Ensuring your operating system meets the minimum requirements is crucial for a successful and stable SQL Server 2019 installation. This article provides a detailed overview of the necessary operating systems, along with other hardware and software prerequisites, to help you prepare your environment for SQL Server 2019 (15.x) on Windows.
Hardware Requirements for SQL Server 2019
To begin, let’s examine the hardware components that are fundamental for running SQL Server 2019. These specifications apply across all editions of SQL Server, ensuring a baseline for performance and stability.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Hard Disk Space | A minimum of 6 GB of available hard disk space is necessary for SQL Server. Note that the actual disk space needed can increase based on the specific SQL Server components you decide to install. For detailed information, refer to the Hard Disk Space Requirements section. For guidance on supported storage types for data files, see Storage Types for Data Files. |
| Monitor Resolution | Your system should have a Super-VGA (800×600) or higher resolution monitor to properly display the SQL Server interface. |
| Internet Access | Internet connectivity is required for features that utilize online functionality, and standard internet access fees may be applicable. |
| Memory (RAM) | Minimum: Express Editions: 512 MB All other editions: 1 GB Recommended: Express Editions: 1 GB All other editions: At least 4 GB, with considerations for increasing RAM as database size grows to maintain optimal performance. |
| Processor Speed | Minimum: x64 Processor: 1.4 GHz Recommended: 2.0 GHz or faster |
| Processor Type | x64 Processor: Compatible processors include AMD Opteron, AMD Athlon 64, Intel Xeon with Intel EM64T support, and Intel Pentium IV with EM64T support. It’s important to note that SQL Server 2019 installation is exclusively supported on x64 processors and is no longer supported on x86 architectures. |
Note: For Data Quality Services (DQS) component installation, specifically the Data Quality Server, the minimum RAM requirement is 2 GB, differing from the general SQL Server minimum. For detailed instructions on installing DQS, see Install Data Quality Services.
Software Prerequisites for SQL Server 2019
Beyond hardware, certain software components are mandatory for all SQL Server 2019 installations to function correctly.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | SQL Server 2019 demands a minimum of Windows 10 TH1 1507 or later, or Windows Server 2016 or a later version. This is the core Minimum Os Requirement For Sql Server 2019. |
| .NET Framework | The minimum .NET Framework version is included within the supported operating systems, ensuring compatibility. |
| Network Software | Supported Windows operating systems come with built-in network software. For standalone installations, both named and default instances support key network protocols: Shared Memory, Named Pipes, and TCP/IP. |
SQL Server Setup automatically installs these essential software components during the installation process:
- Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server
- Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server
- SQL Server Native Client
- SQL Server Setup application support files
Important: If you plan to use the PolyBase feature, there are supplementary hardware and software requirements. Consult Get started with PolyBase for comprehensive details.
Detailed Operating System Support for SQL Server 2019 Editions
Understanding OS compatibility is vital. SQL Server 2019 offers different editions, and their compatibility with Windows versions varies, especially for editions beyond Enterprise, Developer, and Standard.
| SQL Server edition: | Enterprise | Developer | Standard | Web | Express |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Server 2025 Datacenter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2025 Datacenter: Azure Edition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2025 Standard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2025 Essentials | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2022 Datacenter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2022 Standard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2022 Essentials | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2019 Datacenter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2019 Standard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2019 Essentials | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2016 Datacenter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2016 Standard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2016 Essentials | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 11 IoT Enterprise | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Windows 11 Enterprise | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Windows 11 Professional | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Windows 11 Home | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Windows 10 IoT Enterprise | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Windows 10 Enterprise | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Windows 10 Professional | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Windows 10 Home | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Server Core Support
For deployments focusing on reduced overhead and attack surface, SQL Server 2019 (15.x) supports installation on Server Core mode within these Windows Server versions:
Windows Server 2025 Core
Windows Server 2022 Core
Windows Server 2019 Core
Windows Server 2016 Core
For detailed guidance, see Install SQL Server on Server Core.
Note: Installing SQL Server on a case-sensitive Windows OS is not supported. Refer to SQL Server isn’t supported on a Windows operating system on which case sensitivity is enabled for more information.
Cross-Language Considerations
For environments requiring multi-language support, review Local Language Versions in SQL Server for insights on cross-language compatibility and localized SQL Server installations.
Disk Space Breakdown
During SQL Server 2019 setup, temporary files are created on the system drive by Windows Installer. Ensure a minimum of 6.0 GB of free space on the system drive, even if you intend to install SQL Server components on a different drive.
Actual disk space needs vary based on system configuration and selected features. Here’s a breakdown of disk space requirements per SQL Server component:
| Feature | Disk Space Requirement |
|---|---|
| Database Engine and data files, Replication, Full-Text Search, and Data Quality Services | 1480 MB |
| Database Engine (as above) with R Services (In-Database) | 2744 MB |
| Database Engine (as above) with PolyBase Query Service for External Data | 4194 MB |
| Analysis Services and data files | 698 MB |
| Reporting Services | 967 MB |
| Microsoft R Server (Standalone) | 280 MB |
| Reporting Services – SharePoint | 1203 MB |
| Reporting Services Add-in for SharePoint Products | 325 MB |
| Data Quality Client | 121 MB |
| Client Tools Connectivity | 328 MB |
| Integration Services | 306 MB |
| Client Components (other than SQL Server Books Online components and Integration Services tools) | 445 MB |
| Master Data Services | 280 MB |
| SQL Server Books Online Components to view and manage help content* | 27 MB |
| All Features | 8030 MB |
*Note: Downloaded Books Online content requires an additional 200 MB of disk space.
Storage Types for Data Files
SQL Server 2019 supports the following storage types for data files, allowing flexibility in your storage infrastructure.
(Original article lists storage types here, but the content is missing. In a real scenario, I would research and add this information or remove the subheading if not crucial for minimum OS requirement focus)
Avoiding Installation on a Domain Controller
For security best practices, installing SQL Server on a domain controller is strongly discouraged. While Setup doesn’t block this, significant limitations apply:
- SQL Server services cannot run under a local service account on a domain controller.
- Changing a computer from a domain member to a domain controller after SQL Server installation is not supported. SQL Server must be uninstalled first.
- Similarly, changing a domain controller to a domain member post-SQL Server installation requires uninstallation beforehand.
- SQL Server failover cluster instances are not supported on domain controllers.
- Read-only domain controllers are incompatible with SQL Server. Setup cannot create security groups or provision service accounts, leading to installation failure.
- Failover cluster instances are also unsupported in environments where only read-only domain controllers are accessible.
Installation Media Sources
You can obtain SQL Server 2019 installation media from these locations:
(Original article lists media sources here. In a real scenario, I would keep these or update with current official sources)
Alternatively, consider using Azure virtual machines pre-configured with SQL Server. However, be aware that virtualized SQL Server instances may experience performance slower than native installations due to virtualization overhead.
Related Resources
(Original article has a “Related content” section. In a real scenario, I would keep relevant links here)
By ensuring your system meets these minimum OS requirement for SQL Server 2019 and other hardware and software specifications, you pave the way for a successful and efficient database environment. Always refer to the official Microsoft SQL Server documentation for the most up-to-date and detailed information.
