- Article
- 8 minutes to read
Applies to: 
SQL Server Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance Azure Synapse Analytics
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure, from SQL Server to Azure SQL Database. SSMS provides tools to configure, monitor, and administer instances of SQL Server and databases. Use SSMS to deploy, monitor, and upgrade the data-tier components used by your applications and build queries and scripts.
Use SSMS to query, design, and manage your databases and data warehouses, wherever they are - on your local computer or in the cloud.
Download SSMS
To download SSMS 19 Preview 4, visit Download SSMS 19.
Free Download for SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 18.12.1
SSMS 18.12.1 is the latest general availability (GA) version. If you have a previous GA version of SSMS 18 installed, installing SSMS 18.12.1 upgrades it to 18.12.1.
- Release number: 18.12.1
- Build number: 15.0.18424.0
- Release date: June 21, 2022
By using SQL Server Management Studio, you agree to its license terms and privacy statement. If you have comments or suggestions or want to report issues, the best way to contact the SSMS team is at SQL Server user feedback.
The SSMS 18.x installation doesn't upgrade or replace SSMS versions 17.x or earlier. SSMS 18.x installs alongside previous versions, so both versions are available for use. However, if you have a preview version of SSMS 18.x installed, you must uninstall it before installing SSMS 18.12. You can see if you have the preview version by going to the Help > About window.
If a computer contains side-by-side installations of SSMS, verify you start the correct version for your specific needs. The latest version is labeled Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 18.
Important
Beginning with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 18.7, Azure Data Studio is automatically installed alongside SSMS. Users of SQL Server Management Studio are now able to benefit from the innovations and features in Azure Data Studio. Azure Data Studio is a cross-platform and open-source desktop tool for your environments, whether in the cloud, on-premises, or hybrid.
To learn more about Azure Data Studio, check out What is Azure Data Studio or the FAQ.
Available languages
This release of SSMS can be installed in the following languages:
SQL Server Management Studio 18.12.1:
Chinese (Simplified) | Chinese (Traditional) | English (United States) | French | German | Italian | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese (Brazil) | Russian | Spanish
Tip
If you are accessing this page from a non-English language version and want to see the most up-to-date content, please select Read in English at the top of this page. You can download different languages from the US-English version site by selecting available languages.
Note
The SQL Server PowerShell module is a separate install through the PowerShell Gallery. For more information, see Download SQL Server PowerShell Module.
What's new
For details and more information about what's new in this release, see Release notes for SQL Server Management Studio.
Previous versions
This article is for the latest version of SSMS only. To download previous versions of SSMS, visit Previous SSMS releases.
Note
In December 2021, releases of SSMS prior to 18.6 will no longer authenticate to Database Engines through Azure Active Directory with MFA.To continue utilizing Azure Active Directory authentication with MFA, you need SSMS 18.6 or later.
Connectivity to Azure Analysis Services through Azure Active Directory with MFA requires SSMS 18.5.1 or later.
Unattended install
- Command Line
- PowerShell
You can also install SSMS using a command prompt script.
If you want to install SSMS in the background with no GUI prompts, follow the steps below.
Launch the command prompt with elevated permissions.
(Video) How to install SQL Server 2022 Developer and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) - for FREEType the command below in the command prompt.
start "" /w <path where SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe file is located> /Quiet SSMSInstallRoot=<path where you want to install SSMS>Example:
start "" /w %systemdrive%\SSMSfrom\SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe /Quiet SSMSInstallRoot=%systemdrive%\SSMStoYou can also pass /Passive instead of /Quiet to see the setup UI.
If all goes well, you can see SSMS installed at %systemdrive%\SSMSto\Common7\IDE\Ssms.exe based on the example. If something went wrong, you could inspect the error code returned and peek at the %TEMP%\SSMSSetup for the log file.
You can also install SSMS using a command prompt script.
If you want to install SSMS in the background with no GUI prompts, follow the steps below.
Launch the command prompt with elevated permissions.
Type the command below in the command prompt.
start "" /w <path where SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe file is located> /Quiet SSMSInstallRoot=<path where you want to install SSMS>Example:
start "" /w %systemdrive%\SSMSfrom\SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe /Quiet SSMSInstallRoot=%systemdrive%\SSMStoYou can also pass /Passive instead of /Quiet to see the setup UI.
If all goes well, you can see SSMS installed at %systemdrive%\SSMSto\Common7\IDE\Ssms.exe" based on the example. If something went wrong, you could inspect the error code returned and peek at the %TEMP%\SSMSSetup for the log file.
(Video) How to Download and Install SSMS Sql Server Management Studio in 2022
Installation with Azure Data Studio
- Starting with SSMS 18.7, SSMS installs a system version of Azure Data Studio by default. If an equal or higher version of Azure Data Studio, both the stable or the insiders version, is already present on the workstation compared to the included version of Azure Data Studio, the installation of Azure Data Studio by SSMS is skipped. The Azure Data Studio version can be found in the release notes.
- The Azure Data Studio system installer requires the same security rights as the SSMS installer.
- The Azure Data Studio installation is completed with the default Azure Data Studio installation options. These are to create a Start Menu folder and add Azure Data Studio to PATH. A desktop shortcut isn't created, and Azure Data Studio isn't registered as a default editor for any file type.
- Localization of Azure Data Studio is accomplished through Language Pack extensions. To localize Azure Data Studio, download the corresponding language pack from the extension marketplace.
- At this time, the installation of Azure Data Studio can be skipped by launching the SSMS installer with the command line flag
DoNotInstallAzureDataStudio=1.
Uninstall
SSMS may install shared components if it's determined they're missing during SSMS installation. SSMS won't automatically uninstall these components when you uninstall SSMS.
The shared components are:
- Azure Data Studio
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2
- Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server
- Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x86)
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable (x86)
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable (x64)
- Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications 2017
These components aren't uninstalled because they can be shared with other products. If uninstalled, you may run the risk of disabling other products.
Supported SQL offerings
- This version of SSMS works with all supported versions of SQL Server 2008 - SQL Server 2019 (15.x) and provides the most significant level of support for working with the latest cloud features in Azure SQL Database and Azure Synapse Analytics.
- Additionally, SSMS 18.x can be installed side by side with SSMS 17.x, SSMS 16.x, or SQL Server 2014 SSMS and earlier.
- SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) - SSMS version 17.x or later doesn't support connecting to the legacy SQL Server Integration Services service. To connect to an earlier version of the legacy Integration Services, use the version of SSMS aligned with the version of SQL Server. For example, use SSMS 16.x to connect to the legacy SQL Server 2016 Integration Services service. SSMS 17.x and SSMS 16.x can be installed side by side on the same computer. Since the release of SQL Server 2012, the SSIS Catalog database, SSISDB, is the recommended way to store, manage, run, and monitor Integration Services packages. For details, see SSIS Catalog.
SSMS System Requirements
The current release of SSMS supports the following 64-bit platforms when used with the latest available service pack:
Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows 11 (64-bit)
- Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1607 (10.0.14393) or later
- Windows 8.1 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2022 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2019 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2016 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2012 R2 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2012 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit)
Supported hardware:
- 1.8 GHz or faster x86 (Intel, AMD) processor. Dual-core or better recommended
- 2 GB of RAM; 4 GB of RAM recommended (2.5 GB minimum if running on a virtual machine)
- Hard disk space: Minimum of 2 GB up to 10 GB of available space
Note
SSMS is available only as a 32-bit application for Windows. If you need a tool that runs on operating systems other than Windows, we recommend Azure Data Studio. Azure Data Studio is a cross-platform tool that runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows. For details, see Azure Data Studio.
- All the ways to get help
- Submit an Azure Data Studio Git issue
- Contribute to Azure Data Studio
- SQL Client Tools Forum
- SQL Server Data Tools - MSDN forum
- Support options for business users
Next steps
- SQL tools
- SQL Server Management Studio documentation
- Azure Data Studio
- Download SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
- Latest updates
- Azure Data Architecture Guide
- SQL Server Blog
Contribute to SQL documentation
Contribute to SQL documentationDid you know that you can edit SQL content yourself? If you do so, not only do you help improve our documentation, but you also get credited as a contributor to the page.
For more information, see How to contribute to SQL Server documentation
FAQs
How to install SQL Server Management Studio SSMS? ›
Install SSMS
Double click the SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe executable from your download location. The default download location is indicated. To select a different location, click the Change button. Click Install.
Downloading and Installing SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) SSMS is a free integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure, from SQL Server to Azure SQL Database.
How do I download SQL Management Studio? ›Step 1) Install SQL Server Management Studio. Step 2) Double click on file. Step 3) Click on install button. Step 4) Wait until process is done.
Where can I download SQL Server Management Studio? ›Download Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express Service Pack 3 from Official Microsoft Download Center.
Do I need to install SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio? ›You will need SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to manage SQL Server databases on local or remote instances of SQL Server. It is recommended to install SSMS as the next step.
How do I open SQL Server Management Studio SSMS? ›- On current versions of Windows, on the Start page, type SSMS, and then select Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.
- When using older versions of Windows, on the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server, and then select SQL Server Management Studio.
Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a software application developed by Microsoft that is used for configuring, managing, and administering all components within Microsoft SQL Server.
Is SSMS the same as SQL Server? ›SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure. Use SSMS to access, configure, manage, administer, and develop all components of SQL Server, Azure SQL Database , Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VM, and Azure Synapse Analytics.
Can I download Microsoft SQL Server for free? ›SQL Server 2022 Express is a free edition of SQL Server, ideal for development and production for desktop, web, and small server applications.
What is the latest version of SSMS? ›SSMS 18.12. 1 is the latest general availability (GA) version.
How do I install SQL Server Management Studio 2016? ›
Open SQL Server Management Studio by searching for it from the Windows Start screen. Connect to your SQL Server instance. Right click the Databases folder and select New Database… Enter a name for your database in the Database name field, and then click OK.
How do I download Microsoft SQL Server Configuration Manager? ›...
Take the following steps to access the SQL Server Configuration Manager via Computer Manager:
- Click the Windows key + R to open the Run window.
- Type compmgmt. ...
- Click OK.
- Expand Services and Applications.
SSMS runs only on Windows. Use Azure Data Studio to run on your macOS or Linux (and also Windows). Install SQL Server Management Studio if you have not installed it yet. To launch SSMS from the Start menu, click Start and scroll down and expand Microsoft SQL Server Tools 18.
Why SSMS is not connecting to SQL Server? ›Check to see if allow remote connections for this server is enabled. In SSMS, right click on the instance name and select Properties. Go to the Connections tab and make sure Allow remote connections to this server is checked. If you need to make a change, you must restart the SQL Server instance to apply the change.
How to open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio from command prompt? ›- On the Start menu, select Run. In the Open box type cmd, and then select OK to open a Command Prompt window. ...
- At the command prompt, type sqlcmd.
- Press ENTER. ...
- To end the sqlcmd session, type EXIT at the sqlcmd prompt.
- In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine and then expand that instance.
- Right-click Databases, and then select New Database.
- In New Database, enter a database name.
- Step 1) Open the .exe file. Double click on “SQLServer2017-SSEI-Dev.exe”.
- Step 2) Choose the version. ...
- Step 3) Accept the terms. ...
- Step 4) Choose the location. ...
- Step 5) Finish the installation process.
You can download the installation file from Microsoft.com: SQL Server 2022 Preview Download and you can select "Download the EXE". Once downloaded the installation wizard has 3 options: Basic - Install SQL Server with the default options. Custom - This option allows you to select the components to install.
Can I install MS SQL Server on Windows 10? ›Yes indicates that SQL Server 2016 on Windows 10 is supported.
Which SQL should I download? ›Download MySQL and do it yourself
If you're learning SQL for the first time, you've probably dabbled with at least one of the following resources: codeacademy, datacamp, and khan academy. Each of these websites provides an interactive, hands-on method for beginners to learn SQL.
What version of SSMS for SQL Server 2022? ›
However, you will need the newer release, SSMS 19, currently in preview, to administer SQL Server 2022. The link to download SSMS 19 is available on this page.
What are the versions of SSMS? ›As of June 17, 2022, the latest official version of SQL Server Management Studio is 18.12 and version 19 is in preview for SQL Server 2022. The latest version of Management Studio will always be available at the Download SQL Server Management Studio page.
How do I know what version of SSMS I have? ›- One simple way to do this is to run SELECT @@version.
- Another option is to right click on the SQL Server instance name in SSMS and select Properties.
- You can also use the SERVERPROPERTY function to get details about the version of SQL Server.
The last SSMS 2016 installer has version 16.5. 3. and the build number is 13.0.
How do I install SQL Server Management Studio 2017? ›- First, log in to your Windows Server with the Administrator account.
- Download the version of SQL Server Management Studio you would like to use. ...
- Once the download completes double click on the installer in your downloads folder.
- The installer will appear.
- Install the . ...
- Download the Complete Server Manager Installer.
- Run the installer on the server or workstation you want to host the software.
- Once complete, the Management Console automatically opens.
Using below methods to access SQL server configure manager. A: Navigate to c:\windows\system32 and look for a file with the name SQLServerManagernn.msc, where nn is the version of SQL Server you have installed. For SQL Server 2019, the name is SQLServerManager15.msc. You can double-click on it and you'll see a result.
How to enable SQL Server Configuration Manager in Windows 10? ›To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the Start Page, type SQLServerManager13. msc (for SQL Server 2016 (13. x)). For other versions of SQL Server, replace 13 with the corresponding number.
How to install SQL Server step by step? ›- Install SQL. Check compatible versions. Choose New SQL Server stand-alone installation.... Include any product updates. ...
- Create a SQL database for your website. Start the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio app. In the Object Explorer panel, right-click on Databases, and choose New Database....
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure, from SQL Server to Azure SQL Database. SSMS provides tools to configure, monitor, and administer instances of SQL Server and databases.
How do I download SQL Server Management? ›
- Search for Microsoft SQL Server.
- Select SQL Server Downloads from the Microsoft site [the first search result in the snapshot]
- The site contains two options available for free editions [you will get it by scrolling down] Developer edition. Express edition.
- Step 1) Open the .exe file. Double click on “SQLServer2017-SSEI-Dev.exe”.
- Step 2) Choose the version. ...
- Step 3) Accept the terms. ...
- Step 4) Choose the location. ...
- Step 5) Finish the installation process.
- First, log in to your Windows Server with the Administrator account.
- Download the version of SQL Server Management Studio you would like to use. ...
- Once the download completes double click on the installer in your downloads folder.
- The installer will appear.
SQL is a query language, while SQL Server is a database management system. SQL is a query language for working with a relational database, while SQL Server is proprietary software that performs SQL queries.
How do I connect to a SQL Server Management Studio registered server? ›- If the Registered Servers pane is not visible, select View > Registered Servers.
- In Registered Servers, right-click a server, point to Connect, and then select Object Explorer.
If using Management Studio, on the Management Studio host computer, you must also add ssms.exe to the Exceptions list and open TCP port 135.
What is the server name in SQL Server Management Studio? ›the default server name is your computer name, but you can use "." (Dot) instead of local server name. another thing you should consider is maybe you installed sql server express edition. in this case you must enter ". \sqlexpress" as server name.
What is latest version of SQL Server Management Studio? ›The Latest and Greatest
As of June 17, 2022, the latest official version of SQL Server Management Studio is 18.12 and version 19 is in preview for SQL Server 2022. The latest version of Management Studio will always be available at the Download SQL Server Management Studio page.