Jmeter Response : message:java.sql.SQLException: Cannot create JDBC driver of class 'com.microsoft.sqlserver.jdbc.SQLServerDriver'

I am trying to initiate a connection to SQL Server using Jmeter but encountered with the error:

Response message:java.sql.SQLException: Cannot create JDBC driver of class 'com.microsoft.sqlserver.jdbc.SQLServerDriver' for connect URL ' jdbc:sqlserver://vmapmtcdhprdmig\MSSQLSERVER2019:1433;databaseName=pti_stg;'

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The SQL server is installed in the same machine as where Jmeter script is being triggered and also with the same details provided in the connect string, I am able to connect to the SqlServer DB.

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enter image description hereI have even tried using "jdbc:sqlserver://localhost:1433;databaseName=pti_stg;" but still the same exception. my java version "1.8.0_261" Driver mssql-jdbc-12.2.0.jre8.jar