Forum Discussion
SQL Server services set to Delayed Start - Why?
Reference: SQL Server services are set to Automatic (Delayed Start) start mode
In SQL Server 2022 (16.x), setting the Start Mode for a SQL Server service to Automatic in Configuration Manager, will configure that service to start in Automatic (Delayed Start) mode instead, even though the Start Mode shows as Automatic.
Why did Microsoft make this default standard starting SQL Server 2022?
What are the pros of doing this?
Should we manually set to Delayed Start in lower versions of SQL Servers that are set to automatic start mode?
3 Replies
Starting with SQL Server 2022, services are set to Automatic (Delayed Start) by default to improve system boot performance. This ensures SQL Server starts after critical services, reducing resource contention and preventing startup failures.
Benefits:
Faster and smoother system boot.
Avoids SQL Server startup issues if dependencies (e.g., network, storage) aren't ready.
Improves reliability on resource-constrained systems.Should You Use Delayed Start on Older Versions?
Yes, if:
The server has many services starting at boot.
SQL Server depends on other services that take time to initialize.
However, for critical or dedicated SQL Server systems, immediate startup may be preferred.Microsoft documentation
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/configure-windows/start-stop-pause-resume-restart-sql-server-services?view=sql-server-ver16
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/what-s-new-in-sql-server-2022?view=sql-server-ver16Microsoft made the change to set SQL Server services to Automatic (Delayed Start) by default in SQL Server 2022 to improve the overall startup performance and reliability of the system. Here are some key reasons and benefits:
Reasons for the Change
- System Resource Management: Delayed Start helps manage system resources more efficiently during the boot process. It allows critical system services to start first, reducing the competition for CPU and memory resources.
- Avoiding Conflicts: By delaying the start of SQL Server services, it minimizes potential conflicts with other services that are starting up simultaneously.
- Improved Boot Times: This approach can lead to faster overall boot times for the operating system, as it spreads out the load of starting services.
Pros of Automatic (Delayed Start)
- Reduced Startup Load: Helps in reducing the initial load on the system during boot, leading to a smoother startup experience.
- Enhanced Stability: Reduces the likelihood of startup failures or delays caused by resource contention.
- Better Performance: Ensures that SQL Server services start after the system has stabilized, potentially leading to better performance and reliability.
Thank you for your response. Please point me to the official documentation of your points in your answer. Is there any recommendation from Microsoft about the lower version of the SQL Server engine?
