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SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21 is now generally available (GA)

erinstellato's avatar
erinstellato
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
May 19, 2025

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21 GA is now available

Today we are thrilled to announce the general availability release of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21! After months of hard work, collaboration, and feedback-driven development, SSMS 21 is her...
Updated May 19, 2025
Version 3.0
sqlserver2025
sqltools
EduardoSR's avatar
EduardoSR
Brass Contributor
May 21, 2025

The interface looks very nice

How can you install a local engine to be used with SSMS 21?
Or how do you get to your old local engine?
Maybe a lame question, but today is not the best day.

  • erinstellato's avatar
    erinstellato
    Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
    May 22, 2025

    EduardoSR​ If you are looking to connect to a local instance of SQL Server, you can either install Express edition or use containers.  There is Learn documentation for both options.  When you say "SSMS 21 couldn't get preferences from my old SSMS 18", I don't know if that is because of an error, or something else.  If there is an issue, please log it on the feedback site. Thanks.

  • EduardoSR's avatar
    EduardoSR
    Brass Contributor
    May 21, 2025

    It is about the modern / classic connection menu.

    New menu does not have the preview, as opposed to classic menu, which shows all the available instances.

  • EduardoSR's avatar
    EduardoSR
    Brass Contributor
    May 21, 2025

    By the way, SSMS21 couldn't get preferences from my old SSMS18 

  • EduardoSR's avatar
    EduardoSR
    Brass Contributor
    May 21, 2025

    Already done