---
title: "Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore"
description: "Restores a database backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server. Product: Veeam Backup & Replication Product Edition: Enterprise Plus, Veeam Universal License This cmdlet provides the following parameter sets: This cmdlet restores a dat"
canonical: "https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/vbr/explorers_powershell/start-vesqlplugindatabaserestore.html"
breadcrumb: "Veeam Explorers PowerShell Reference > Veeam Explorers PowerShell Reference > Veeam Explorer for Microsoft SQL Server > Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore"
dateModified: "2026-08-18"
---

# Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore

## Short Description
Restores a database backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server.

**Product**: Veeam Backup & Replication

**Product Edition**: Enterprise Plus, Veeam Universal License

## Syntax

This cmdlet provides the following parameter sets:

<ul class="syntax-sets">
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToLatest</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>]
 [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>] [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToPointInTimeByRestorePoint</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -RestorePoint <VESQLPluginRestorePoint>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToPointInTimeByDateTime</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -ToPointInTimeUtc <DateTime>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToAnotherToLatest</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>]
 [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>] [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery]
 -ServerName <String> [-InstanceName <String>] [-Port <Int32>] [-DatabaseName <String>] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToAnotherToPointInTimeByRestorePoint</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -RestorePoint <VESQLPluginRestorePoint>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] -ServerName <String> [-InstanceName <String>] [-Port <Int32>]
 [-DatabaseName <String>] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToAnotherToPointInTimeByDateTime</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -ToPointInTimeUtc <DateTime>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] -ServerName <String> [-InstanceName <String>] [-Port <Int32>]
 [-DatabaseName <String>] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToLatestUsingCredentials</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -SqlCredentials <PSCredential>
 [-UseSQLAuthentication] [-GuestCredentials <PSCredential>] [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>]
 [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>] [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToPointInTimeByRestorePointUsingCredentials</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -SqlCredentials <PSCredential>
 [-UseSQLAuthentication] [-GuestCredentials <PSCredential>] -RestorePoint <VESQLPluginRestorePoint>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToPointInTimeByDateTimeUsingCredentials</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -SqlCredentials <PSCredential>
 [-UseSQLAuthentication] [-GuestCredentials <PSCredential>] -ToPointInTimeUtc <DateTime>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToAnotherToLatestUsingCredentials</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -SqlCredentials <PSCredential>
 [-UseSQLAuthentication] [-GuestCredentials <PSCredential>] [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>]
 [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>] [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery]
 -ServerName <String> [-InstanceName <String>] [-Port <Int32>] [-DatabaseName <String>] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToAnotherToPointInTimeByRestorePointUsingCredentials</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -SqlCredentials <PSCredential>
 [-UseSQLAuthentication] [-GuestCredentials <PSCredential>] -RestorePoint <VESQLPluginRestorePoint>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] -ServerName <String> [-InstanceName <String>] [-Port <Int32>]
 [-DatabaseName <String>] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToAnotherToPointInTimeByDateTimeUsingCredentials</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -SqlCredentials <PSCredential>
 [-UseSQLAuthentication] [-GuestCredentials <PSCredential>] -ToPointInTimeUtc <DateTime>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] -ServerName <String> [-InstanceName <String>] [-Port <Int32>]
 [-DatabaseName <String>] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToLatestUsingGmsaAccount</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -GMSAAccount <String>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToPointInTimeByRestorePointUsingGmsaAccount</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -GMSAAccount <String>
 -RestorePoint <VESQLPluginRestorePoint> [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>]
 [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>] [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToPointInTimeByDateTimeUsingGmsaAccount</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -GMSAAccount <String>
 -ToPointInTimeUtc <DateTime> [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>]
 [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>] [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToAnotherToLatestUsingGmsaAccount</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -GMSAAccount <String>
 [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>] [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>]
 [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] -ServerName <String> [-InstanceName <String>] [-Port <Int32>]
 [-DatabaseName <String>] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToAnotherToPointInTimeByRestorePointUsingGmsaAccount</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -GMSAAccount <String>
 -RestorePoint <VESQLPluginRestorePoint> [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>]
 [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>] [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] -ServerName <String>
 [-InstanceName <String>] [-Port <Int32>] [-DatabaseName <String>] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
  <li>
    <p><code>RestoreToAnotherToPointInTimeByDateTimeUsingGmsaAccount</code></p>

```
Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore [-Database] <VESQLPluginDatabase> -GMSAAccount <String>
 -ToPointInTimeUtc <DateTime> [-File <VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]>] [-TargetPath <String[]>]
 [-RecoveryState <RestoreMode>] [-StandbyFilePath <String>] [-QuickRecovery] -ServerName <String>
 [-InstanceName <String>] [-Port <Int32>] [-DatabaseName <String>] [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]
```
  </li>
</ul>

## Detailed Description
This cmdlet restores a database backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server. You can restore a Microsoft SQL Server database to the original location or to another location. You can stop the restore process with the [`Stop-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore`](stop-vesqlplugindatabaserestore.md) cmdlet.

## Parameters

<table style="width:100%;" class="Blue_Table">
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <th style="width:20%;">
          <p>Parameter</p>
        </th>
        <th style="width:20%;">
          <p>Description</p>
        </th>
        <th style="width:20%;">
          <p>Type</p>
        </th>
        <th style="width:10%;">
          <p>Required</p>
        </th>
        <th style="width:10%;">
          <p>Position</p>
        </th>
        <th style="width:10%;">
          <p>Accept Pipeline Input</p>
        </th>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">Database</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Specifies a Microsoft SQL Server database that you want to restore.</p><p>Accepts the <a href="vesqlplugindatabase.md"><code>VESQLPluginDatabase</code></a> object. To get this object, run the <a href="get-vesqlplugindatabase.md"><code>Get-VESQLPluginDatabase</code></a> cmdlet.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><a href="vesqlplugindatabase.md"><code>VESQLPluginDatabase</code></a></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>True</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>0</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>True (ByValue)</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">DatabaseName</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>For restore to another location.</p><p>Specifies a name for the restored Microsoft SQL Server database on the target location. The database will be restored with the specified name.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>String</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">File</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Specifies an array of file names for a Microsoft SQL Server database.</p><p>Accepts the <a href="vesqlplugindatabasefile.md"><code>VESQLPluginDatabaseFile</code></a><code>[]</code> object. To get this object, run the <a href="get-vesqlplugindatabasefile.md"><code>Get-VESQLPluginDatabaseFile</code></a> cmdlet.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><a href="vesqlplugindatabasefile.md"><code>VESQLPluginDatabaseFile[]</code></a></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">Force</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Defines that the cmdlet will overwrite an existing Microsoft SQL Server database with a Microsoft SQL Server database from the backup.</p><p><strong>Note</strong>: The cmdlet will show no prompt before executing the command.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>SwitchParameter</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">GMSAAccount</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Specifies the name of the Group Managed Service Account (gMSA). The cmdlet will use this account to authenticate to Microsoft SQL Server on the target machine.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>String</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>True</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">GuestCredentials</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Specifies credentials for authenticating to the target machine. If these credentials do not work, the cmdlet will use the credentials specified in the backup job.</p><p>Consider the following:</p><ul><li>If you omit this parameter, the cmdlet will use the credentials specified in the <code>SqlCredentials</code> parameter to connect to both Microsoft SQL Server and to the guest OS.</li><li>If you do not specify SQL credentials, the cmdlet will use the current account credentials.</li></ul><p>Accepts the <code>PSCredential</code> object. To get this object, run the [`Get-Credential`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/get-credential?view=powershell-7.6) cmdlet.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>PSCredential</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">InstanceName</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>For restore to another location.</p><p>Specifies the name of the target instance. The cmdlet will restore the Microsoft SQL Server database to the specified target instance.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>String</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">Port</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>For restore to another location.</p><p>Specifies a port number that will be used to connect to the target Microsoft SQL Server machine.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>Int32</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">QuickRecovery</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Defines that the cmdlet will use incremental restore or quick recovery. The cmdlet applies differential or log backups to an existing database, removing the need to restore the entire database.</p><p>Consider the following:</p><ul><li>If you use this parameter, do not specify the <code>TargetPath</code> parameter.</li><li>The target database must have the <code>NoRecovery</code> or <code>StandBy</code> state.</li></ul>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>SwitchParameter</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">RecoveryState</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Specifies the recovery option.</p><ul><li><code>Recovery</code> - use this option to leave a Microsoft SQL Server database in the ready to use state. With this option, you will not be able to restore additional transaction logs.</li><li><code>NoRecovery</code> - use this option to leave a Microsoft SQL Server database in the non-operational state and to avoid rolling back uncommitted transactions. Use this option to restore transaction logs that are backed up with a third-party tool.</li><li><code>StandBy</code> - use this option to leave the Microsoft SQL Server database in the read-only mode. It allows you to undo uncommitted transactions. The undo actions are saved in a standby file so that the recovery effects can be reversed.</li></ul><p>Default: <em>Recovery</em></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>RestoreMode</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">RestorePoint</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Specifies a restore point as of which the cmdlet will restore the database.</p><p><strong>Note</strong>: Do not specify this parameter if you use the <code>ToPointInTimeUtc</code> parameter.</p><p>Accepts the <a href="vesqlpluginrestorepoint.md"><code>VESQLPluginRestorePoint</code></a> object. To get this object, run the <a href="get-vesqlpluginrestorepoint.md"><code>Get-VESQLPluginRestorePoint</code></a> cmdlet.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><a href="vesqlpluginrestorepoint.md"><code>VESQLPluginRestorePoint</code></a></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>True</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">ServerName</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>For restore to another location.</p><p>Specifies DNS name or IP address of a Microsoft SQL target server. The cmdlet will restore a Microsoft SQL Server database to the specified target server.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>String</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>True</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">SqlCredentials</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Specifies SQL credentials for authenticating to Microsoft SQL Server on the target machine.</p><p><strong>Note</strong>: If you do not specify SQL credentials, the cmdlet will use the credentials specified in the backup job.</p><p>Accepts the <code>PSCredential</code> object. To get this object, run the [`Get-Credential`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/get-credential?view=powershell-7.6) cmdlet.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>PSCredential</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>True</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">StandbyFilePath</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>For the <code>StandBy</code> recovery option.</p><p>Specifies a location for the standby file with the uncommitted transactions.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>String</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">TargetPath</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Specifies a target path array. The cmdlet will restore Microsoft SQL Server database files to the locations specified in the target path array.</p><p>Consider the following:</p><ul><li>You must assign a specific file path for every Microsoft SQL Server database file.</li><li>Do not specify this parameter if you use the <code>QuickRecovery</code> parameter.</li></ul><p>This parameter accepts wildcard characters.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>String[]</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">ToPointInTimeUtc</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Specifies a point in time in UTC within the restore interval of a Microsoft SQL Server database. The cmdlet will restore the database to the state of the specified point in time.</p><p><strong>Note</strong>: Do not specify this parameter if you use the <code>RestorePoint</code> parameter.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>DateTime</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>True</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr style="vertical-align:top">
        <td>
          <p class="Table_Text_Bold"><span class="Table_Text_Bold">UseSQLAuthentication</span></p>
        </td>
        <td>
          <p>Defines that the cmdlet will use SQL authentication to connect to Microsoft SQL Server on the target machine. If you do not provide additional credentials, the cmdlet will use SQL credentials from the backup job and guest credentials from the protection group.</p><p><strong>Note</strong>: If you omit this parameter, the cmdlet will use credentials specified in the <code>SqlCredentials</code> parameter to connect to both Microsoft SQL Server and to the guest OS.</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p><code>SwitchParameter</code></p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>Named</p>
        </td>
        <td style="width:10%;">
          <p>False</p>
        </td>
      </tr>
    </table>

`<CommonParameters>`

This cmdlet supports Microsoft PowerShell common parameters. For more information on common parameters, see the [About Common Parameters](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkID=113216) section of Microsoft Docs.

## Output Object
The cmdlet returns the [`VESQLPluginRestore`](vesqlpluginrestore.md) object that contains details on the restore job for a database backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server.

## Examples

::: example
### Example 1. Restoring Microsoft SQL Server Database to Original Location

This example shows how to restore a database backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server to the original location. The restore operation will run with the following settings:

- The cmdlet will use the credentials of the user that is running the PowerShell session.
- If these credentials do not work, the cmdlet will use the backup job credentials to connect to the guest OS and to Microsoft SQL Server.
- The database will be restored to the latest state on the backup file.

```
$session = Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession
$database = Get-VESQLPluginDatabase -Session $session[0] -Name "db1"
$restore = Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore -Database $database
```

Perform the following steps:

1. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession`](get-vesqlpluginrestoresession.md) cmdlet. Save the result to the `$session` variable.

   The cmdlet will return an array of restore sessions. Note the ordinal number of the necessary restore session. In this example, it is the first restore session in the array.

2. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginDatabase`](get-vesqlplugindatabase.md) cmdlet. Set the `$session` variable as the `Session` parameter value and select the necessary restore session. Specify the `Name` parameter value. Save the result to the `$database` variable.
3. Run the `Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore` cmdlet. Set the `$database` variable as the `Database` parameter value. Save the result to the `$restore` variable to be able to use it with other cmdlets.

:::

::: example
### Example 2. Restoring Microsoft SQL Server Database to Specific Folder

This example shows how to restore a database backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server to a specific folder. SQL credentials are used for authenticating to the guest OS and Microsoft SQL Server.

```
$session = Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession
$database = Get-VESQLPluginDatabase -Session $session[0] -Name "db1"
$creds = Get-Credential
$restore = Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore -Database $database -ServerName "SQLServer" -TargetPath "C:\SQL\Restore" -SqlCredentials $creds
```

Perform the following steps:

1. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession`](get-vesqlpluginrestoresession.md) cmdlet. Save the result to the `$session` variable.

   The cmdlet will return an array of restore sessions. Note the ordinal number of the necessary restore session. In this example, it is the first restore session in the array.

2. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginDatabase`](get-vesqlplugindatabase.md) cmdlet. Set the `$session` variable as the `Session` parameter value and select the necessary restore session. Specify the `Name` parameter value. Save the result to the `$database` variable.
3. Run the [`Get-Credential`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/get-credential?view=powershell-7.6) cmdlet to create a credential object. Enter SQL credentials that will be used for authenticating to the guest OS and Microsoft SQL Server. Save the result to the `$creds` variable.
4. Run the `Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore` cmdlet. Specify the following settings:

   - Set the `$database` variable as the `Database` parameter value.
   - Specify the `ServerName` parameter value.
   - Specify the `TargetPath` parameter value.
   - Set the `$creds` variable as the `SqlCredentials` parameter value.

   Save the result to the `$restore` variable to be able to use it with other cmdlets.

:::

::: example
### Example 3. Restoring Microsoft SQL Server Database Files to Specific Path Array

This example shows how to restore database files backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server to the specified array of paths. The restore job will run with the following options:

- The cmdlet will restore the `File1.mdf` file to the `C:\SQLDBfile1\new_file.mdf` location.
- The cmdlet will restore the `File2.ldf` file to the `C:\SQLDBfile2\new_file.ldf` location.
- The cmdlet will restore the database files as of the latest state of the selected restore point.
- The cmdlet will restore the database files to another server (`dlsql02`).
- The cmdlet will use SQL credentials for authenticating to Microsoft SQL Server.
- The cmdlet will use the guest credentials for authenticating to the guest OS.

```
$session = Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession
$database = Get-VESQLPluginDatabase -Session $session[0] -Name "SQLDatabase"
$restorepoint = Get-VESQLPluginRestorePoint -Database $database
$files = Get-VESQLPluginDatabaseFile -RestorePoint $restorepoint
$path = @("C:\SQLDBfile1\new_file.mdf","C:\SQLDBfile2\new_file.ldf")
$sqlcreds = Get-Credential
$oscreds = Get-Credential
$restore = Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore -Database $database -ServerName "dlsql02" -RestorePoint $restorepoint -File $files -TargetPath $path -UseSqlAuthentication -SqlCredentials $sqlcreds -GuestCredentials $oscreds
```

Perform the following steps:

1. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession`](get-vesqlpluginrestoresession.md) cmdlet. Save the result to the `$session` variable.

   The cmdlet will return an array of restore sessions. Note the ordinal number of the necessary restore session. In this example, it is the first restore session in the array.

2. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginDatabase`](get-vesqlplugindatabase.md) cmdlet. Set the `$session` variable as the `Session` parameter value and select the necessary restore session. Save the result to the `$database` variable.
3. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginRestorePoint`](get-vesqlpluginrestorepoint.md) cmdlet. Set the `$database` variable as the Database `parameter` value. Save the result to the `$restorepoint` variable.
4. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginDatabaseFile`](get-vesqlplugindatabasefile.md) cmdlet. Set the `$database` variable as the `Database` parameter value.
5. Declare the `$path` variable. Assign to this variable an array of paths for every database file that you want to restore.
6. Run the [`Get-Credential`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/get-credential?view=powershell-7.6) cmdlet to create a credential object. Enter SQL credentials that will be used for authenticating to Microsoft SQL Server. Save the result to the `$sqlcreds` variable.
7. Run the [`Get-Credential`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/get-credential?view=powershell-7.6) cmdlet to create a credential object. Enter guest credentials that will be used for authenticating to the guest OS. Save the result to the `$oscreds` variable.
8. Run the `Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore` cmdlet. Specify the following settings:

   - Set the `$database` variable as the `Database` parameter value.
   - Specify the `ServerName` parameter value.
   - Set the `$restorepoint` variable as the `RestorePoint` parameter value.
   - Set the `$files` variable as the `File` parameter value.
   - Set the `$path` variable as the `TargetPath` parameter value.
   - Provide the `UseSqlAuthentication` parameter.
   - Set the `$sqlcreds` variable as the `SqlCredentials` parameter value.
   - Set the `$oscreds` variable as the `GuestCredentials` parameter value.

   Save the result to the `$restore` variable to be able to use it with other cmdlets.

:::

::: example
### Example 4. Restoring Microsoft SQL Server Database to Point-in-Time State

This example shows how to restore a database backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server as of a specific point-in-time state. The restore job will run with the following options:

- The cmdlet will restore the database as of a specific point-in-time state.
- The cmdlet will restore the database to the `dlsql02` server.
- The cmdlet will use the `NoRecovery` restore option.
- The cmdlet will use SQL credentials for authenticating to Microsoft SQL Server and the guest OS.

```
$session = Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession
$database = Get-VESQLPluginDatabase -Session $session[0] -Name "db1"
$restorepoint = Get-VESQLPluginRestorePoint -Database $database
$loginterval = Get-VESQLPluginLogInterval -RestorePoint $restorepoint[2]
$sqlcreds = Get-Credential
$pit = Get-Date -Date "2026-10-25 15:00:00"
$pitutc = $pit.ToUniversalTime()
$restore = Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore -Database $database -ServerName "dlsql02" -RecoveryState NoRecovery -SqlCredentials $sqlcreds -ToPointInTimeUtc $pitutc
```

Perform the following steps:

1. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession`](get-vesqlpluginrestoresession.md) cmdlet. Save the result to the `$session` variable.

   The cmdlet will return an array of restore sessions. Note the ordinal number of the necessary restore session. In this example, it is the first restore session in the array.

2. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginDatabase`](get-vesqlplugindatabase.md) cmdlet. Set the `$session` variable as the `Session` `parameter` value. Specify the `Name` parameter value. Save the result to the `$database` variable.
3. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginRestorePoint`](get-vesqlpluginrestorepoint.md) cmdlet. Set the `$database` variable as the `Database` parameter value. Save the result to the `$restorepoint` variable.

   The cmdlet will return an array of restore points. Note the ordinal number of the necessary restore point. In this example, it is the third restore point in the array.

4. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginLogInterval`](get-vesqlpluginloginterval.md) cmdlet. Set the `$restorepoint` variable as the `RestorePoint` parameter value. Save the result to the `$loginterval` variable.
5. Run the [`Get-Credential`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/get-credential?view=powershell-7.6) cmdlet to create a credential object. Enter credentials that will be used for authenticating to the guest OS and the Microsoft SQL Server on the target server. Save the result to the `$sqlcreds` variable.
6. Run the [`Get-Date`](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/get-date?view=powershell-7.6) cmdlet and specify the date and time of the point-in-time state. Save the result to the `$pit` variable.
7. Convert the `$pit` variable to the UTC format using the `ToUniversalTime()` method. Save the result to the `$pitutc` variable.

   Note that you can use the `$loginterval` variable to check the available restore period within the selected restore point.

8. Run the `Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore` cmdlet. Specify the following settings:

   - Set the `$database` variable as the `Database` parameter value.
   - Specify the `ServerName` parameter value.
   - Set the `NoRecovery` property as the `RecoveryState` parameter value.
   - Set the `$sqlcreds` variable as the `SqlCredentials` parameter value.
   - Set the `$pitutc` variable as the `ToPointInTimeUtc` parameter value.

   Save the result to the `$restore` variable to be able to use it with other cmdlets.

:::

::: example
### Example 5. Restoring Microsoft SQL Server Database to Specific Restore Point with Quick Recovery

This example shows how to restore a database backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server as of a specific restore point, using quick recovery. The restore job will run with the following options:

- The cmdlet will restore the database as of the latest state of the selected restore point.
- The cmdlet will restore the database to the original server.
- The cmdlet will use the `StandBy` restore option.
- The cmdlet will use SQL credentials for authenticating to Microsoft SQL Server.
- The cmdlet will use the guest credentials for authenticating to the guest OS.

```
$session = Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession
$database = Get-VESQLPluginDatabase -Session $session[0] -Name "db2"
$restorepoint = Get-VESQLPluginRestorePoint -Database $database
$sqlcreds = Get-Credential
$oscreds = Get-Credential
$restore = Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore -Database $database -RestorePoint $restorepoint -RecoveryState StandBy -StandbyFilePath "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL13.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\Backup\Standby\SecondaryDatabase.trn" -QuickRecovery -UseSQLAuthentication -SqlCredentials $sqlcreds -GuestCredentials $oscreds
```

Perform the following steps:

1. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession`](get-vesqlpluginrestoresession.md) cmdlet. Save the result to the `$session` variable.

   The cmdlet will return an array of restore sessions. Note the ordinal number of the necessary restore session. In this example, it is the first restore session in the array.

2. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginDatabase`](get-vesqlplugindatabase.md) cmdlet. Set the `$session` variable as the `Session` `parameter` value. Specify the `Name` parameter value. Save the result to the `$database` variable.
3. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginRestorePoint`](get-vesqlpluginrestorepoint.md) cmdlet. Set the `$database` variable as the `Database` parameter value. Save the result to the `$restorepoint` variable.

   The cmdlet will return an array of restore points. Note the ordinal number of the necessary restore point. In this example, it is the third restore point in the array.

4. Run the [`Get-Credential`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/get-credential?view=powershell-7.6) cmdlet to create a credential object. Enter credentials that will be used for authenticating to Microsoft SQL Server on the target server. Save the result to the `$sqlcreds` variable.
5. Run the [`Get-Credential`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/get-credential?view=powershell-7.6) cmdlet to create a credential object. Enter credentials that will be used for authenticating to the guest OS on the target server. Save the result to the `$oscreds` variable.
6. Run the `Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore` cmdlet. Specify the following settings:

   - Set the `$database` variable as the `Database` parameter value.
   - Set the `$restorepoint` variable as the `RestorePoint` parameter value.
   - Set the `StandBy` property as the `RecoveryState` parameter value.
   - Specify the `StandbyFilePath` parameter value.
   - Provide the `QuickRecovery` parameter.
   - Provide the `UseSQLAuthentication` parameter.
   - Set the `$sqlcreds` variable as the `SqlCredentials` parameter value.
   - Set the `$oscreds` variable as the `GuestCredentials` parameter value.

   Save the result to the `$restore` variable to be able to use it with other cmdlets.

:::

::: example
### Example 6. Restoring Microsoft SQL Server Database Using Group Managed Service Account

This example shows how to restore a database backed up with Veeam Plug-in for Microsoft SQL Server to the original location using a Group Managed Service Account for authentication.

```
$session = Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession
$database = Get-VESQLPluginDatabase -Session $session[0] -Name "db1"
$restore = Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore -Database $database -GMSAAccount "DOMAIN\gmsa-sql$"
```

Perform the following steps:

1. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession`](get-vesqlpluginrestoresession.md) cmdlet. Save the result to the `$session` variable.

   The cmdlet will return an array of restore sessions. Note the ordinal number of the necessary restore session. In this example, it is the first restore session in the array.

2. Run the [`Get-VESQLPluginDatabase`](get-vesqlplugindatabase.md) cmdlet. Set the `$session` variable as the `Session` parameter value and select the necessary restore session. Specify the `Name` parameter value. Save the result to the `$database` variable.
3. Run the `Start-VESQLPluginDatabaseRestore` cmdlet. Set the `$database` variable as the `Database` parameter value. Specify the `GMSAAccount` parameter value. Save the result to the `$restore` variable to be able to use it with other cmdlets.

:::

## Related Commands

- [`Get-VESQLPluginRestoreSession`](get-vesqlpluginrestoresession.md)
- [`Get-VESQLPluginDatabase`](get-vesqlplugindatabase.md)
- [`Get-VESQLPluginRestorePoint`](get-vesqlpluginrestorepoint.md)
- [``Get-Credential``](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/get-credential?view=powershell-7.6)
- [``Get-Date``](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/get-date?view=powershell-7.6)
- [`Get-VESQLPluginDatabaseFile`](get-vesqlplugindatabasefile.md)
- [`Get-VESQLPluginLogInterval`](get-vesqlpluginloginterval.md)