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How to: Start SQL Server Agent (net Commands)

The SQL Server Agent service can be started by using Microsoft Windows net commands.

To start the default instance of SQL Server Agent

  • From a command prompt, enter one of the following commands:

    net start "SQL Server Agent (MSSQLSERVER)"

    -or-

    net start SQLSERVERAGENT

To start a named instance of SQL Server Agent

  • From a command prompt, enter one of the following commands. Replace <instancename> with the name of the instance you want to manage.

    net start "SQL Server Agent(instancename)"

    -or-

    net start SQLAgent$ <instancename>

For information about running SQL Server Agent in verbose mode for troubleshooting, see sqlagent90 Application.