SQL Server Versions and Editions: Understanding Upgrade Paths and Compatibility

When it comes to upgrading your SQL Server instance, understanding the different versions and editions can be a daunting task. In this article, we'll explore the supported upgrade paths from previous SQL Server versions and provide guidance on how to ensure a seamless transition to the latest edition.

Firstly, it's essential to note that you must re-create any logins and other user objects in master, msdb, and model system databases during an upgrade. This is because these databases are not compatible with newer versions of SQL Server. However, you can back up or detach databases from a 32-bit instance of SQL Server and then restore or attach them to a new instance of SQL Server (64-bit) if the databases aren't published in replication.

It's also important to understand that SQL Server 2022 (16.x) is only available for 64-bit platforms, and version numbers of the Database Engine components must be the same in an instance of SQL Server 2022 (16.x). Furthermore, upgrading a 32-bit instance of SQL Server to native 64-bit using SQL Server Setup is not supported.

Before upgrading to SQL Server 2022 (16.x), you should ensure that your operating system is supported and that the Windows Installer service is running. Additionally, you must be running a supported edition of SQL Server, and there should be no pending restarts.

It's also recommended to enable Windows Authentication for SQL Server Agent and verify the default configuration, ensuring that the SQL Server Agent service account is a member of the SQL Server sysadmin group. You should also verify supported hardware and software before upgrading.

When upgrading from one edition of SQL Server 2022 (16.x) to another, you must verify that the functionality you're currently using is supported in the edition to which you're moving.

The article lists the supported upgrade paths from previous SQL Server versions, including SQL Server 2012 (11.x), SQL Server 2014 (12.x), SQL Server 2016 (13.x), SQL Server 2017 (14.x), and SQL Server 2019 (15.x). It's highly recommended to use the newest version possible to take advantage of new features and more stability through code fixes that are being continually released.

SQL Server Management Studio is also an essential tool for managing your SQL Server instances. The latest version of SSMS is based on Visual Studio 2015+, which brings a modernized user interface, improved stability, and faster startup times. You can download the latest version from the official Microsoft website.

In conclusion, understanding the different versions and editions of SQL Server is crucial when upgrading to ensure a smooth transition. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you'll be able to upgrade your instance with confidence and take advantage of the latest features and improvements offered by SQL Server 2022 (16.x) and its management studio.

Sql server versions and editions