I run several SQL Server instances on my laptop, however I’ll keep the services shutdown to conserve resources and then start up the instance when needed. Doing this type of stuff through the GUI results in several clicks

1. Right click on SQL instance in SSMS
2. Select Service Control >> Start
3. Then you’re of course prompted for UAC
4. A second prompt asking if you really want to Start SQL Server

This is kind of a pain and much easier to do through a simple PowerShell script called Start-Sql

Start-Process powershell.exe -argumentlist '-noprofile -command get-service -Name "MSSQL`$R2" | ? {$_.Status -eq "Stopped"} | Start-Service' -verb runas

The script starts a SQL Server service named “MSSQL$R2” using the the cmdlets Get-Service and Start-Service. A little trick of using start-process with the –verb runas command kicks of a powershell host as administrator. To stop service the service I’ll use a stop-sql script:

Start-Process powershell.exe -argumentlist '-noprofile -command get-service -Name "MSSQL`$R2" | ? {$_.Status -eq "Running"} | Stop-Service -force' -verb runas

Note: I’ve hardcoded the instance service name so I don’t have to specify a parameter each time. You’ll need to change “MSSQL$R2” to your instance.