How to Change SQL Server Database Auto Growth Settings?

One of the most common challenges the users face in SQL is the size limits of the database files. So, to help the users with how to change SQL Server database auto growth settings, we are here with this detailed write-up. Here we will not only learn about what auto growth actually means, but also the requirements and the ways to change the settings. 

So, without any further delay, let’s begin with understanding what SQL Server Database autogrowth is.

What is Auto Growth in SQL Server? 

The SQL autogrowth can be defined as a precautionary storage mechanism that helps the users in unexpected storage related issues. If the SQL server encounters sudden size or storage issues that may demand more storage, the autogrowth settings come in handy. 

Additionally, the autogrowth settings helps the database administrators by resolving the storage demands up to a reasonable extent so that it doesn’t need any manual intervention. 

There are many benefits of using the SQL autogrowth settings and there are many situations that demand to enable the SQL Database autogrowth. We will take a look at these benefits and situations one by one to understand the concept better. 

Benefits of the Auto Growth Settings

There are many advantages to using this SQL Setting. Here are some of these reasons:

• Minimizes Downtime of SQL Database
• Lowers the Risk of Data Loss
• Increases Flexibility
• Reduces Manual Workload 
• Advantageous for Smaller Databases

Why Do We Need to Change SQL Server Database Auto Growth Settings?

There are many situations that demand the change of these settings. And with this the user concern arises to how to change the SQL Database autogrowth settings. Here are some of the reasons that call for the change.

To Avoid SQL Server Functional Slowdown – If the SQL Server Database autogrowth is enabled and the database is growing at a small rate but too frequently, this might end up slowing the server down. So to avoid this issue, it is better to change the settings as per the database requirements. 

To Handle Larger Data – For small data, autogrowth setting can be beneficial, but if we talk about larger data, it might get complex. If the SQL Database autogrowth setting is configured for small data, and you add up a larger data, it will slow and delay the process, causing further challenges. 

To Avoid Reaching the Storage Limit – With the wrong SQL autogrowth settings, the database size might grow without any limits, taking up the complete space of the disk. So it is important to change the settings and set a limit to avoid that. 

For Better Maintenance – If the database file growth takes place in an uncertain manner, this can take up more space in the disk randomly. So to avoid that from happening, it is better to change the growth settings to a less frequent and organized one. 

To Prevent SQL Server Unexpected Challenges – If you are not aware of the proper SQL  Database autogrowth settings, the database might grow up in a more complex way, creating other challenges for the server to function normally. 

All these reasons play an important factor in the change of the SQL Database autogrowth settings.  So to help the users find the solution to how to change SQL Server database auto growth settings, we are here with the detailed solution. 

Methods to Change SQL Server Autogrowth Settings

Depending on the user’s choices, we are here with multiple solutions. We will go through these solutions one by one to ensure the complete accuracy of the solution implementation. 

The first method we will be discussing is by using SSMS. Let’s take a look at how this method works. 

Change Auto Growth in SQL Server Using SSMS

To implement this method, a user has to follow the given steps. 

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio, and connect to the SQL Server Instance. 
2. Then go to the databases, and right click on it. 
3. From there, select properties to change the autogrowth settings in SQL Server.
4. From properties, go to files and then click on the ellipses to open the file properties. 
5. The default size in the autogrowth settings is 1 MB, you can change this size as per your convenience. Additionally, you also get to change the size settings in percentage. 
6. Once set, click on the OK button to set the new autogrowth size. 
7. At last, you will see that the autogrowth values have changed in the file description in the database properties. 

By following these steps, one can easily set the new values to the SQL Server Database autogrowth settings. 

Moving on to the next method, let’s see what it is and how it works. 

Using T-SQL For Changing Auto-Growth Settings 

Another method for changing the size is by using the T-SQL commands in SQL. With the help of this command, a user can set the new values in the auto-growth setting. Let’s take a look at the command we will now be using.

ALTER DATABASE [DATABASE_NAME]
MODIFY FILE (NAME = N’ (DATABASE_NAME), FILEGROWTH = 256 MB OR 10% )
GO

ALTER DATABASE [DATABASE_NAME]
MODIFY FILE (N’ (DATABASE_NAME_LOG), FILEGROWTH = 256 MB)
GO

By using this method, we can modify the size to a greater or smaller value of the database file and the database log files.  

With these two methods, we can easily change the auto growth settings in the SQL Server Database. These methods can help the users to deal with the storage issues, if any, in the SQL Databases.

Conclusion

In SQL Server, the users may encounter various issues regarding the storage space of the SQL database. To resolve that issue, there is a built in setting for the automated growth of the database files. This allows the users to set a specific size limit to the SQL database files so they can grow in case of unexpected storage requirements, but do not exceed the limit running out of the disk space.