Why You Should Disable auto_close

By default, SQL Server Express databases are created with auto_close “on” which basically shuts the database down when there is not an active connection to it.

This blog article explains why you shouldn’t use auto_close set at “on”

http://sqlmag.com/blog/worst-practice-allowing-autoclose-sql-server-databases

To disable auto_close using T-SQL:

ALTER DATABASE tlw SET AUTO_CLOUSE OFF;

Optionally, right click on the database, go to properties and select options.

It is the first option on the list.