SQL Server Express cannot connect error: 28 - Server doesn't support requested protocol

Thanks to this article for getting me somewhere with the error message. The issue is the necessary network protocols are disabled by default in SQL Server Express. I had to go to Sql Server Configuration Manager locally and turn on "Named Pipes" and "TCP/IP". After that, you need to restart the SQL Server Browser and SQL Server(instance) services.

While I did not have to, you may also need to check in "SQL Server Network Configuration" under "Protocols" for settings that need adjusted there.

Hope this helps someone else!

SQL Configuration Manager:

The picture has the wrong group selected on the link panel: it should be SQL Server Network Configuration → Protocols for SQLEXPRESS.

Don't forget to also check under "SQL Server Network Configuration" -> Protocols for YourInstance. I was a bonehead and forgot to look there too.