If you created a custom named instance (e.g., "MyDevDB"), use: (localdb)\MyDevDB . : Select Windows Authentication . Connect : Click the Connect button. Understanding LocalDB Instances

This gives you a lightweight, zero-configuration SQL Server environment perfect for local development.

If successful, the Object Explorer panel will populate with folders like "Databases," "Security," and "Server Objects." You can now right-click "Databases" to create a new database or run scripts as you would on a full server instance.

Before opening SSMS, ensure you have an instance of LocalDB installed. Open or PowerShell and type the following command:

sqllocaldb start MSSQLLocalDB