SQL Server Management Studio

Microsoft's free environment for connecting to, querying and managing SQL Server and Azure SQL databases.

FreeProprietaryWindows
Official websitelearn.microsoft.comDownload pagelearn.microsoft.com

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1 more ways to get SQL Server Management Studio

Package managers

  • Chocolateychoco install sql-server-management-studio

About SQL Server Management Studio

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is Microsoft's integrated environment for working with SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance and SQL databases in Microsoft Fabric. It combines a query editor, object browsing, scripting and a set of tool windows for administration and development tasks.

Current releases add GitHub Copilot assistance inside the editor, language packs, release channels and command-line installation options for managed deployments. It suits database administrators and developers who work mainly with Microsoft's database platforms on Windows.

Strengths

  • Official Microsoft tool for SQL Server and Azure SQL
  • Query editor, scripting and administration in one place
  • GitHub Copilot integration
  • Command-line install options for managed deployments

Limitations

  • Windows only
  • Focused on Microsoft database platforms
  • Closed source

Details

Pricing
FreeFree to download from Microsoft.
License
Proprietary (Proprietary)
Developer
Microsoft
Platforms
Windows
How it runs
Downloadable app
Account
Not required
Best suited for
DBAs and developers managing SQL Server or Azure SQL on Windows
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to SQL Server Management Studio

Compare all

Software that can replace SQL Server Management Studio for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

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    DBeaver is open source and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with more than a hundred drivers, but it offers less Microsoft-specific administration than SSMS.

  • DataGrip

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    DataGrip is a cross-platform multi-database IDE with schema-aware completion and schema comparison, but it requires a paid subscription.

  • DbVisualizer

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    DbVisualizer is a cross-platform client for many relational and NoSQL databases with an AI assistant, closed source with advanced features in the paid Pro edition.

  • DbGate

    One database client for MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, SQLite, Redis and a dozen more, on desktop or as a web app.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted

    DbGate is an open-source client for SQL Server and many other engines on desktop or web, with schema compare and ER diagrams, but less SQL Server depth.

  • HeidiSQL

    A long-running Windows client for MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite and Firebird, small and quick.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    HeidiSQL is a small, free, open-source native client that handles SQL Server among other engines, with Windows and Linux builds but fewer administration features.

  • Navicat Premium

    A commercial desktop client for building, querying and managing many database engines from one application.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    Navicat Premium is a paid commercial client for many database engines on Windows, macOS and Linux, with data synchronization and modeling tools.

  • TablePlus

    Native database client for many engines with a clean interface.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxiOS

    TablePlus is a native multi-engine client on Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS, freemium with limited tabs and connections, and lighter on administration.

  • Valentina Studio

    A cross-platform database management tool for MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, SQLite, MongoDB and more.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    Valentina Studio supports SQL Server plus MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite and MongoDB on all desktop platforms, with a free edition and paid PRO features.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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