Azure SQL Migration Starts in SSMS—All in One Flow

neelball

Microsoft

Apr 15, 2026

Migrate SQL Server Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Migrating SQL Server workloads to Azure doesn’t have to be complex or fragmented. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) provides a guided, end-to-end migration experience that works seamlessly for both Azure Arc–enabled and standalone SQL Server instances.

In this blog, we’ll walk through how SSMS helps you assess, choose, and migrate your SQL Server workloads using the right Azure target and migration method.

One Tool, Multiple Migration Paths

SSMS acts as the central starting point for SQL Server migration:

Run readiness and compatibility assessments
Discover recommended Azure targets
Launch guided migrations using the right method for your scenario
Seamlessly connect to the Azure portal when needed

The experience adapts based on whether your SQL Server is Azure Arc–enabled or not.

Migrating Non‑Arc SQL Server (Local or On‑Premises)

If your SQL Server is not Arc-enabled, SSMS still gives you everything you need—starting locally and moving to Azure when appropriate.

Step 1: Run SQL Server Assessment in SSMS

SSMS performs a local assessment to:

- Evaluate database readiness
- Identify potential blocking issues
- Recommend supported Azure targets

Step 2: Provision the Target via Azure SQL Hub

From SSMS, you’re guided to Azure SQL Hub in the Azure portal to:

- Configure your migration target
- Select the right Azure SQL deployment option

Step 3: Choose the Right Migration Method

SSMS then walks you through guided migration experiences, tailored to your target:

🟦 Azure SQL Managed Instance

- MI Link – Near real-time migration with minimal downtime
- Backup & Restore – Simple, deterministic migrations

🟦 Azure SQL Database / Azure SQL VM / Other Targets

- Azure Database Migration Service (DMS)
  A guided, end-to-end migration experience supporting multiple Azure targets

SSMS helps ensure you’re choosing the right migration method for the right workload, without needing to switch tools manually.

Migrating Azure Arc–Enabled SQL Server

If your SQL Server is connected to Azure via Azure Arc, SSMS provides a streamlined experience that bridges on-premises management and Azure services.

What happens in SSMS?

When you start migration from SSMS for an Arc-enabled SQL Server:

- SSMS detects the Arc connection
- You’re redirected to the Azure portal for the migration flow
- Azure provides a centralized, cloud-based migration experience with deeper integration

This model is ideal if your organization is already using Azure Arc for governance, inventory, and centralized management.

Upgrade Readiness and Compatibility Checks

Planning to upgrade SQL Server or ensure compatibility with newer versions and Azure targets?

SSMS includes Upgrade Assessment, which helps you:

- Identify deprecated or breaking changes
- Understand feature compatibility
- Reduce risks before upgrading or migrating

This is especially useful when modernizing older SQL Server versions or preparing for cloud migration.

Putting It All Together

With SSMS, SQL Server migration becomes:

- Guided – No guesswork on tools or methods

- Flexible – Supports Arc and non‑Arc environments
- Integrated – Local assessment + Azure portal workflows
- Modern – Designed for hybrid and cloud-first strategies

Whether you’re migrating a single database or planning a large-scale modernization, SSMS provides a unified starting point to get you there with confidence.

What’s Next?