Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for Optimal SQL Server Management

Sql Server Management Studio (SSMS) stands as a cornerstone tool for anyone working with SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and related Microsoft data platform services. This integrated environment provides a comprehensive suite of utilities designed to streamline the management, configuration, and administration of your entire SQL infrastructure, whether it resides on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments.

With SSMS, database administrators and developers gain the power to efficiently deploy, monitor, and upgrade data-tier components that underpin critical applications. From crafting intricate queries to developing robust scripts, SSMS empowers users to interact with SQL Server instances and databases with unparalleled control and precision.

Whether you’re managing databases and data warehouses on your local machine or harnessing the scalability of the cloud, SSMS provides a unified interface to query, design, and administer your SQL Server environments effectively. For users seeking cross-platform capabilities alongside the robust features of SSMS, Azure Data Studio offers a complementary solution for managing SQL Server and diverse Azure databases.

For the latest enhancements and detailed insights into the newest release, refer to the Release notes for SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 20.2. If you’re interested in exploring the cutting edge, you can find information and download details for SQL Server Management Studio 21 Preview 1 in Install SQL Server Management Studio 21 Preview.

Get the Latest SSMS for SQL Server

Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 20.2

SSMS 20.2 represents the most current and generally available (GA) version, ensuring you have access to the latest features and stability for managing your SQL Server estate. If you’ve been testing a preview version of SSMS 20, it’s recommended to uninstall it before installing SSMS 20.2 to ensure a clean and stable environment. Importantly, installing SSMS 20.2 will not upgrade or replace any existing SSMS 19.x or earlier versions, allowing you to maintain compatibility with older SQL Server instances if needed.

Release Number: 20.2
Build Number: 20.2.30.0
Release Date: July 9, 2024

By downloading and utilizing SQL Server Management Studio, you are agreeing to the associated license terms and privacy statement. Your feedback is invaluable; to share comments, suggestions, or report any issues, the SSMS team encourages you to visit the SSMS Developer Community site.

The installation process for SSMS 20.x is designed to coexist with previous versions of SSMS (19.x and earlier). This means you can have multiple versions installed side-by-side on the same machine, providing flexibility in managing different SQL Server environments. However, if you have a prior preview version of SSMS 20 installed, it’s crucial to uninstall it before proceeding with the installation of the latest SSMS 20.2 release. You can easily verify if you have a preview version by checking the Help > About window within SSMS.

When running multiple SSMS installations concurrently, always double-check that you are launching the correct version tailored to your specific SQL Server management tasks. The most recent version will be clearly labeled as Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio v20.2.

Important Note: For SSMS versions 18.7 through 19.3, Azure Data Studio was bundled and automatically installed alongside SSMS. This integration allowed SQL Server Management Studio users to leverage the innovative features of Azure Data Studio. Azure Data Studio is a versatile, cross-platform, and open-source tool ideal for managing your database environments across cloud, on-premises, or hybrid deployments. However, SSMS 20.0 and later versions do not include Azure Data Studio in the installation package.

To explore the capabilities of Azure Data Studio further, delve into What is Azure Data Studio or consult the FAQ.

Language Options for SSMS

This SSMS release offers installation in a variety of languages to cater to a global user base.

SQL Server Management Studio 20.2 Languages:

If you are accessing this page in a non-English language and wish to see the most current content, simply select Read in English at the top of the page. For downloading SSMS in different languages, please refer to the available languages section.

Note: The SQL Server PowerShell module is distributed separately through the PowerShell Gallery. For detailed instructions on installation, refer to Install the SQL Server PowerShell module.

Discover What’s New in SSMS

Stay informed about the latest improvements and features in this release by reviewing the Release notes for SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

Accessing Previous SSMS Versions

This article primarily focuses on the latest SSMS version. To download earlier versions of SSMS, please visit Previous SSMS releases.

Important Compatibility Update: In December 2021, older SSMS releases prior to 18.6 ceased to authenticate with Database Engines using Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication (MFA). To maintain MFA functionality, it is essential to upgrade to SSMS 18.6 or later.

Connectivity to Azure Analysis Services via Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication mandates SSMS 18.5.1 or later.

Unattended Installation of SSMS

For automated deployments and streamlined installations, SSMS can be installed silently using PowerShell.

Follow these steps for a silent background installation of SSMS, eliminating GUI prompts:

Launch PowerShell with administrator privileges.

Execute the following command, customizing the paths as needed:

$media_path = "<path to SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe file>"
$install_path = "<root installation location for SSMS files>"
$params = " /Install /Quiet SSMSInstallRoot=$install_path"
Start-Process -FilePath $media_path -ArgumentList $params -Wait

Example:

$media_path = "C:InstallersSSMS-Setup-ENU.exe"
$install_path = "$env:SystemDriveSSMSto"
$params = "/Install /Quiet SSMSInstallRoot=`"$install_path`""
Start-Process -FilePath $media_path -ArgumentList $params -Wait

Alternatively, replace /Quiet with /Passive to display the setup UI during installation.

Upon successful installation, SSMS will be located at %systemdrive%SSMStoCommon7IDESsms.exe (based on the example path). For troubleshooting, examine the error code and consult the log file located in %TEMP%SSMSSetup.

Uninstalling SSMS

During SSMS installation, certain shared components may be installed if they are not already present on the system. It’s important to note that these shared components are not automatically uninstalled when you uninstall SSMS.

These shared components include:

Microsoft OLE DB Driver 18 for SQL Server
Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server
Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable (x86)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable (x64)
Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications 2019

These components are intentionally not removed during SSMS uninstallation as they may be shared by other applications. Uninstalling them could potentially disrupt the functionality of other products relying on these shared components.

SSMS and Azure Data Studio Installation Behavior

For SSMS versions 18.7 through 19.3, Azure Data Studio was included and installed by default. However, SSMS 20.0 and subsequent versions no longer include Azure Data Studio in the installation process.
- If a compatible or newer version of Azure Data Studio is already installed, the SSMS installer will skip the Azure Data Studio installation.
- The specific version of Azure Data Studio bundled with previous SSMS versions can be found in the release notes.
The Azure Data Studio system installer necessitates the same security privileges as the SSMS installer.
Azure Data Studio is installed with its default settings, which include creating a Start Menu folder and adding Azure Data Studio to the system PATH environment variable. A desktop shortcut is not created, and Azure Data Studio is not set as the default editor for any file types.
Azure Data Studio localization is achieved through Language Pack extensions available in the extension marketplace. Install the appropriate language pack to localize Azure Data Studio to your preferred language.
For SSMS versions 18.7 through 19.3, the installation of Azure Data Studio can be bypassed by launching the SSMS installer with the command-line flag DoNotInstallAzureDataStudio=1.

Supported SQL Server Offerings

This SSMS version is compatible with SQL Server 2014 (12.x) and later versions, ensuring broad compatibility across your SQL Server landscape. It is optimized to provide the best experience when working with the latest cloud-based features in Azure SQL Database, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Microsoft Fabric, offering seamless integration with modern SQL Server services.

Furthermore, SSMS 20.x can be installed alongside SSMS 19.x, SSMS 18.x, SSMS 17.x, and SSMS 16.x, enabling you to maintain a flexible environment for managing various SQL Server versions.

Regarding SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SSMS 17.x and later versions do not support connections to the legacy SQL Server Integration Services service. To manage older legacy Integration Services, utilize the SSMS version aligned with the specific SQL Server version. For example, use SSMS 16.x to connect to the legacy SQL Server 2016 (13.x) Integration Services service. SSMS 17.x and SSMS 16.x can coexist on the same machine. Since SQL Server 2012 (11.x), the SSIS Catalog database (SSISDB) is the recommended approach for managing, storing, running, and monitoring Integration Services packages. Refer to SSIS Catalog for comprehensive details.

SSMS System Requirements

The current SSMS release supports the following 64-bit platforms when used with the latest available service pack, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility for your SQL Server management tasks.

Supported Operating Systems:

Windows 11 (x64)
Windows 10 (x64) version 1607 (10.0.14393) and later versions
Windows Server 2022 (x64)
Windows Server Core 2022 (x64)
Windows Server 2019 (x64)
Windows Server Core 2019 (x64)
Windows Server 2016 (x64)¹

¹ SSMS requires .NET Framework 4.7.2.

Additional Requirements:

Administrator rights are necessary for SSMS installation or updates.
Running SSMS within a virtual machine environment necessitates a full Windows operating system.
Windows containers are not supported.
SSMS is not supported in application virtualization solutions such as Microsoft App-V or MSIX for Windows, or third-party app virtualization technologies.

Note: To install SSMS on Windows Server Core, the Server Core App Compatibility Feature on Demand must be installed.

Supported Hardware:

Processor: 1.8 GHz or faster x86 (Intel, AMD) processor. Dual-core or better recommended.
RAM: 2 GB of RAM; 4 GB of RAM recommended (2.5 GB minimum if running on a virtual machine).
Hard Disk Space: Minimum of 3 GB up to 10 GB of available space.

Note: SSMS is exclusively available as a 32-bit application for Windows. For users requiring a tool compatible with operating systems beyond Windows, Azure Data Studio is highly recommended. Visit Azure Data Studio for further information.

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