Why SQL Server Agent Is Not Currently Running?

Hello Dev, welcome to our journal article on SQL Server Agent issues. SQL Server Agent is an important component of the SQL Server that is responsible for automating several routine tasks, including backup and maintenance jobs. However, at times, the SQL Server Agent may stop working, and you may get the error message stating that “SQL Server Agent is not currently running”. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind this problem and provide some solutions to fix it. So, let’s get started!

What is SQL Server Agent?

Before we dive into the reasons behind the SQL Server Agent not currently running error, let’s first understand what SQL Server Agent is and what it does. SQL Server Agent is a component of Microsoft SQL Server, which provides a framework for scheduling and automating administrative tasks.

SQL Server Agent allows you to automate several tasks, such as database backups, database maintenance, and other administrative tasks. It also provides features like alerts, which can notify you when there are issues with the database or any of the automated tasks.

Reasons Behind SQL Server Agent Not Currently Running Error

SQL Server Agent Service Not Started

One of the most common reasons why you may get the “SQL Server Agent is not currently running” error is that the SQL Server Agent service is not started or has been stopped. This can happen due to various reasons, including system updates, security patches or system crashes.

To verify whether the SQL Server Agent service is running or not, you can perform the following steps:

Step 1:	Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager
Step 2:	Expand the SQL Server Services node
Step 3:	Look for the SQL Server Agent service
Step 4:	If the service is not started, right-click on it and select Start

Once you start the SQL Server Agent service, the issue should be resolved. However, if you still encounter the same error message, there may be other reasons behind it.

SQL Server Agent Account Permissions

Another common reason why you may encounter the “SQL Server Agent is not currently running” error is that the SQL Server Agent account does not have the necessary permissions to start or run the service. By default, the SQL Server Agent service runs under the Local System account, which has enough privileges to perform all administrative tasks.

However, if the SQL Server Agent service is running under a different account and that account does not have the necessary permissions, then you may encounter the “SQL Server Agent is not currently running” error.

To check the account under which the SQL Server Agent service is running, you can perform the following steps:

Step 1:	Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager
Step 2:	Expand the SQL Server Services node
Step 3:	Right-click on the SQL Server Agent service and select Properties
Step 4:	Go to the Log On tab

If the SQL Server Agent service is running under a domain account or a local account, make sure that the account has the necessary permissions to start or run the service.

SQL Server Agent Service Account Password Change

If you have recently changed the password of the SQL Server Agent service account, you may encounter the “SQL Server Agent is not currently running” error. This happens because the SQL Server Agent service stores the account password in its configuration settings.

To resolve this issue, you can perform the following steps:

Step 1:	Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager
Step 2:	Expand the SQL Server Services node
Step 3:	Right-click on the SQL Server Agent service and select Properties
Step 4:	Go to the Log On tab
Step 5:	Enter the new password for the service account

Once you have updated the password, restart the SQL Server Agent service, and the issue should be resolved.

FAQs

Q1. What is SQL Server Agent?

SQL Server Agent is a component of Microsoft SQL Server, which provides a framework for scheduling and automating administrative tasks.

Q2. Why do I get the “SQL Server Agent is not currently running” error?

The “SQL Server Agent is not currently running” error can happen due to various reasons, including the SQL Server Agent service not started, SQL Server Agent account permissions, or SQL Server Agent service account password change.

Q3. How can I fix the “SQL Server Agent is not currently running” error?

You can fix the “SQL Server Agent is not currently running” error by starting the SQL Server Agent service, ensuring the SQL Server Agent account has the necessary permissions, or updating the SQL Server Agent service account’s password.

Q4. What are some of the tasks that SQL Server Agent can automate?

SQL Server Agent can automate several tasks, including database backups, database maintenance, and other administrative tasks. It also provides features like alerts, which can notify you when there are issues with the database or any of the automated tasks.

Q5. What is the default account under which the SQL Server Agent service runs?

The SQL Server Agent service runs under the Local System account by default, which has enough privileges to perform all administrative tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “SQL Server Agent is not currently running” error can be caused by several reasons, including the SQL Server Agent service not started, SQL Server Agent account permissions, or SQL Server Agent service account password change. By following the solutions mentioned in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and continue using the SQL Server Agent to automate your administrative tasks.