Announcing General Availability of the mssql-python Driver
We’re thrilled to announce that the mssql-python driver is now Generally Available! 🎉 This milestone marks a major step forward in delivering a modern, high-performance, and developer-friendly experience for Python developers working with SQL Server, Azure SQL and SQL databases in Fabric. Why mssql-python? The mssql-python driver is a DB-API 2.0 compliant driver designed from the ground up to provide speed, simplicity, and security for Python applications connecting to SQL Server. We think data and devops engineers, analysts, and developers who use Python for configuration, analysis or AI will all find something they like. Here’s what makes it stand out: 🚀 Fast and Cross-platform The mssql-python driver is built on an optimized C++ core that delivers high performance and a consistent API across operating systems. Internal benchmarks show that the mssql-python driver performs well across common SQL operations such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. Complex queries, joins, and stored procedures also perform well, making it ideal for both transactional and analytical workloads. 📦 One-Line Installation Whether you are just getting started or sharing scripts you have written, the mssql_python driver makes it easier than ever. Install the driver with a single command: pip install mssql-python No extra dependencies on Windows, no complicated configurations - just install and start coding. 🔐 Simplified Entra ID Authentication Security shouldn’t be hard. The mssql-python driver offers built-in support for Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) authentication, reducing complexity and eliminating the need for custom token handling. This makes it easier to build secure, enterprise-grade applications without extra overhead. The mssql-python driver supports Active Directory Default authentication across all operating systems, making it easier to remove credentials from your code while still allowing you to share a script that just works. Key Highlights Cross-Platform Support: Works seamlessly on Windows, Linux, and macOS (including Apple Silicon). Connection Pooling: Efficient, configurable pooling for high-performance applications. Modern Python Experience: Clean APIs, better diagnostics, and improved error handling. Get Started Today Upgrade your Python data workflows with the new mssql-python driver: pip install mssql-python Check out the GitHub repository for documentation, examples, and to join the community. You can also go directly to our PyPI page to download the latest release. Visit the aka.ms/mssql-python#get-started to view more quickstarts. What’s Next? We’re committed to continuous improvement. Upcoming releases will focus on bulk insert optimizations, ORM integrations, and community-driven enhancements. Stay tuned for updates and share your feedback on GitHub!
Cumulative Update #22 for SQL Server 2022 RTM
The 22nd cumulative update release for SQL Server 2022 RTM is now available for download at the Microsoft Downloads site. Please note that registration is no longer required to download Cumulative updates. To learn more about the release or servicing model, please visit: CU22 KB Article: https://learn.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/sql/releases/sqlserver-2022/cumulativeupdate22 Starting with SQL Server 2017, we adopted a new modern servicing model. Please refer to our blog for more details on Modern Servicing Model for SQL Server Microsoft® SQL Server® 2022 RTM Latest Cumulative Update: https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=105013 Update Center for Microsoft SQL Server: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/sql/releases/download-and-install-latest-updates
Security Update for SQL Server 2022 RTM CU21
The Security Update for SQL Server 2022 RTM CU21 is now available for download at the Microsoft Download Center and Microsoft Update Catalog sites. This package cumulatively includes all previous security fixes for SQL Server 2022 RTM CUs, plus it includes the new security fixes detailed in the KB Article. Security Bulletins: CVE-2025-59499 - Security Update Guide - Microsoft - Microsoft SQL Server Denial of Service Vulnerability Security Update of SQL Server 2022 RTM CU21 KB Article: KB5068406 Microsoft Download Center: https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=108450 Microsoft Update Catalog: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=5068406 Latest Updates for Microsoft SQL Server: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/sql/releases/download-and-install-latest-updatesSecurity Update for SQL Server 2022 RTM GDR
The Security Update for SQL Server 2022 RTM GDR is now available for download at the Microsoft Download Center and Microsoft Update Catalog sites. This package cumulatively includes all previous security fixes for SQL Server 2022 RTM, plus it includes the new security fixes detailed in the KB Article. Security Bulletins: CVE-2025-59499 - Security Update Guide - Microsoft - Microsoft SQL Server Denial of Service Vulnerability Security Update of SQL Server 2022 RTM GDR KB Article: KB5068407 Microsoft Download Center: https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=108453 Microsoft Update Catalog: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=5068407 Latest Updates for Microsoft SQL Server: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/sql/releases/download-and-install-latest-updatesAnnouncing 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!Microsoft at PASS Data Community Summit 2025
Microsoft is excited to be back as the Sapphire Sponsor for this year’s PASS Data Community Summit, together with AMD. It’ll be a week packed with keynotes, learning pathways, sessions, breakfast, giveaways and more! Our experts and engineers will be there and ready to share all things SQL Server 2025, cover the latest from Azure SQL, Microsoft Fabric and more—delivered on a foundation of AMD-powered innovation. Whether your goals are modernizing for performance and AI readiness or building intelligent apps and agents, we’ll have you covered. Join us to “Connect, Share and Learn” alongside the rest of your peers at the PASS community. CVP of Azure Databases, Shireesh Thota, is back as the keynote speaker, and will be joined by leaders across Microsoft Data including Priya Sathy and Bob Ward—highlighting how Microsoft and AMD are shaping the future of data together. Join us on Day 2, Thursday, November 20 th . Come back and check as new sessions are added: Learning Pathways: Becoming Azure SQL DBA – High Availability and BCDR Dr. Dani Ljepava, Bob Ward, John Morehouse Learn how to evolve your Azure SQL DBA skills in the domain of High Availability (HA), Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) from the perspective of on-premises DBA’s. Becoming Azure SQL DBA – Security, Compliance, Threats, Connectivity Pam Lahoud, Joey Dantoni Evolve your Azure SQL DBA skills in the domain of security, compliance, authentication and connectivity, from the perspective of an on-premises DBA now supporting databases in Azure. Becoming Azure SQL DBA – Performance Monitoring, Tuning, and Alerting Erin Stellato, Pam Lahoud, Monica Morehouse (Rathbun) Extend your Azure SQL DBA skills in the domain of performance monitoring, tuning, and alerting from the perspective of on-premises DBA. Becoming Azure SQL DBA – Copilot and AI Davide Mauri, Erin Stellato Unlock the future of data productivity with a hands-on exploration of AI-powered Copilots! We’ll dive into Copilot in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Microsoft Copilot in Azure with NL2SQL and SQL, and Copilot for SQL Databases in Microsoft Fabric. Becoming an Azure SQL DBA - New Opportunities for DBAs in Azure Bob Ward, Dr. Dani Ljepava, Erin Stellato, Pam Lahoud Explore new skill development opportunities as an Azure SQL DBA. Many traditional SQL Server DBA tasks have been partially or fully delegated to Microsoft, and this shift in responsibilities provides a great opportunity to invest in developing new cloud skills that will help you excel as an Azure SQL DBA champion. General Sessions Breakfast with the Microsoft Data Leadership Team JUST ADDED! Shireesh Thota, Priya Sathy, Bob Ward, Erin Stellato Get your day started early at PASS Data Community Summit with a free breakfast and a Q&A session with a panel of leaders across Microsoft hosted by Bob Ward. Tell us what is top of mind for you across SQL Server, Azure SQL, Microsoft Fabric and topics like AI. This is always one of the most popular sessions at the PASS Data Community Summit, so you won’t want to miss it! Lunch and Learn with Bob Ward JUST ADDED! Join us for a lunch and learn with Bob Ward as he covers all things SQL and dives into his latest release: SQL Server 2025 Unveiled: The AI-Ready Enterprise Database with Microsoft Fabric Integration. Space will be extremely limited, bring your lunch and join this exclusive session! Inside SQL Server 2025 Bob Ward Join Bob Ward and friends to go deep into the next major release of SQL Server, SQL Server 2025, the Enterprise AI-ready database. You will learn the fundamentals and a deep dive of all the new capabilities in the release so you can plan and make key decisions on when and how to upgrade. SQL Database in Fabric: The Unified Database for AI Apps and Analytics JUST ADDED! Amar Digamber Patil, Yo-Lei Chen, Basudep Sarkar Discover how SQL in Fabric brings transactional and analytical workloads together in one cloud-native database. In this session, we’ll show how developers and data teams can simplify AI-driven application development with near real-time insights and built-in AI, seamless OneLake integration, and end-to-end analytics—all in a single, unified experience. Building Scalable, Secure AI Apps with Azure SQL Hyperscale Build AI apps that run securely and scale with your needs with Azure SQL Database Hyperscale. We’ll cover native vector indexes for semantic search, read scale‑out for low‑latency RAG, using the model of your choice, from T‑SQL. Ecosystem sessions Smarter GitHub Copilot + SSMS 22 Erin Stellato Discover how GitHub Copilot is transforming the way you write T-SQL and optimize your SQL databases inside SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 22. In this session, we’ll showcase the newest SSMS 22 features alongside real-world demos of GitHub Copilot, highlighting how AI assistance can speed up query writing, reduce errors, and boost productivity. Booth Experiences What: Book signing "SQL Server 2025 Unveiled" with Bob Ward When: Wednesday, November 19th evening reception Where: Microsoft and AMD booth (#404) Join us as we celebrate the release of "SQL Server 2025 Unveiled" at the PASS Summit evening reception! Limited to the first 200 attendees. Now on demand! Get a jump start on your PASS experience. "The AI Opportunity: From Ground to Cloud" webinar is now available on demand! Get an early preview of the sessions at PASS Summit and a closer look into SQL Server 2025. Hosted by Redgate’s Kellyn Gorman and Bob Ward, sign up and watch today! --Exclusive Offer for PASS Attendees-- As a special offer from Microsoft, use the code AZURE150 to receive $150 off your 3-day conference pass. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, grow, and learn with the community. Register todayCumulative Update #21 for SQL Server 2022 RTM
The 21st cumulative update release for SQL Server 2022 RTM is now available for download at the Microsoft Downloads site. Please note that registration is no longer required to download Cumulative updates. To learn more about the release or servicing model, please visit: CU21 KB Article: https://learn.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/sql/releases/sqlserver-2022/cumulativeupdate21 Starting with SQL Server 2017, we adopted a new modern servicing model. Please refer to our blog for more details on Modern Servicing Model for SQL Server Microsoft® SQL Server® 2022 RTM Latest Cumulative Update: https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?familyid=105013 Update Center for Microsoft SQL Server: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/sql/releases/download-and-install-latest-updatesSecurity Update for SQL Server 2022 RTM CU20
The Security Update for SQL Server 2022 RTM CU20 is now available for download at the Microsoft Download Center and Microsoft Update Catalog sites. This package cumulatively includes all previous security fixes for SQL Server 2022 RTM CUs, plus it includes the new security fixes detailed in the KB Article. Security Bulletins: CVE-2025-47997 - Security Update Guide - Microsoft - Microsoft SQL Server Denial of Service Vulnerability Security Update of SQL Server 2022 RTM CU20 KB Article: KB5065220 Microsoft Download Center: https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=108373 Microsoft Update Catalog: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=5065220 Latest Updates for Microsoft SQL Server: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/sql/releases/download-and-install-latest-updatesSecurity Update for SQL Server 2019 RTM CU32
The Security Update for SQL Server 2019 RTM CU32 is now available for download at the Microsoft Download Center and Microsoft Update Catalog sites. This package cumulatively includes all previous security fixes for SQL Server 2019 RTM CUs, plus it includes the new security fixes detailed in the KB Article. Security Bulletins: CVE-2025-47997 - Security Update Guide - Microsoft - Microsoft SQL Server Denial of Service Vulnerability Security Update of SQL Server 2019 RTM CU32 KB Article: KB5065222 Microsoft Download Center: https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=108372 Microsoft Update Catalog: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=5065222 Latest Updates for Microsoft SQL Server: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/sql/releases/download-and-install-latest-updates
