What is new

Starting with SSMS 22, the Hybrid & Migration component now includes upgrade assessment for SQL Server 2025. This feature enables you to quickly evaluate readiness for upgrade. SSMS also provides a streamlined migration path to the instance of higher version if in-place upgrade is not preferred.

Why it matters

• Fast readiness check – targeted rules for SQL Server 2025 to flag upgrade blockers with remediation guidance.
• Easy alternative to in-place upgrade with guided migration using backup-restore and login transfer.
• Up-to-date coverage – breaking changes and discontinued features for SQL Server 2025 included.

What the assessment checks (examples)

• Linked servers – detects OLE DB Driver 19 encryption defaults; recommends certificate or Encrypt=Optional.
• Discontinued features – flags Master Data Services (MDS) and Data Quality Services (DQS).
• Synapse Link – use Mirroring to Microsoft Fabric as replacement.
• Discontinued purview access policies – suggests fixed server roles.
• Reporting – consolidated into Power BI Reporting Services
• Deprecations – highlights Hot-add CPU.

Brief How-to

1. Install or update SSMS 22 and include Hybrid & Migration component.
2. Run assessment: Connect to source instance → Migrate SQL Server > New Assessment → select target SQL Server 2025 → review report and mitigate.
3. Migrate to separately installed SQL Server 2025: Connect to source instance → Migrate SQL Server > New Migration → provide target SQL Server 2025 instance and authentication details → select databases and provide folder paths → select databases and provide folder paths → choose logins to migrate → Once migration completes, connect to target and verify 

Documentation & quick links

• SSMS Migration Component guide
• Install Sql Server Management Studio 22
• SQL Server Management Studio 22 General Availability Announcement
• SQL Server 2025 Breaking Changes
• Encryption updates in OLE DB Driver 19
• Reporting Services consolidation FAQ
• Fabric Mirroring from SQL Server
• SQL Server 2025 Known Issues

Notes for DMA users

If you previously used Microsoft Data Migration Assistant (DMA) for upgrade assessments, SSMS migration component is now the recommended alternative. DMA has been retired.