Microsoft SQL Server Browser, developed by Microsoft Corporation, is a Windows service that helps client applications discover and connect to SQL Server instances on a network. It listens on UDP port 1434 for SQL Server Resolution Protocol (SSRP) requests and returns the TCP port number or named pipe information for the requested named instance. This is especially useful on hosts running multiple SQL Server instances or when instances use dynamic ports, allowing clients to connect without hard-coding port numbers.
The service is installed with SQL Server, starts on demand or automatically when enabled, and consumes minimal system resources. It does not handle authentication or data traffic; it only provides connection routing details to initiate a session. In environments where all instances use fixed ports and clients specify them explicitly, the service can be disabled to reduce the attack surface. If enabled, secure it by limiting access to UDP 1434 and running it with least-privilege credentials.
Microsoft SQL Server Browser is developed by Microsoft. The most popular version of this product among our users is 10.51.2500. The names of program executable files are qs.exe, cmd.exe, ssmsee.exe, Ssms.exe and srcds.exe.
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