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SQL Server 2025 is Now Generally Available

Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju's avatar
Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Nov 18, 2025

Presenting SQL Server 2025 — Trusted for Security and Performance, Now AI-Powered for the Future of Data.

Today at Ignite, we announce the general availability of SQL Server 2025. This marks the latest milestone in the more than 30-year history of SQL Server. It is also a key part of our commitment to th...
Updated Nov 20, 2025
Version 6.0
sqlserver
sqlserver2025
Yabbie's avatar
Yabbie
Copper Contributor
Nov 23, 2025

I can't access the GA release.  When I follow the link, I just get this:

I don't want a 'free' trial, I want developer edition...

  • Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju's avatar
    Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju
    Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
    Nov 25, 2025

    Go to, http://aka.ms/getsqlserver and chose, the option, "SQL Server 2025 Developer". If you want to install standard -Developer edition, make sure to chose the "Custom" or Download media" options after you launch the easy-install from, "SQL2025-SSEI-EntDev.exe"  to later select the Standard developer edition in the Editions tab during the install.  The Basic option always install Standrad -Enterprise edition.

    • Yabbie's avatar
      Yabbie
      Copper Contributor
      Nov 26, 2025

      Hi Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju​ , thanks for the reply.  I checked that link (now), and like previously, I get this:

      Which version is closest to SQL Server 2022 Developer (which I use now)?  Standard or Enterprise Developer 2025?

      • Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju's avatar
        Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju
        Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
        Nov 26, 2025

        After you download the above, click on SQL2025-SSEI-EntDev.exe, this will launch easy install with 3 options.  1. Basic, 2. Custom and 3. Download media.  If you chose Basic, it does install "Enterprise Developer Edition". In If you want to install "Standard Developer", chose either custom or Download media so that you can be able to select the standard Developer in the Editions tab later in the install process.  Hope that helps?