How to Delete A User in SQL Server Database?

Are you trying to learn how to delete a user in SQL Server or DROP USER SQL Server? If yes then this article is going to cater to all your needs. Here, we have the user query to know the user’s perspective along with the causes. Most importantly, the solutions for the same are mentioned here as well.

If users read this article to the end and then follow the instructions wisely, they’ll get the desired solution without any hassles at all. Let’s begin with the user query followed by the reasons to delete login user. Once, users know how to find list of users in SQL Server, they can proceed further.

Query to DROP USER SQL Server or Remove User Login

There are certain users who asked for the same user deletion but are unable to get the right solution. Let’s understand the mindset of users who get stuck in such situations.

User Query – 1

User Query – 2

Why Learn How to Delete Database User in SQL Server?

We just saw users asking for solutions to learn how to remove single user in SQL Server DB. Let’s quickly understand their concerns & reasons for the same. There can be multiple reasons but as a whole, we have 5 major reasons. Let’s understand them one after another:

Security Concerns:

• Compromised Accounts – In case a user account is found indulging in suspicious events, the admin might order to delete that user account with further investigation. 
• Outdated Accounts – There are chances that some accounts might not be needed after one or two years of creation. Thus, it’s better to delete them & save space.

Database Clean Up:

• Unused Accounts – Unused user accounts often clear clutter only. If they are not in use, it will just waste some percentage of resources & can execute DROP USER SQL Server CMD.

• Database Migration – At the time of migration, users must keep in mind to transfer only the required data & not users. Thus, it’s better to remove user accounts.

DB Troubleshooting:

• Permission Issues –  In SQL Server, if a user is facing permission-related issues, then deleting & recreating that particular account can fix the error sometimes.
• Performance Issues – Having too many users in the database can sometimes slow down the database & cause performance issues.

Maintenance Practices:

• Audits – As a part of regular auditing and database maintenance, it is advisable for users to practice deleting unwanted users without any hassles. It can be helpful in SQL Server forensic auditing & more.

Compliance:

• Compliance: Various organizations follow several compliance & regulation standards like GDPR, CSAM, etc. Some compliances might require the database to be regularly monitored & unwanted users to be deleted on time.

How to Delete A User in SQL Server Manually with T-SQL?

Now, that we are well aware of the reasons & user query, it’s time that we focus on the solution. Firstly, we are going to address the manual T-SQL method. Experienced users might think of it as an easier approach while new users must be trying to get another solution. For them, we have the SSMS method coming up next.

However, let’s begin the T_SQL method first.

The Syntax for this command is: 

-- Syntax for SQL Server and Azure SQL Database 

DROP USER [ IF EXISTS ] user_name

Here is the explanation of all the components for learning how to delete database user in SQL Server using this CMD.

• DROP User = The command to delete the user.
• IF EXISTS = This is just a clause to prevent error in case of not having the user.
• User_name = This can be replaced by the actual user account name.

The example for the same looks like this:

DROP USER [ IF EXISTS ] AndrewJackson;
GO

How to Delete Login User in SQL Server Using SSMS?

Now, here comes the solution of a SQL Server Management Studio. Here, users don’t need to execute the command line method. Instead, they can simply follow the interactive GUI’s quick steps to get the desired results.

Step-1. Connect to the Database Instance in SSMS.

Step-2. Right-click Database > Expand the Security folder.

Step-3. Right-click the User Name that needs to be deleted.

Step-4. Click the Delete option to delete a user in SQL Server.

Finally, users are aware of both manual as well as GUI approaches to learn how to delete a user in SQL Server. However, users also observe instances of accidental deletion of users or data in the server. Now, to deal with them, users must have a plan B. Therefore, let’s understand this significant topic to safeguard our vital data files.

What If You Delete Wrong User or Data  Accidentally in the Server?

In order to get back the deleted data, users can opt for the SQL Recovery Software which is specially designed for users to fulfil such demands. This advanced utility is capable of recovering the data, repairing the data, exporting selective objects, etc.

The best thing about this tool is that it does not require any complex T-SQL command or even the SQL Server environment. Having such a tool for backup can act as a security shield for crucial information. Download the tool for free and then follow the below steps:

1. Launch the Tool & then Hit the Open button.
2. Add MDF Files in the application to proceed.
3. Set Quick or Advanced Scan for the recovery.
4. Set Destination & Hit the Export button to finish.

Conclusion

Finally, that we know how to delete a user in SQL Server, users can freely DROP USER in SQL Server database. All the above methods are working & users can rely on them. However, mistakes can happen at times with anyone.

Thus, having a trusted recovery solution should be taken for granted by users. Rest, all users are wise enough to execute the entire process after learning how to remove single user in SQL Server without any hassles.