I have a live SQL Server 2012 environment that had no SPN registered – this has previously not been an issue as Kerberos authentication wasn't required. But now it is required.
I have configured everything correctly, but after these changes I want to ensure that SQL Server can register the SPN's successfully- preferably without a service restart as this is a live environment.
Is there a way of doing this?
P.S. I know I can register the SPN's manually, but I want to make certain that they can be registered automatically.
Best Answer
Quick answer
Question:
Answer:
No.
Explanation
From the official documentation Register a Service Principal Name for Kerberos Connections
and
and further down in the section Automatic SPN Registration you can find
Summary
The SQL Server Service essentially regsisters the SPN on service start automatically. If you cannot start the SQL Server Service then you will have to perform this task manually.
Considerations
Ensure the service account that start the SQL Server Service is allowed to read and write SPNs.
Reference: How to use Kerberos authentication in SQL Server (Microsoft Support)