SQL Server: Remove SQL Express from Server Name

We will learn how we can convert named instances to default instances. We will connect the server without writing SQL Express. 

Step 1: Open SQL Server Configuration Manager. Search in the laptop for SQL Server Configuration and select as shown in the snapshot below.

Step 2: Click SQL Server Network Configuration and Click Protocols for INSTANCENAME (i.e SQLEXPRESS)

Step 3: Right Click TCP/IP and click Enabled

Step 4: Right-click TCP/IP and go to Properties, Click on  the IP Addresses tab and scroll down to the IP All section

Step 5: Clear the field TCP Dynamic Ports (i.e. empty/blank) and set TCP Port to 1433. Press Ok

Step 6: Go to SQL Server Services and Right-click your SQL Server (INSTANCE NAME) and click Restart 

This will make the named instance listen on the default port. Now, you no need to write SQL Express in the Server Name.