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Applies to: 
SQL Server - Windows only
Use the Order page on the Client Protocols Properties dialog box in SQL Server Configuration Manager to view and enable the client protocols.
Select a protocol, and then select Enable or Disable to move the selected protocol to the Disabled Protocols or Enabled Protocols list.
Protocols are tried in the order listed, attempting to connect using the top protocol first, and then the second listed protocol, etc. Move protocols up or down the Enabled Protocols list, by selecting the up arrow and down arrow buttons. When connecting to SQL Server from a client on that computer, the Shared Memory protocol is always tried first, if enabled.
Note
These settings aren't used by Microsoft .NET SqlClient. The protocol order for .NET SqlClient is first TCP, and then named pipes, which can't be changed.
Options
Disabled protocols
Lists the protocols that are installed but aren't currently used.
Enabled protocols
Lists the protocols that are available for SQL Server clients on this computer.
> (greater than)
Enables the currently highlighted protocol in the Disabled Protocols box, moving it to the Enabled Protocols box.
< (less than)
Disables the currently highlighted protocol in the Enabled Protocols box, moving it to the Disabled Protocols box.
↑ (up arrow)
Moves up the highlighted protocol in the list. This option allows you to increase the priority in which the network library attempts to use the selected protocol for connections.
↓ (down arrow)
Moves down the highlighted protocol in the list. This option allows you to decrease the priority in which the network library attempts to use the selected protocol for connections.
Enable Shared Memory protocol
Enables the shared memory protocol which is always tried first (if enabled), when connecting to SQL Server from a client on that computer.
If the protocol is specified through a prefix or as part of the connection string, only the specified protocol is attempted.