How to take a SQL Server database online and offline

Last modified: October 1, 2024

The topic describes how to change a database status from offline to online and vice versa.

To take a database online:

1. In the Database Explorer window, open the connection.

2. Select the required offline database, and right-click it.

3. Navigate to Tasks on the shortcut menu, and select Bring Online. The database with all its objects and data is available now.

To take a database offline:

1. In the Database Explorer window, open the required connection.

2. Select the database to be ignored, and right click it.

3. Navigate to Tasks on the shortcut menu, and select Take Offline. The offline database folder has the icon now.

Note

Taking a database offline causes all objects that depend on that database to be taken offline.

Offline databases are not available on the Database list of the SQL toolbar.