(localdb)\MSSQLLocalDB
John remembered that LocalDB uses a different protocol to connect to the database engine. He decided to try the following: sql server management studio connect to localdb
From then on, John was able to connect to his LocalDB instance using SSMS and manage his database with ease. use: (localdb)\MSSQLLocalDB .
For the default automatic instance, use: (localdb)\MSSQLLocalDB . sql server management studio connect to localdb