Microsoft® SQL Server 2012 Unleashed

Windows Authentication Mode

Windows Authentication mode validates the account name and password, using information stored in the Windows operating system. A Windows account or group must be established first, and then security can be established for that account in SQL Server. This mode has the advantage of providing a single login account and the capability to leverage domain security features, such as password length and expiration, account locking, encryption, and auditing. Microsoft recommends this approach.