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Windows Admin Center Virtualization Mode is a purpose-built experience for managing the infrastructure that runs your virtual machines. Instead of focusing on individual servers, it’s designed for vi...
Pearl-Angeles
Updated May 08, 2026
KevW's avatar
KevW
Copper Contributor
May 12, 2026

I'm curious.  Why is PostgreSQL used for storage instead of Microsoft SQL Server for WAC Virtualization Mode?  It seems to me PostgreSQL would add additional complexity to environments where a customer typically runs SQL Server almost exclusively.  Being a different database also brings with it an entirely different ecosystem adding to the complexity. 

  • DanCuomo's avatar
    DanCuomo
    Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
    May 12, 2026

    Hi KevW​ – Great question. First, our goal is to ensure that you don't need to worry about vMode or its components. PostgreSQL should be completely behind the scenes for the operation of vMode – We want this to feel like an appliance. We’ll handle all upgrades, etc. You'll simply back it up and any major backup vendor will be able to provide this functionality.

    In terms of complexity, PostgreSQL does not have any prerequisites and requires only the username/password at installation time. Additionally, it can provide the scale and HA functionality needed for vMode which can all be managed directly within vMode in the future.

    • KevW's avatar
      KevW
      Copper Contributor
      May 13, 2026

      I appreciate the feedback I just found it remarkable Microsoft chose PostgreSQL over its own SQL Server.  I just thought there must be some underlying reason (technical??) why it was chosen but that reason isn't readily apparent.  Obviously, SQL Server has HA functionality and can scale as well.