I am facing issue while installing Sql Server 2025 Express to my laptop Asus TUF Gaming laptop

Question

I am facing issue while installing Sql Server 2025 Express to my laptop Asus TUF Gaming laptop

sanjay MN 0

To:Microsoft SQL Server Support

Dear Microsoft SQL Server Support Team, I am experiencing installation issues with SQL Server 2025 Express Edition on my ASUS TUF Gaming A15 laptop running Windows 10 Home Single Language. During setup, the installation fails with the error: "Wait on the Database Engine recovery handle failed." Prior to this, I also encountered misaligned log I/O errors when SQL Server attempted to start the master database. Steps I have taken: - Created a new D: partition for SQL Server data files. - Moved master.mdf and mastlog.ldf to the new partition. - Updated startup parameters in SQL Server Configuration Manager. - Granted full control permissions to NT Service\MSSQL$SQLEXPRESS01 on the new folder. Despite these steps, the SQL Server service still fails to start with the recovery handle error. Attached are the ERRORLOG and setup logs for your review. Could you please assist me in resolving this installation issue? Thank you for your support.

Best regards,

Sanjay

sanjay MN 0 Reputation points

2026-03-15T14:27:59.1066667+00:00

Not working

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sanjay MN 0 Reputation points

2026-03-15T14:27:59.1066667+00:00

Not working

Answer 1

Erland Sommarskog 133.7K MVP Volunteer Moderator

As you might have understood, the message Wait on the Database Engine recovery handle failed is a generic error that means that SQL Server did not start when Setup wanted to run configuration steps.

The message about 256 misaligned reads, reflects a known issue where Windows 11 for some disk drives reports a sector size that SQL Server does not cope with. This is a little puzzling, since you say you are on Windows 10. I will have to assume that you are mistaken which operating system you have.

Microsoft has published an article with workarounds for the problem. I would suggest that you study this article and apply the suggested registry changes.

You say

Attached are the ERRORLOG and setup logs for your review.

Unfortunately, it seems that you forgot to attach the files.

Akhil Gajavelly 1,735 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-13T06:21:02.7733333+00:00
Hi @sanjay MN ,

Thanks for trying the earlier suggestions since it’s still failing, let’s take a simpler and more reliable path here.

The issue is very likely happening because the system databases were moved during setup (or due to underlying disk behavior), which prevents SQL Server from starting properly.

Please try this once:

Uninstall the failed SQL Server instance completely

Delete leftover folders from: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\

Reinstall SQL Server without changing any default paths (keep everything on C: drive for now)

Don’t move master.mdf / mastlog.ldf during installation

If installation works on default settings, then we can safely move files later using supported steps.

If it still fails even on default setup, please share the last few lines from ERRORLOG that will point us to the exact cause. Happy to help further

Thanks,
Akhil.
Akhil Gajavelly 1,735 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-16T07:28:11.97+00:00

Hi @sanjay MN ,

Just checking back were you able to try a clean reinstall using the default paths on the C: drive?

If the installation succeeded, please consider accepting the answer so it can help others. If it’s still failing, feel free to share the latest ERRORLOG details and we’ll help you investigate further.

Thanks,
Akhil.

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I am facing issue while installing Sql Server 2025 Express to my laptop Asus TUF Gaming laptop

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