By: Haroon Ashraf
Overview
Download and Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
This chapter gives you basic information to download and install SQL Server ManagementStudio (SSMS) and encourages you to keep it updated to enjoy the newfeatures that Microsoft adds from time to time.
There was a time when it was thought that SQL Server must be installed locally(on your machine or in your network) or remotely in order to fully utilize SQL ServerManagement Studio (SSMS) but now with the ease to create cloud powered SQL databasesit is not required to be installed locally on the SQL Server machine to use SQL Server ManagementStudio (SSMS) to access your databases. However, it is advisable for the beginners to install SQL Server locally to geta good learning experience before moving to more modern options of creating andmanaging your databases such as using Azure (cloud) powered databases.
Prerequisites
Please ensure you have the following operating systems before planning to usethe latest versions ofSQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):
- Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1607 (10.0.14393) or later
- Windows 8.1 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit) and above (64-bit versions)
As long as you have enough disk space and your Windows 10 (64-bit) version isup to date please go straight ahead to the next step.
SSMS Download and Install Steps
A quick way to find and download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is to type"SSMS" in a browser search box and follow the link asshown below:
Alternatively you use theSSMS download page and then click on Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).Below you can see that this shows it is version 18.4.
A setup file (SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe)shown below, willdownload to your machine which you must click on to run theinstall for SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):
On the next screen, you can use the default install location or change asneeded. Then click the Installbutton:
Once the installation is successful you will be asked to Restart:
Finding and Launching SSMS
After the restart, you can use the Windows search box and just type "S"to find SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) as shown below.
It might be a good idea to pin SSMS to your task bar, so you can right click on SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and pin to taskbarfor quick access.
To open SSMS, just click on the new desktop app to launch it.
Updating SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Updates are very essential particularly from a security point of view sincethey can protect your databases from getting exploited by hackers using any loopholes so it is always good to keep your SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) healthyby updating when needed.
Pay attention to any messaging that pops up when you open SQL ServerManagement Studio (SSMS) since you will be asked to update it from time to timeif there are newer versions.
You can also select from the menus Tools > Check for Updatesto find any updates.
In addition, you can visit theSSMS web page to see if there are new releases.
Lastly, check thisSSMS web page to review release notes.
Additional Information
- Please checkSQL Server 2017 Step By Step Installation Guide
- Please also checkSQL Server Installation Best Practices
- Please refer toHow to Install SQL Server Management Studio on your Local Computer
