Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How to Install SQL Server 2025 and Set Up Your Webgility Database

This article helps Webgility Desktop users install SQL Server and create their Webgility database directly from the application no manual database setup required. When Webgility can’t locate a valid database (for example, on a new computer, after a reinstall, or when the message “Please upgrade your Webgility Database to continue” appears), Webgility Desktop now guides you through installing SQL Server 2025 Express Edition and building the database automatically. This guide walks through each step so you can get back up and running quickly.

When you’ll see this

Webgility Desktop shows the Select or Install SQL Server prompt when it can sign you in but cannot find your Webgility database. This commonly happens when:

  • You’re setting up Webgility Desktop on a new computer.
  • SQL Server or the Webgility database was removed, moved, or is unreachable.
  • The database needs to be rebuilt after the “Please upgrade your Webgility Database” or “incorrect database” message.

Before you begin

  • Make sure you’re signed in to Windows with an administrator account.
  • Keep a stable internet connection — the SQL Server installer is downloaded during setup.
  • Have your Webgility login (email and password) ready.

Steps to set up your database

Step 1 — Choose how to set up your database

When the Select or Install SQL Server window appears, you’ll see two options:

  • This is a new computer, install SQL Server and create Webgility database — choose this if you don’t already have SQL Server set up. Webgility will install it for you.
  • Connect Webgility database to an existing SQL Server — choose this if SQL Server is already installed and you want to point Webgility to it.

Select the first option and click Continue.

Step 2 — Install SQL Server 2025 Express Edition

Webgility downloads and installs SQL Server 2025 Express Edition automatically. You’ll see the download progress followed by installation — this can take several minutes depending on your connection. No input is needed during this step.

When it finishes, the installer shows “Installation has completed successfully!” with details such as Instance Name SQLEXPRESS and the SQL Server version. Click Close to return to Webgility.


Step 3 — Webgility creates your database

After SQL Server is installed, Webgility automatically creates and configures your Webgility database. You’ll see a Processing… status while it sets things up. Let it finish — Webgility will open once the database is ready.

 

Note: If you selected Connect Webgility database to an existing SQL Server, you’ll be asked for the SQL Server instance (for example localhost\SQLEXPRESS) and an authentication method (Windows Authentication or SQL Server Authentication) instead of installing a new server.