Introducing SQL Assessment API (Public Preview)
SQL Assessment API is a new mechanism to evaluate configuration of your SQL Server for best practices. The API methods are used by means of a SQL Server Management Object (SMO) extension and new cmdlets in SqlServer PowerShell module. API is delivered with a ruleset that is highly customizable and extensible. It can be used to assess SQL Server versions 2012 and higher, both on Windows and Linux.Released: SQL Server Assessment Extension for Azure Data Studio (Public Preview)
SQL Server Assessment Extension for Azure Data Studio provides a user interface for evaluating your SQL Server instances and databases for best practices. It uses SQL Assessment API to achieve this. In this preview version, you can: - Assess a SQL Server or Azure SQL Managed Instance and its databases with built-in rules (Invoke Assessment) - Get a list of all built-in rules applicable to an instance and its databases (View applicable rules) - Export assessment results and list of applicable rules as script to further store it in a SQL table
Announcing SQLCon 2026: Better Together with FabCon!
We’re thrilled to unveil SQLCon 2026, the premier Microsoft SQL Community Conference, co-located with the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference (FabCon) from March 16–20, 2026! This year, we’re bringing the best of both worlds under one roof—uniting the vibrant SQL and Fabric communities for a truly next-level experience. Whether you’re passionate about SQL Server, Azure SQL, SQL in Fabric, SQL Tools, migration and modernization, database security, or building AI-powered apps with SQL, SQLCon 2026 has you covered. Dive into 50+ breakout sessions and 4 expert-led workshops designed to help you optimize, innovate, and connect. Why are SQLCon + FabCon better together? One registration, double the value: Register for either conference and get full access to both—mix and match sessions, keynotes, and community events to fit your interests. Shared spaces, shared energy: Enjoy the same expo hall, registration desk, conference app, and community lounge. Network with peers across the data platform spectrum. Unforgettable experiences: Join us for both keynotes at the State Farm Arena and celebrate at the legendary attendee party at the Georgia Aquarium. Our goal is to reignite the SQL Community spirit—restoring the robust networks, friendships, and career-building opportunities that make this ecosystem so special. SQLCon is just the beginning of a renewed commitment to connect at conferences, user groups, online, and at regional events. Early Access Pricing Extended! Register by November 14th and save $200 with code SQLCMTY200. Register Now! Want to share your expertise? The Call for Content is open until November 20th for both conferences! Let’s build the future of data—together. See you at SQLCon + FabCon!SQL Server Cumulative Updates (CU) through the end of calendar year 2020
This has been a tough year and we are supporting our teams to spend time with their families. Due to minimal operations over the upcoming holidays and new year, we will not be releasing any additional SQL Server Cumulative Update (CU) releases for the rest of calendar year 2020. Applicable to SQL Server mainstream support products: SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2017, and SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 2 (SP2). If you have a product issue and you have confirmation a specific fix is scheduled for the next CU release, we encourage you to work with our support channels as documented in our help and feedback page.
Cumulative Update #7 for SQL Server 2019 RTM (Removed)
There is a known issue with using database snapshots in SQL Server 2019 CU7, and it was removed from the Download Center, the Microsoft Update Catalog, and Linux repositories. Note that using DBCC CHECKDB is also affected because it generates a database snapshot. This issue will be fixed in the upcoming SQL Server 2019 Cumulative Update (CU).Released: SQL Assessment API (GA)
SQL Assessment API is a new mechanism to evaluate configuration of your SQL Server for best practices. The API methods are used by means of a SQL Server Management Object (SMO) extension and new cmdlets in SqlServer PowerShell module. API is delivered with a ruleset that is highly customizable and extensible.SQL Server 2016 SP3: Last Service Pack for SQL Server
The 3 rd and final Service Pack release for SQL Server 2016 is now available for download at the Microsoft Downloads site. This is also the last Service Pack for any SQL Server version, as previously announced in the Modern Servicing Model for SQL Server.
