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How to find when SQL Server (service/instance) was last restarted

Issue
When troubleshooting database issues, gathering some basic information can be very helpful in leading to the resolution or to identifying the cause of problems.

Product Line

Power Monitoring Expert 7.2.x

Power Monitoring Expert 8.x

Power Monitoring Expert 9.0

Power Monitoring Expert 2020

Power Monitoring Expert 2021

Power Monitoring Expert 2022

Power Monitoring Expert 2023

Environment

Power Monitoring Expert Software with SQL Server 2005-2022 versions

Cause
Database maintenance and troubleshooting possible database issues.

Resolution
*Warning: Irreparable database damage can occur. This procedure should only be performed by users familiar with SQL Server Management Studio. Databases should be backed up prior to performing this procedure.*

Listed below are three methods to find the last time SQL Server server/service was restarted.

Method 1
The first method uses the fact that 'tempdb' will be recreated with every restart. We can check the created date (crdate) from master..sysdatabases.
SELECT crdate FROM master..sysdatabases WHERE name ='tempdb'

Method 2
The second method checks the master..sysprocesses database and check for the minimum value in the 'login_time' column.
SELECT MIN(login_time) FROM master..sysprocesses

Method 3
Examine the Windows Event Viewer and search for the most recent event indicating that the SQL server service was started.

Right click on the Start button and select Control Panel > System & Security and double-click Administrative tools
Double-click Event Viewer
Select the type of logs that you wish to review (ex: Application, System)

NOTE: To access the Application Logs once in Event Viewer, go to Windows Logs > Application, for shutdown errors refer to Application and System logs.