-1. Select the **Start** button, point to **All Programs**, point to [!INCLUDE [ssCurrentUI](../../includes/sscurrentui-md.md)], point to **Configuration Tools**, and then select **SQL Server Configuration Manager**.
+Open SQL Server Configuration Manager from the Windows Start menu.
 
-   Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the [!INCLUDE [msconame-md](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager doesn't appear as an application in newer versions of Windows.
+[!INCLUDE [open-sql-server-configuration-manager](../../includes/paragraph-content/open-sql-server-configuration-manager.md)]
 
-   | Operating system | Details |
-   | --- | --- |
-   | **Windows 10 and Windows 11** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the **Start Page**, type `SQLServerManager16.msc` (for [!INCLUDE [sssql22-md](../../includes/sssql22-md.md)]). For other versions of [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)], replace `16` with the appropriate number. Selecting `SQLServerManager16.msc` opens the Configuration Manager. To pin the Configuration Manager to the Start Page or Task Bar, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Open file location**. In the Windows File Explorer, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Pin to Start** or **Pin to taskbar**. |
-   | **Windows 8** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the **Search** charm, under **Apps**, type `SQLServerManager<version>.msc`, such as `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then press **Enter**. |
+### Configure startup options
 
 1. In [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] Configuration Manager, select **SQL Server Services**.
 
diff --git a/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-prevent-automatic-startup-of-an-instance.md b/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-prevent-automatic-startup-of-an-instance.md
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
-title: "Prevent Automatic Startup of an Instance (SQL Server Configuration Manager)"
+title: Prevent Automatic Startup of an Instance (SQL Server Configuration Manager)
 description: Find out how to prevent an instance of SQL Server from starting automatically. See how to set the start mode to manual to accomplish this task.
 author: rwestMSFT
 ms.author: randolphwest
-ms.date: 08/26/2025
+ms.date: 03/16/2026
 ms.service: sql
 ms.subservice: configuration
 ms.topic: how-to
@@ -25,16 +25,11 @@ This article describes how to prevent an instance of [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../
 
 ## Use SQL Server Configuration Manager
 
-#### Prevent automatic startup of an instance of SQL Server
+Open SQL Server Configuration Manager from the Windows Start menu.
 
-1. On the **Start** menu, point to **All Programs**, point to [!INCLUDE [ssCurrentUI](../../includes/sscurrentui-md.md)], point to **Configuration Tools**, and then select **SQL Server Configuration Manager**.
+[!INCLUDE [open-sql-server-configuration-manager](../../includes/paragraph-content/open-sql-server-configuration-manager.md)]
 
-   Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the [!INCLUDE [msconame-md](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager doesn't appear as an application in newer versions of Windows.
-
-   | Operating system | Details |
-   | --- | --- |
-   | **Windows 10 and Windows 11** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the **Start Page**, type `SQLServerManager16.msc` (for [!INCLUDE [sssql22-md](../../includes/sssql22-md.md)]). For other versions of [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)], replace `16` with the appropriate number. Selecting `SQLServerManager16.msc` opens the Configuration Manager. To pin the Configuration Manager to the Start Page or Task Bar, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Open file location**. In the Windows File Explorer, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Pin to Start** or **Pin to taskbar**. |
-   | **Windows 8** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the **Search** charm, under **Apps**, type `SQLServerManager<version>.msc`, such as `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then press **Enter**. |
+### Prevent automatic startup of an instance of SQL Server
 
 1. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand **Services**, and then select **SQL Server**.
 
diff --git a/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-set-an-instance-to-start-automatically.md b/docs/database-engine/configure-windows/scm-services-set-an-instance-to-start-automatically.md
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
-title: "Set an Instance to Start Automatically (SQL Server Configuration Manager)"
+title: Set an Instance to Start Automatically (SQL Server Configuration Manager)
 description: Find out how to set an instance of SQL Server to start automatically. Learn about the default configuration, and see how to set the start mode to automatic.
 author: rwestMSFT
 ms.author: randolphwest
-ms.date: 08/26/2025
+ms.date: 03/16/2026
 ms.service: sql
 ms.subservice: configuration
 ms.topic: how-to
@@ -22,16 +22,11 @@ This article describes how to set an instance of [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../i
 
 ## Use SQL Server Configuration Manager
 
-#### Set an instance of SQL Server to start automatically
+Open SQL Server Configuration Manager from the Windows Start menu.
 
-1. On the **Start** menu, point to **All Programs**, point to [!INCLUDE [ssCurrentUI](../../includes/sscurrentui-md.md)], point to **Configuration Tools**, and then select **SQL Server Configuration Manager**.
+[!INCLUDE [open-sql-server-configuration-manager](../../includes/paragraph-content/open-sql-server-configuration-manager.md)]
 
-   Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the [!INCLUDE [msconame-md](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager doesn't appear as an application in newer versions of Windows.
-
-   | Operating system | Details |
-   | --- | --- |
-   | **Windows 10 and Windows 11** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the **Start Page**, type `SQLServerManager16.msc` (for [!INCLUDE [sssql22-md](../../includes/sssql22-md.md)]). For other versions of [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)], replace `16` with the appropriate number. Selecting `SQLServerManager16.msc` opens the Configuration Manager. To pin the Configuration Manager to the Start Page or Task Bar, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Open file location**. In the Windows File Explorer, right-click `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then select **Pin to Start** or **Pin to taskbar**. |
-   | **Windows 8** | To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the **Search** charm, under **Apps**, type `SQLServerManager<version>.msc`, such as `SQLServerManager16.msc`, and then press **Enter**. |
+### Set an instance of SQL Server to start automatically
 
 1. In **SQL Server Configuration Manager**, expand **Services**, and then select **SQL Server**.
 
diff --git a/docs/includes/paragraph-content/open-sql-server-configuration-manager.md b/docs/includes/paragraph-content/open-sql-server-configuration-manager.md
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+---
+author: rwestMSFT
+ms.author: randolphwest
+ms.date: 03/16/2026
+ms.service: sql
+ms.topic: include
+---
+Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the [!INCLUDE [msconame-md](../msconame-md.md)] Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager might not appear as an application in newer versions of Windows.
+
+From the Windows **Start** menu, type `SQLServerManager17.msc` (for [!INCLUDE [sssql25-md](../sssql25-md.md)]). For other versions of [!INCLUDE [ssNoVersion](../ssnoversion-md.md)], replace `17` with the appropriate number. Selecting `SQLServerManager17.msc` opens SQL Server Configuration Manager.
+
+You can pin SQL Server Configuration Manager to the Start menu or taskbar when you right-click `SQLServerManager17.msc`, and then select **Open file location**. In File Explorer, right-click `SQLServerManager17.msc`, and then select **Pin to Start** or **Pin to taskbar**.
diff --git a/docs/tools/configuration-manager/sql-server-configuration-manager-help.md b/docs/tools/configuration-manager/sql-server-configuration-manager-help.md
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
-title: "SQL Server Configuration Manager Help"
+title: SQL Server Configuration Manager Help
 description: Get acquainted with SQL Server Configuration Manager. Learn how to use it to manage SQL Server services and configure network connectivity.
 author: rwestMSFT
 ms.author: randolphwest
-ms.date: 12/15/2025
+ms.date: 03/16/2026
 ms.service: sql
 ms.subservice: tools-other
 ms.topic: concept-article
@@ -69,9 +69,7 @@ For more information about each of these tasks, see F1 help for each task.
 
 ## Open SQL Server Configuration Manager
 
-Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the [!INCLUDE [msconame-md](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager doesn't always appear as an application in some versions of Windows.
-
-To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, type `SQLServerManager17.msc` (for [!INCLUDE [sssql25-md](../../includes/sssql25-md.md)]) from the **Start** menu. For other versions, replace `17` with the appropriate number. You can pin SQL Server Configuration Manager to the Start menu or Task Bar by right-clicking `SQLServerManager17.msc` and selecting **Open file location**. Then, right-click the file and select **Pin to Start** or **Pin to Taskbar**.
+[!INCLUDE [open-sql-server-configuration-manager](../../includes/paragraph-content/open-sql-server-configuration-manager.md)]
 
 ## Related content
 
diff --git a/docs/tools/configuration-manager/sql-server-configuration-manager.md b/docs/tools/configuration-manager/sql-server-configuration-manager.md
