Windows Authentication

During the Tenable Patch Server installation, you may log into the Tenable Patch Server using Windows Authentication. The Tenable Patch Server Installer automatically enables Windows Authentication when the Windows account is selected in the SQL Server.

Using Windows Authentication requires the following:

  • You must already have a Windows account.

  • Use Windows Authentication when the reporting account is in the domain and the SQL Server is remote from the Tenable Patch Server.

SQL Server Database

The Tenable Patch Server requires a SQL Server instance to host the Adaptiva database. You may choose to install the Adaptiva database on the same server, a separate SQL Server, or a stand-alone SQL Server Express free version. If hosting with the ConfigMgr database, make sure to review the licensing requirements.

If you use SQL Server Express, you may pre-install the SQL Server Express or select SQL Server Express during installation, which automatically downloads and installs on the server.

Choosing the SQL Server Edition

The Tenable Patch Server installation wizard requires specific input depending on the SQL Server Edition you choose to use. You may choose to install one of the following SQL Server Editions:

  • SQL Sever Express

  • SQL Server Standard

  • SQL Server Enterprise

Use the information in this section to help determine which SQL Server Edition works best in your environment to host the Adaptiva Database. For a full list of the differences between Editions, see Compare SQL Server versions on the Microsoft website.

  • SQL Server Express Edition

  • SQL Server Standard or Enterprise Edition

  • An existing SQL Server instance

SQL Server Requirements

Review the requirements in the table below when deciding which SQL Server Edition to use with the Tenable

Patch Server. A SQL Server Always On availability group may also host the Adaptiva Database.

Component Requirement

SQL Server Version

  • SQL Server 2022

  • SQL Server 2019

  • SQL Server 2017

  • SQL Server 2016 SP2

Database Compatibility Level

Minimum level is SQL 2016 (130)

Database Sizing

Minimum database size is 5 GB. Storage allocation per managed device is approximately 2.5 MB. Use the following equation to determine your database size requirements:

5 GB + (2.5 MB x licensed clients) = x GB

SQL Server Express supports no more than 10 GB

Memory

64 GB minimum

Disk Infrastructure

SSD or NVMe drives for the database files (recommended), including tempdb and log files.

SQL Server Express Edition Details

The Tenable installation wizard provides a choice to download and install the free SQL Server Express Edition as part of the Server installation. The SQL Server Express Edition has no licensing requirement.

Downloading and installing the free SQL Server Express Edition from Microsoft requires an Internet connection and specific Internet Settings. See Configure Internet Settings for details and to make the required changes. In addition, using this version requires enabling Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0. For details on how to download .NET Framework 4.0, see Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Full Language Pack (x86 x64) on the Microsoft website.

SQL Server Express Edition has the following limitations:

  • No Built-In Scheduled Backups (work around available)

  • SSRS is only available with SQL Express with Advanced Services

  • Maximum Allowed Memory Capacity - 1410 MB

  • Maximum Database Size – 10 GB

  • Maximum Number of Cores – 1 socket, up to 8 cores

  • No High Availability

Although the Server installer configures all necessary settings, consider the following default settings:

  • Installs SQL Server 2022 Express Edition.

  • Names the SQL Express instance AdaptivaSQL.

If choosing to pre-download the SQL Server 2022 SQLEXPR_x64_ENU.exe, record the specified download folder to the Installation Checklist.

SQL Server Standard Edition Details

  • Install on theTenable Patch Server or to a remote location.

  • Standard SQL licensing requirements apply. Consult with a Microsoft licensing specialist to ensure you have purchased the proper licenses.

  • If you choose this option, ensure you have access to the accounts and permissions for required settings.

  • Required if more than 2000 devices are licensed.

SQL Server Enterprise Edition Details

  • The Enterprise edition includes the SQL Server Standard Edition statements.

  • Required when using a high availability configuration.