Smoothly Upgrade Your SQL Servers to 2022 – How to Create SQL Server Aliases

How to Create a SQL Server Alias (SQL Server 2022+)

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Creating a SQL Server alias can simplify your environment, hide server names, or make migrations smoother. In SQL Server 2022 and later, the old Configuration Manager method doesn’t work—but here’s how to do it using cliconfg.exe.

✅ Steps to Create a SQL Server Alias:

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1. Open cliconfg.exe
   Go to C:\Windows\SysWOW64 and run cliconfg.exe.
2. Create a New Alias
   In the “Alias” tab, click Add, enter a name, select TCP/IP, and input your SQL Server name.
3. Apply and Close
   Hit OK and close the dialog to save the alias.
4. Install ODBC Driver (if needed)
   Download and install the Microsoft ODBC Driver 64-bit version. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/odbc/download-odbc-driver-for-sql-server?view=sql-server-ver16
5. Create ODBC Connection
   Open ODBC Data Sources (64-bit) → System DSN → Add → select driver → enter alias name and server → test the connection.

That’s it! You now have a working SQL Server alias ready for use in your applications or scripts.

Why it’s useful for early engineers:

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Aliases help you abstract the actual server name, making it easier to switch environments without updating scripts. If you’re just starting out, it’s a great way to learn clean setup practices, avoid hardcoding server names, and prepare for working in larger, more complex data environments.