Table of Contents

SQL Server Agent +

F1 Help +
Menu Help +
Object Explorer +
Solution Explorer +
Templates +
Visual Database Tools +
What is SSMS?
Download SSMS
SSMS Changelog
Release notes
Previous SQL Server Management Studio Releases
Usage Feedback Collection
Download SQL Server PowerShell Module
Introduction to SSMS for BI
Customize Menus and Shortcut Keys
Use SSMS
Features in SQL Server Management Studio
Tool Windows in SQL Server Management Studio
Use SSMS to Build Database Projects
Understand SQL Server Management Studio Windows Management
External Tools Dialog Box
Arguments Dialog Box
Administer Servers with SQL Server Management Studio
License Terms
Previous SQL Server Management Studio Releases
Configure WMI to Show Server Status in SQL Server Tools
The SQL Server Management Studio Environment
Property Pages in SSMS
Properties Window (SSMS)
About Dialog Box
SQL Server Management Studio Web Browser
General User Interface Elements
User Assistance in SSMS
Arguments for External Tools
Add an External Tool to the Tools Menu (SSMS)
Configure Login Auditing (SSMS)
Use the Toolbox
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 SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure, from
SQL Server to SQL Database. SSMS provides tools to configure, monitor, and administer instances of SQL from
wherever you deploy it. SSMS provides tools to deploy, monitor, and upgrade the data-tier components, such as
databases and data warehouses used by your applications, and to build queries and scripts.
SSMS is part of a suite of developer tools Microsoft offers free of charge for your development needs.
Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Download SQL Server 2016 Developer edition
Download Visual Studio 2015 Developer edition

SQL Server Management Studio components

DESCRIPTION COMPONENT

Common tasks performed by using Management Studio, such Use SQL Server Management Studio
as customizing keyboard shortcuts and viewing property
pages.

Use Object Explorer to view and manage all of the objects in Object Explorer
one or more instances of SQL Server.

How to use Template Explorer to build and manage files of Template Explorer
boilerplate text that can be used to speed the development of
queries and scripts.

How to use the deprecated Solution Explorer to build Solution Explorer

projects used to manage administration items such as scripts
and queries.

How to connect Management Studio to instances of the F1 Help for Server Connections (SQL Server Management
Database Engine and Analysis Services. Studio)

How to use the visual design tools included in Management Visual Database Tools
Studio.

How to use the Management Studio language editors to Code and Text Editors (SQL Server Management Studio)
interactively build and debug queries and scripts.

Next steps
Tutorial: SQL Server Management Studio
Tutorial: Writing Transact-SQL Statements
 Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
4/26/2017 3 min to read Edit Online

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for accessing, configuring, managing,
administering, and developing all components of SQL Server. SSMS combines a broad group of graphical tools
with a number of rich script editors to provide developers and administrators of all skill levels access to SQL
Server. This release features improved compatibility with previous versions of SQL Server, a stand-alone web
installer, and toast notifications within SSMS when new releases become available.

Download SQL Server Management Studio - 17.0

NOTE
SSMS 17.X is the latest generation of SQL Server Management Studio and provides support for SQL Server 2017. SSMS is
free! It does not require a license to install and use.

NOTE
The SQL Server PowerShell module is now a separate install through the PowerShell Gallery. Please see the download
instructions for more information.

SQL Server Management Studio

Version Information
The release number: 17.0
The build number for this release: 14.0.17099.0
Supported SQL Server versions
This version of SSMS works with all supported versions of SQL Server (SQL Server 2008 - SQL Server 2017),
and provides the greatest level of support for working with the latest cloud features in Azure SQL Database, and
Azure SQL Data Warehouse.
There is no explicit block for SQL Server 2000 or SQL Server 2005, but some features may not work properly.
Additionally, SSMS 17.x can be installed side-by-side with SSMS 16.X or SQL Server 2014 SSMS and earlier.
Supported Operating systems
This release of SSMS supports the following platforms when used with the latest available service pack:
Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 (SP1), Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 (64-bit),
Windows Server 2012 R2 (64-bit), Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit)

NOTE
SSMS 17.0 is based on the Visual Studio 2015 Isolated shell, which was released before Windows Server 2016. Microsoft
takes app compatibility very seriously and ensures that already-shipped applications continue to run on the latest Windows
releases. Because of this, we do not anticipate that SSMS with all latest updates applied) will encounter issues when running
on Windows Server 2016. Customers are advised to contact support, should they encounter any issues with SSMS on
Windows Server 2016. Support will then work with customers to determine if the issue is with SSMS or Visual Studio or with
Windows compatibility, and route the issue appropriately.
Available Languages

NOTE
Non-English localized releases of SSMS require the KB 2862966 security update package if installing on: Windows 8,
Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.

This release of SSMS can be installed in the following languages:

Chinese (People's Republic of China) | Chinese (Taiwan) | English (United States) | French
German | Italian | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese (Brazil) | Russian | Spanish

New in this Release

SSMS 17.0 is the latest generation of SSMS. This release of SSMS provides support SQL Server 2017 (running on
Windows or Linux) and SQL Analysis Service PaaS. Additionally, 17.0 introduces numerous improvements across
many existing feature areas:
Over 100 connect issues fixed
SQL Server PowerShell module moved out of SSMS and into the PowerShell gallery
Icons updated to support high-DPI display modes
Numerous performance improvements in Object Explorer
WSUS support for upgrading to future 17.X versions
Improved Multi-factor authentication support
Enhancements to Availability Group functionality (Support for SQL Server on Linux, direct seeding, endpoint
URL handling, and more)
Showplan enhancements including new feature to analyze actual existing showplan to help diagnose issues
SQL Server Analysis Server 1400 support
New DAX Query Windows
Numerous other enhancements for Power Query support
For the full list of changes, see
SQL Server Management Studio - Changelog (SSMS)
To see the list of known issues and work arounds, see
SQL Server Management Studio - Release Notes
For information about user data collection, see
SQL Server Privacy Statement.

Previous releases
Previous SQL Server Management Studio Releases

Feedback
SQL Client Tools Forum | Log an issue or suggestion at Microsoft Connect.

See Also
Tutorial: SQL Server Management Studio
SQL Server Management Studio documentation
Microsoft SQL Server
Additional updates and service packs
Download SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
 SQL Server Management Studio - Changelog
(SSMS)
4/26/2017 27 min to read Edit Online

SSMS 17.0 release

Generally available | Build number: 14.0.17099.0
Enhancements
Upgrade package and Windows Software Update Services (WSUS)
Future 17.X releases include a smaller cumulative update package
The update package will also be published to the WSUS catalog
Icon Updates
Icons have been updated to be consistent with VS Shell provided icons and support High DPI
resolutions
New SSMS and Profiler program icons to differentiate between 16.X and 17.X versions
SQL PowerShell Module
SQL Server PowerShell module removed from SSMS and now ships via the PowerShell gallery
(PowerShell 5.0 now required to support module versioning)
Miscellaneous improvements to the "presentation" (formatting) of some SMO objects (e.g. databases
now show the size and the available space and tables show row count and space usage)
Added colorization when the PowerShell command prompt is invoked from the "Start PowerShell"
menu in OE
Added -ClusterType and -RequiredCopiesToCommit parameter to AG cmdlets (New-
SqlAvailabilityGroup, Join-SqlAvailabilityGroup, and Set-SqlAvailabilityGroup cmdlets)
Added parameters -ActiveDirectoryAuthority and -AzureKeyVaultResourceId to Add-
SqlAzureAuthenticationContext cmdlet
Added Revoke-SqlAvailabilityGroupCreateAnyDatabase, Grant-SqlAvailabilityGroupCreateAnyDatabase
and Set-SqlAvailabilityReplicaRoleToSecondary cmdlets
Added -SeedingMode parameter to Set-SqlAvailabilityReplica and New-SqlAvailabilityReplica cmdlets
Added -ConnectionString parameter to Get-SqlDatabase
SQL Server on Linux
General improvements and fixes for Log Shipping
Added support for native Linux paths Attach, Restore and Backup database
Added support for native Linux paths for audit log destination folder
Analysis Services
DAX Query Window:
Parentheses matching in the editor
DEFINE MEASURE and DEFINE VAR syntax support
Assorted Intellisense improvements
Universal Authentication
Allows users to specify a username and no password and the Azure Login Dialog will handle the
connection
SSMS PQ Integration:
Scripting of structured data sources works
 Viewing and Editing of structured data sources in PQ UI
New "Add Unique Constraint" template
Showplan
Show max instead of sum across the threads in properties window for elapsed time
Expose new mem grant operator properties
Enabled the "Edit Query" button in Live Query Statistics
Support for interleaved execution
New option to "Analyze Actual Execution Plan"
General improvements to showplan compare
Introduced functionality in Showplan Comparison feature to find significant differences in
Cardinality Estimation between matching nodes of two query plans and perform basic analysis of
the possible root causes
Removed Configuration Manager from Registered Servers explorer
Enable reading audit logs from Azure blob storage
Added Parameterization for Always Encrypted, please refer to this page for more details
AAD Universal auth connection to Azure SQL DB supports custom tenant id
Generate scripts for Azure SQL Database, now scripts full text, rules, and database
Branding fixes in splash screens for SSMS and Profiler
Removed Utility Control Point UI from SSMS
SSMS can now create "PremiumRS" edition SQL Azure databases
Always On Availability Groups
Add support for new cluster types: EXTERNAL and NONE
Add support for SQL Server on Linux
Add automatic seeding as an option for initial data synchronization
Fixed the some defects, e.g. endpoint URL handling, DB refresh and UI layout
Removed Azure replica related features
Improved IntelliSense for several Availability Group keywords
Activity Monitor
Added new "Activity Monitor" pane to the SSMS Output window
Changed connection error/timeout message to log info to output window rather than a pop up
message
Removed empty chart (5th chart) in Overview section
Added "(paused)" to Overview title if the Activity Monitor data collection is paused
Graph Extensions to SQL Server
New icons for graph node and edge tables
Graph node and edge tables will be displayed under Graph Tables folder
Templates to create graph node and edge tables available
Presentation Mode
3 new tasks available via Quick Launch (Ctr-Q)
PresentOn - Turn on presentation mode
PresentEdit - Edit the presentation font sizes for presentation mode. "Text Editor font" for the Query
Editor. "Environment font" for other components.
RestoreDefaultFonts - Revert back to default settings.
Note: there is currently no PresentOff command at this time. Use RestoreDefaultFonts to turn off
Presentation Mode
Bug fixes
Fixed an issue where SSMS crashed when showplan scrolled via surfacebook touchpad
Fixed an issue where SSMS hangs for a long times while getting the properties of a databases which is being
restored or offline
Fixed an issue where "Help viewer" could not be opened in RC builds
Fixed an issue where "Maintenance Plans Tasks Toolbox" items may be missing in SSMS.
Fixed an issue in SSMS where the user was unable to shrink a database when the database name contained
curly braces. Connect Item
Fixed an issue where SSMS was trying to script the deletion of an Azure database was actually causing the
deletion of the database itself. Connect Item
Fixed an issue where default values were not scripted for user defined table types. Connect Item
Another round of perf improvements around context menu on indexes. Connect Item
Fixed issue which was causing excessive flickering when hovering mouse over missing index in execution plan.
Connect Item
Fixed an issue where SSMS was taking the DB offline when scripting Connect Item
Miscellaneous UI fixes on localized (non-English) versions of SSMS.
Fixed issue where "Always Encrypted Keys" node was missing when targeting SQL 2016 SP1 Standard Edition.
Always Encrypted
"Always Encrypted" menu was incorrectly enabled when targeting SQL 2016 RTM Standard Edition or
any SQL 2014 (and below) servers
Fixed an issue where IntelliSense is reporting an error when the CREATE OR ALTER syntax is used
Fixed issue where encryption fails in case CMK/CEK contain characters that should be escaped, i.e.
enclosed in brackets
When an Out of Memory exception occurs in SSMS, the user is presented an error that suggests to use
the native (64bit) PowerShell instead.
Fixed issue where the AE wizard was failing in case the user was using Resource Group Manager
subscriptions instead of Classic Azure subscriptions
Fixed issue where AE wizard was showing an incorrect error when the user had no permissions in any
subscriptions or had no Azure Key Vaults in any of them.
Fixed issue in AE wizard where the Azure Key Vault sign-in page was not showing Azure subscriptions
in case of multiple AAD
Fixed issue in AE wizard where the Azure Key Vault sign-in page was not showing Azure subscriptions
for which the user has reader permission
Fixed an issue where resource files may not be loaded correctly, thus resulting in inaccurate error
messages
Improved contrast of hyperlinks on SSMS Setup page
Fixed an issue where Polybase nodes were not displayed when connected to SQL Server Express (2016 SP1)
Fixed an issue where SSMS is unable to change the Compatibility Level of an Azure DB to v140
Improved performance of Object Explorer when expanding the list of Azure databases Connect Item
Fixed an issue where "View SQL Server Log" context menu item appeared incorrectly for non-relational server
types (AS\RS\IS)
Fixed an issue where checking syntax of an Analysis Services partition query using SQL auth could result in
login failed message
Fixed an issue where renaming a preview 1400 compat-level AS tabular model would fail in SSMS
Fixed an operation failed on model issue that could occur after attempting an invalid operation on the AS
server in rare circumstances, revert local changes after unsuccessful save on the model
Fixed a typo in Analysis Services Synchronize Database popup dialog
Backup/restore container dialogs come up offscreen on multiple monitor setups.
SecurityPolicy create fails if target object has ] in its name.
SSMS 2016 "Open recent" menu doesn't show recently saved files. Connect Item
Removed reset of user settings when VS Shell is updated.
Fixed an issue that was preventing the user from being able to change Compatibility Level of a database on
SQL Server 2017.
Query windows using AAD Universal authentication cannot refresh the query after an hour.
Utility Control Point UI removed from SSMS.
AD Universal auth connections fail to query data after the initial token expiration.
Unable to script Rules from Azure SQL DB to Azure SQL DB.
Fixed issue were SQL PowerShell was not able to connect legacy SQL instances (2014 and older). Connect Item
Fixed an issue that was causing SSMS to crash when failing to import registered servers.
Fixed an issue that was causing SSMS to crash if a user has certain permissions an a database.
SSMS - tables disappear from design surface while reviewing views. Connect Item
The table scrollbar does not allow the user to scroll the table content, only the up/down Arrow allow this. Its
also possible to scroll the table content after trying to scroll using the scrollbar which is a bug. Connect Item
Registered Servers not displaying icons after refreshing the root node.
Script button for Create Database on Azure v12 servers executes script then displays message "No action to be
scripted".
SSMS Connect to Server dialog does not clear "Additional Properties" tab for each new connection.
Generate Tasks script doesn't generate Create Database scripts for an Azure SQL DB.
Scrollbar in View Designer appears disabled.
Always Encrypted AVK key paths do not include version ids.
Reduced number of engine edition queries in the query window. Connect Item
Always Encrypted errors from refreshing modules after encryption are incorrectly handled.
Changed default connection timeout for OLTP and OLAP from 15 to 30 seconds to fix a class of ignored
connection failures.
Fixed a crash in SSMS when custom report is launched. Connect Item
Fixed an issue where "Generate Script" fails for Azure SQL databases.
Fix "Script As" and "Generate Script Wizard" to not add extra newlines when scripting objects such as stored
procedures. Connect Item
SQLAS PowerShell Provider: Add LastProcessed property to Dimension and MeasureGroup folders. Connect
Item
Live Query Statistics: fixed issue where it was only showing the first query in a batch. Connect Item
Showplan: show max instead of sum across the threads in properties window.
Query Store: add new report on queries with high execution variation.
Object explorer performance issues: Connect Item
Context menu for tables momentarily hangs
SSMS is slow when right-clicking an index for a table (over a remote (Internet) connection).
Avoid issuing table queries that sort on the server
Removed Azure Deployment Wizard (Deploy Database to Azure VM) from SSMS
Fixed issue where missing indexes were not shown in execution plans in SSMS Connect Item
Fixed common crash-on-shutdown issue in SSMS
Fixed issue in Object Explorer where an error occurred when bringing up the context menu on the
Polybase|Scale-Out Group nodes Connect Item
Fixed an issue where SSMS may crash when trying to display the permissions on a database
Query Store: general enhancements in context menu items for result grids of query store report
Configuring Always Encrypted for an existing table fails with errors on unrelated objects. Connect Item
Configuring Always Encrypted for an existing database with multiple schemas doesn't work. Connect Item
The Always Encrypted, Encrypted Column wizard fails due to the database containing views that reference
 system views. Connect Item
When encrypting using Always Encrypted, errors from refreshing modules after encryption are incorrectly
handled.
Fixed UI truncation issue on "New Server Registration" dialog
Fix DMF Condition UI incorrectly updating expressions that contain string constant values with quotes in them
Fixed an issue that may cause SSMS to crash when running custom reports
Add Execution in Scale Out menu item to the folder node
Fixed an issue with Azure SQL DB firewall whitelist IP address feature
Fixed an issue in SSMS which caused an Object reference not set exception when editing the source of AS
multi-dimensional partition
Fixed an issue in SSMS which caused an Object reference not set exception when deleting a customer
assembly from multi-dimensional AS server
Fixed an issue where renaming an AS tabular 1400 db failed
Fixed an issue with scripting a 1400 compat-level AS tabular datasource from connection properties dialog
Remove assumption that tables in AS 1400 compat-level model have at least one partition
Ctrl-R now toggles results pane in SSMS DAX query editor

SSMS 16.5.3 release

Generally available | Build number: 13.0.16106.4
The following issues were fixed this release:
Fixed an issue introduced in SSMS 16.5.2 which was causing the expansion of the 'Table' node when the
table had more than one sparse column.
Users can deploy SSIS packages containing OData Connection Manager which connect to a Microsoft
Dynamics AX/CRM Online resource to SSIS catalog. For more information, see OData Connection Manager.
Configuring Always Encrypted on an existing table fails with errors on unrelated objects. Connect ID
3103181
Configuring Always Encrypted for an existing database with multiple schemas doesn't work. Connect ID
3109591
The Always Encrypted, Encrypted Column wizard fails due to the database containing views that reference
system views. Connect ID 3111925
When encrypting using Always Encrypted, errors from refreshing modules after encryption are incorrectly
handled.
Open recent menu doesn't show recently saved files. Connect ID 3113288
SSMS is slow when right-clicking an index for a table (over a remote (Internet) connection). Connect ID
3114074
Fixed an issue with the SQL Designer scrollbar. Connect ID 3114856
Context menu for tables momentarily hangs
SSMS occasionally throws exceptions in Activity Monitor and crashes. Connect ID 697527
SSMS 2016 crashes with error "The process was terminated due to an internal error in the .NET Runtime at
IP 71AF8579 (71AE0000) with exit code 80131506"

SSMS 16.5.1 release

Generally available | Build number: 13.0.16100.1
Fixed an issue where Invoke-Sqlcmd erroneously inserts multiple rows when check constraint occurs.
Microsoft Connect Item: 811560
Fixed an issue where non-ENU language versions do not work completely when creating Availability
Groups.
Fixed an issue where clicking query plan XML does not open the proper SSMS UI.

SSMS 16.5 release

Generally available | Build number: 13.0.16000.28
Fixed an issue where a crash could occur when a database with table name containing ;: was clicked on.
Fixed an issue where changes made to the Model page in AS Tabular Database Properties window would script
out the original definition. Microsoft Connect Item: 3080744
Fixed the issue that temporary files are added to the Recent Files list.
Microsoft Connect Item: 2558789
Fixed the issue that Manage Compression menu item is disabled for the user table nodes in object
explorer tree.
Microsoft Connect Item: 3104616
Fixed the issue that user is not able to set the font size for object explorer, registered server explorer,
template explorer as well as object explorer details. Font for the explorers will be using the Environment
font.
Microsoft Connect Item: 691432
Fixed the issue that SSMS always reconnect to the default database when connection is lost.
Microsoft Connect Item: 3102337
Fixed many of high dpi issues in policy management and query editor window including the execution plan
icons.
Fixed the issue that option to config font and color for Extended Event is missing.
Fixed the issue of SSMS crashes that occur when closing the application or when it is trying to show the
error dialog.

SSMS 16.4.1 (September 2016) release

Generally available | Build number: 13.0.15900.1
Fixed an issue where attempting to ALTER/Modify a Stored Procedure fails:
Microsoft Connect item #3103831
New 'Read-SqlTableData', 'Read-SqlViewData', and 'Write-SqlTableData' cmdlets to view and write data
using PowerShell.
Trello Read-SqlTableData Card
Microsoft Connect item #2685363
New 'Add-SqlLogin' cmdlet to enable new login management scenarios using PowerShell.
Microsoft Connect item #2588952
Improved support and usability for users connecting to various national clouds.
Fixed an issue where an Out Of Memory Exceptions were being thrown.
Microsoft Connect item #3062914
 Microsoft Connect item #3074856
Fixed an issue where filtering by schema was not a valid filter option.
Microsoft Connect item #3058105
Microsoft Connect item #3101136
Fixed an issue where the Monitor window for a stretched database would not be accessible.
Fixed an issue where the F1 Help always opened online content. Users can now select whether they prefer
online or offline help via the "Set Help Preference" in the Help menu.
Microsoft Connect item #2826366
Fixed an issue where scripting out a 1200-level Analysis Services tabular model wouldnt strip out the
password for scripting, even though the server version had [client model object is now syncd before
scripting].
Fixed an issue where 'SELECT TOP N ROWS' option generated deprecated syntax for the the TOP operator.
Microsoft Connect item #3065435
Fixed various layout issues throughout SSMS, including the Login Properties page and Advanced Query
Execution Options.
Microsoft Connect item #3058199
Microsoft Connect item #3079122
Microsoft Connect item #3071384
Fixed an issue where a solution was created automatically whenever a user opened a new query window.
Microsoft Connect item #2924667
Microsoft Connect item #2917742
Microsoft Connect item #2612635
Fixed an issue where temporal tables could not be expanded in Object Explorer when in system databases.
Microsoft Connect item #2551649
Fixed an issue where SSMS runs a query to SELECT @@trancount after executing a batch.
Microsoft Connect item #3042364
Fixed an issue in Analysis Services where creating a script from a server's properties page resulted in a
hidden connection dialog.
Fixed an issue where Ctrl+Q would not select the Quick Launch toolbar.
Fixed an issue where changing the MaxSize of a database using the Server Properties dialog was broken
for databases > 2 TB.
Microsoft Connect item #1231091
Fixed an issue where the Restore Database wizard wouldn't accept filenames with leading whitespaces:
Microsoft Connect item #2395147

SSMS 16.3 (August 2016) release

Generally available | Version number: 13.0.15700.28
SSMS monthly releases are now branded numerically.
New authentication option 'Active Directory Universal Authentication'. This is a token-based
authentication mechanism driven by Azure Active Directory that supports multi-factor, password, and
integrated authentication mechanisms.
New Extended Events templates matching the functionality of SQL Server Profiler templates (Microsoft
Connect item #2543925).. Learn more about the included SQL Server Profiler templates.
New Create database and database properties dialogs for Azure SQL databases.
New 'Get-SqlLogin' and 'Remove-SqlLogin' cmdlets to help perform SQL Server login management using
PowerShell.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2588952.
New PowerShell cmdlet 'New-SqlColumnMasterKeySettings' that adds support for creation of column
master keys for arbitrary providers and key paths.
New 'Create database' dialog to streamline creation of Azure SQL databases in SSMS>
Support for filtering in the 'Databases' node of SSMS Object Explorer. Navigate to the 'Databases' node in
Object explorer and click the filter icon in the Object explorer toolbar to filter the list of databases.
Support for Azure-Resource Manager (ARM) type storage accounts in the Backup and Restore wizards.
Intial beta support for high-resolution displays.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #1129301, Microsoft Connect item #1858763, Microsoft Connect item #1852671,
Microsoft Connect item #1487643, Microsoft Connect item #1355641, Microsoft Connect item #2161595,
Microsoft Connect item #1854041, Microsoft Connect item #1055617, Microsoft Connect item #2448774,
Microsoft Connect item #1521405, Microsoft Connect item #2117853, Microsoft Connect item #2014256,
Microsoft Connect item #2162218, Microsoft Connect item #2344551, Microsoft Connect item #1664436,
Microsoft Connect item #2554043, Microsoft Connect item #2983216, Microsoft Connect item #2021706
Improvements in Database Engine Tuning Advisor (DTA) to support automatically reading a workload from
the SQL Server Query Store.
Improvements in Database Engine Tuning Advisor (DTA) to display index recommendations for clustered
columnstore indexes, non-clustered columnstore indexes, and rowstore indexes.
Support for sending Database Console (DBCC) commands using SQL Server Analysis Services PowerShell
cmdlets.
Bug fix to view cleartext of decrypted AlwaysEncrypted large object (LOB) columns in SSMS.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2413024
Bug fix in Always Encrypted dialog to fix crash when Windows visual styles aren't enabled (e.g. enabling
high contrast display).
Bug fix for 'Method not found' error preventing connection to SQL Server instances.
Bug fix for SSMS crash when creating a partition function with datetime offset.
Bug fix to add remove Microsoft .NET 3.5 requirement for starting Distributed Replay administration tool
(DReplay.exe).
Bug fix in Analysis Services Deployment wizard to support fully-qualified server names.
Bug fix in SSMS to display partitions in Analysis Services tabular models with a 2016 compatibility model.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2845053
Performance improvements and bug fixes in Analysis services tabular models, and SQL Server Shared
Management Objects (SMO).
SSMS July 2016 hotfix update release
Generally available | Version number: 13.0.15600.2
Bug fix in SSMS to enable missing right-click menu items.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2883440
Microsoft Connect item #2909644
Microsoft Connect item #2924345

SSMS July 2016 release

Generally available | Version number: 13.0.15500.91
Edit, July 5th: Improved support for SQL Server 2016 (1200 compatibility level) tabular databases
in the Analysis Services Process dialog and the Analysis Services deployment wizard.
Edit, July 5th: New option in SSMS 'query execution options' dialog to set 'XACT_ABORT'. This
option is enabled by default in this release of SSMS and instructs SQL Server to rollback the
entire transaction and abort the batch if a run-time error occurs.
Support for Azure SQL Data Warehouse in SSMS.
Significant updates to the SQL Server PowerShell module. This includes a new SQL PowerShell
module and new CMDLETs for Always Encrypted, SQL Agent, and SQL Error Logs.
Support for PowerShell script generation in the Always Encrypted wizard.
Significantly improved connection times to Azure SQL databases.
New Backup to URL dialog to support the creation of Azure storage credentials for SQL Server
2016 database backups. This provides a more streamlined experience for storing database
backups in an Azure storage account.
New Restore dialog to streamline restoring a SQL Server 2016 database backup from the
Microsoft Azure storage service.
Bug fix in SSMS query designer to allow adding tables to the designer if a user doesnt have
SELECT permissions on them.
Bug fix to add IntelliSense support for 'TRY_CAST()', and 'TRY_CONVERT()' functions.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2453461.
Bug fix in PowerShell module to enable loading of SQLAS Analysis Services extension.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2544902.
Bug fix in the SSMS editor window to allow drag-and-drop open of Sql files.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2690658.
Bug fix in Profiler to fix Profiler crash when exiting.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2616550.
Microsoft Connect item #2319968.
Bug fix in SSMS to prevent crash when trying to edit a join link in the SSMS table designer.
 Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2721052.
Bug fix in SSMS to enable database script generation for db_owner role members.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2869241.
Bug fix in SSMS editor to remove the delay in closing a query tab if the server has gone offline.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2656058.
Bug fix to enable Backup option in SQL Server Express databases.
Linked customer bug requests:
Microsoft Connect item #2801910.
Microsoft Connect item #2874434.
Bug fix in Analysis Services to correctly show the Data Feed provider for multi-dimensional
Analysis Services models.

SSMS June 2016 generally available release

Generally available | Version number: 13.0.15000.23
SSMS is generally available starting with the June 2016 release.
New quick find dialog in SSMS that is better integrated into the current document and allows
searching via regular expressions.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2735513/quick-find-replace-in-ssms-2016-
rc3/
Improvements in SSMS installer to allow you to track installation progress and process exit codes
for unattended installations via scripts.
Bug fix in SSMS context-sensitive F1 help to correctly display help documents and articles.
Bug fix in Query Data Store 'Regressed Queries' view that caused SSMS to crash when scrolling.
Bug fix in Excel Analysis Services OLEDB connector to allow connections from Excel 2016 to SQL
Server Analysis Services.
Bug fix in SSMS Connection dialog to show the connection dialog on the same monitor as the
main SSMS window in multi-monitor systems.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/724909/connection-dialog-appears-off-screen/
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/755689/sql-server-management-studio-
connect-to-server-popup-dialog/
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/389165/sql-server-management-studio-gets-
confused-dealing-with-multiple-displays/
Bug fixes in Always Encrypted experience. Fixed bug where Always Encrypted menu option was
not enabled correctly for Stretch databases. Also fixed bug in the Always Encrypted wizard where
it was not properly using the SafeNet (Luna SA) HSM provider.

SSMS April 2016 Preview

Version number: 13.0.14000.36
Improvement in the SSMS installer to add human-readable error messages.
Improvement in the Stretch database wizard to add support for predicates.
Improvement in the AlwaysEncrypted Powershell commandlet to add key encryption APIs.
Bug fix to turn off IntelliSense in the SSMS toolbar if it has been disabled in the Tools,Options
dialog.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2555163/sql-2016-rc2-turning-off-
intellisense-from-options-does-not-turn-it-off-on-toolbar/
Improvements and bug fixes in the Showplan comparison user interface to reduce the spacing
used by long query plans.
Bug fixes in SSMS to fix issues that caused SSMS to crash when exiting.
Bug fixes in the Always Encrypted wizard to retain user permissions during encryption and to
allow database detach operations after the wizard is complete.
Bug fix in Always Encrypted New Column Master Key dialog to provide feedback on attempt to
generate a key using an unsupported Cryptographic Algorithm (CNG) provider.

SSMS March 2016 Preview Refresh

Version number: 13.0.13000.55
SSMS now uses the Visual Studio 2015 Isolated Shell.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2390544/update-ssms-to-use-visual-studio-
2015-dependencies/
New quick launch toolbar that helps you to quickly find menu items, and options. (VS 2015
Isolated shell)
Improvements in SSMS theming options to add support for an SSMS light theme. (VS 2015
Isolated shell)
Bug fix in SSMS tools menu option to correctly reset query shortcuts if the "Reset to Default"
button is pressed.
Bug fix in SSMS new project templates to display easily readable template names.
Resolved error with viewing the SQL Agent job history in SSMS.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2458860/error-viewing-job-history-microsoft-
datawarehouse-sqm/
Bug fix to allow off-line installation of SSMS. This allows you to install without the need for an
Internet connection. (VS 2015 Isolated shell)
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2497178/cannot-install-ssms-when-server-
has-no-internet-access/
Bug fix to keep user's current directory when SQL Server PowerShell (SQLPS) module is imported.
Linked customer bug requests:
 https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2434605/loading-sqlps-module-changes-
current-directory-to-ps-sqlserver/
Bug fix in SQL Server PowerShell (SQLPS) module to use approved PowerShell verbs.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2432891/sqlps-module-uses-unapproved-
powershell-verbs/
Bug fix in SQL Server Powershell (SQLPS) module to load module faster.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2429153/sqlps-module-is-slow-to-load/
Bug fix in SQL Agent Job Steps to allow modifying a job step.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2453996/issues-with-agent-in-ssms-2016-rc0-
13-0-12000-65/
Bug fix in SSMS Object explorer to list tables alphabetically.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2424718/sql-server-2016-ssms-table-list-
confusing/
Bug fix in 'available databases' drop down to show accurate list of database names when a SQL
Server connection is changed.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2513420/available-databases-drop-down-box-
does-not-update-when-connection-changes-in-ssms/
Bug fix in SSMS Keyboard shortcuts to move focus to 'available databases' dropdown if 'CTRL+U'
keystroke pressed
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2534820/ssms-ctrl-u-doesnt-work/

SSMS March 2016 Preview

Version number: 13.0.12500.29
Improvement in SSMS web installer to allow navigation using keyboard keys.
Improvement in AlwaysEncrypted wizard to support alias data types for encryption.
Bug Fix in AlwaysOn 'New Availability Group' wizard to display the correct number of maximum
automatic failover targets.
Linked customer bug requests: https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2333670/ssms-
is-showing-the-wrong-number-of-maximum-automatic-failover-targets/
Bug fix in SSMS web installer to fix errors affecting installation.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2181548/sql-server-2016-ctp-3-2-
management-studio-setup/
Bug fix in SSMS preview release to enable saving maintenance plans on SQL Server 2012 and
below.
Bug fixes in Backup wizard to allow custom multiple backup names for striped backups, and to
display appropriate backup file name if a new name is entered after a storage credential is
selected.
SSMS February 2016 Preview
Version number: 13.0.12000.65
Improvement in Activity monitor to display text options when high contrast settings are enabled
in SSMS.
Improvement in the Always Encrypted wizard dialog to display a warning if the collation for a
column will be changed during the encryption process.
Improvement in policy management to add support for creating conditions on Column
Encryption Keys, Column Encryption Key Values, and Column Master keys.
Bug fix to improve usability of Always Encrypted master key cleanup dialog and Always
Encrypted error messages.
Bug fix to disable Always Encrypted column master key rotation if only one key exists.
Bug fix for 'type initializer' error that occurs if Always Encrypted dialog is launched using the
SSMS January release or the SSMS release bundled with the SQL Server RC0 media.

SSMS January 2016 Preview

Version number: 13.0.11000.78
Bug fix in SSMS to allow the deletion of Extended Events (XEvent) sessions.
Bug fix to open properties dialog for a SQL Server 2014 availability group.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1609719/
Bug fix to enable the ability to add an Azure replica to an availability group.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2029135/
Bug fix to open properties dialog for SQL Server 2014 databases.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2080209/
Bug fix to remove duplicate columns that appear for each table when connected to an Azure SQL
database.
Linked customer bug requests:

https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2103116/
SSMS December 2015 Preview
Version number: 13.0.900.73
Improvements to Showplan comparison to enable comparison of the current query execution
plan with one saved in a file.
Improved IntelliSense support for inline columnstore indexes in SSMS.
Bug fix in Extended Events session wizard to enable selection of templates when connected to an
Azure V12 server.
 New tab-stops in the "Create Audit" and "New Login" dialogs under the Security folder to enable
easier keyboard navigation.
Bug fix to enable functionality to "Switch to results tab after query execution" if SSMS is set to
display results in grid format.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1390296/switch-to-results-tab-after-query-
execution-grid-mode-in-ssms-2016
Bug fix to display un-truncated column headers if SSMS is set to display results in grid format.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2004111/bugbash-column-headers-in-grid-
mode-truncated-with-courier-new-8
Bug fixes to allow proper installation of SSMS web installer.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2003865/ssms-october-preview-incoherent-
error-message
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/2079557/unable-to-instal-sql-server-update-
13-0-800-111-over-13-0-700-242-error-code-2711

SSMS November 2015 Preview

Version number: 13.0.800.111
Bitmap scaling support for High-DPI displays in SSMS.
Improvements to the user-interface of AlwaysEncrypted dialogs and wizards to simplify the
process of creating database encryption keys.
New right-click context menu option in "Processes" list in Activity monitor to view Live Query
Statistics.
Bug fix to enable proper uninstall of SSMS preview releases on client machines.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1868474/ssms-2016-preview-can-be-
installed-but-not-uninstalled
Bug fix to allow editing of job steps in SQL Job Agent even when a file is missing.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1769778/management-studio-2016-sql-job-
agent
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1502100/ssms-preview-error
Bug fix in "View Target Data" menu option for an Extended Events Session on a database
running in an Azure virtual machine.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1769778/management-studio-2016-sql-job-
agent

SSMS October 2015 Preview

Version number: 13.0.700.242
New modernized lightweight web installer that simplifies the SSMS download and install
 process.
New Always Encrypted column encryption wizard that enables client-side encryption and
decryption of selected columns.
New Column Master Key (CMK) rotation dialog for Always Encrypted databases that simplifies
the process of rotating encryption keys to keep data secure.
New stretch database monitor that allows you to troubleshoot and monitor the migration status
of data to the Azure cloud.
Improvements to the Stretch database wizard to support choosing a Microsoft Azure server that
is not in the default Microsoft Azure subscription.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1687063/cannot-choose-from-multiple-
microsoft-azure-subscriptions
Bug fix to allow proper display of live execution plan in SSMS.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1774446/viewing-live-execution-plan-from-
activity-monitor-crashes-ssms
Bug fix to remove invalid options in SSMS scripting of database snapshots
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1515168/ssms-scripting-of-database-snapshots-
includes-invalid-options
Bug fix in Query Data Store UI to show details in the "Top Resource Consuming Queries" pane.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1737185/sql-server-2016-overall-resource-
consumption-query-store-pane-issue

SSMS September 2015 Preview

Version number: 13.0.600.65
New firewall rule dialog that streamlines the process of connecting to an Azure SQL database.
Updated "New index" dialog allowing the creation of non-clustered rowstore indexes even when
a clustered columnstore index is present. This functionality is available for SQL 2016 and beyond.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1552617/creation-of-nc-index-when-
clustered-columnstore-index
Bug fix to allow viewing and editing SQL Agent job steps in SSMS preview releases running on
Windows 7.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1548140/cannot-view-or-edit-any-sql-agent-
job-step,
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1626895/unable-to-load-dll-dts,
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1576662/error-creating-new-job-step
Bug fix to display trigger nodes in SSMS for SQL Server 2014 and later.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1617533/trigger-node-missing
Bug fixes in database and server standard report user interface to exclude version information
from header.
 Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1387471/report-headings-wrongly-named
Bug fix to prevent a Live Query Statistics node from displaying as complete when it's incomplete.
Linked customer bug requests:
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/1589096/live-query-statistics-node-shows-as-
completed

SSMS August 2015 Preview

Version number: 13.0.500.53
Object explorer updates to reduce loading delay when there are a large number of databases.
Improvements for installation of SSMS on Windows 10 machines.
Bug fixes and updates to SQL Server Configuration manager, and SSMS user reports user
interface

SSMS July 2015 Preview

Version number: 13.0.400.91
Database diagrams for Azure SQL Database (V12).
Improved IntelliSense support for new temporal table syntax.
Updated DacFx library to support latest Azure SQL databases features including row-level
security and Azure Active directory authentication.
Bug fixes (updated 'check for update' UI, UI fix in 'compatibility level' list and more).

SSMS June 2015 Preview

Version number: 13.0.300.44
New SSMS light-weight web installer.
Automatic check for updates.
SSMS now has full-text-search support for Azure SQL Database (V12).
Top customer requests addressed:
'Edit Top 200 Rows' enabled for tables and views in Object Explorer.
Table designer enabled for Azure SQL Database (V12).
Database and table property dialogs enabled for Azure SQL Database (V12).
New option to skip prompt to save T-SQL files.
Import/Export wizard support for new Azure SQL Database service tiers (Basic, Standard,
Premium).
Numerous bug fixes (scripting scenarios, enabling change tracking for SQL databases, and
more).
 SQL Server Management Studio - Release Notes
4/26/2017 2 min to read Edit Online

Welcome to our generally-available release of SQL Server Management Studio! This release of SQL Server
Management Studio (SSMS) is a stand-alone install outside of the SQL Server release. Our goal is to update this
frequently with new functionality, fixes, and support for the newest features in SQL Server and Azure SQL
Database.
To install the latest SQL Server Management Studio, see Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
The following are issues and limitations with this release of SQL Server Management Studio:
1. Restore Database Wizard generates an Incorrect Path Pattern for destination database file
location This is a known issue when SSMS is connected to a Linux server. Even though the path looks
incorrect/odd, it is handled correctly on the server side, i.e. there is no functional issue.
2. File Browser Issues
When working with a Windows-based SQL Server 2017 CTP 2.0 instance, the file browser UI in SSMS
may fail to open if the server has an empty floppy drive or a fixed disk protected by Bitlocker installed.
The file browser UI no longer supports versions of SQL Server 2017 prior to CTP 2.0.
3. Only a single Azure Active Directory account can log in for an SSMS instance using Active
Directory Universal Authentication.
This restriction is limited to Active Directory Universal Authentication - you can log in to different servers
using Active Directory Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server
Authentication.
As a workaround, you can use another instance of SSMS to login as another Azure Active Directory account.
4. Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFx) commands and the Schema Designer in SSMS do not
support Active Directory Universal Authentication.
Commands that use DacFx (e.g. import and export), the schema designer in SSMS do not currently support
Active Directory Universal Authentication.
As a workaround, you can use the other forms of authentication provided in SSMS - Active Directory
Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server Authentication.
5. SSMS can only connect to SQL Server 2016 Integrated Services (SSIS 2016) instances.
There is a known compatibility limitation with SQL Server Integration Services that prevents connecting to
previous versions.
As a workaround for this problem, you can connect to your SQL Server Integration Service instance by using
the SSMS release aligned with your SSIS instance.
6. SSMS won't save maintenance plans for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier SQL Server versions.
This is a known limitation that we hope to address in the future. In the meantime, you can use the SSMS
2014 release to save the maintenance plans.
7. Non-English SSMS installations may require the installation of an additional security package.
Non-English localized releases of SSMS require the KB 2862966 security update package if installing on:
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Feedback
 SQL Client Tools Forum | Log an issue or suggestion at Microsoft Connect.

See Also
SQL Server Management Studio Tutorial
Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Previous SQL Server Management Studio Releases
 Previous SQL Server Management Studio Releases
4/26/2017 17 min to read Edit Online

The following previous releases of SQL Server Management Studio are available.

SQL Server Management Studio 16.5.3 release

Version Information
This release of SSMS uses the Visual Studio 2015 Isolated shell.
The release number: 16.5.3
The build number for this release: 13.0.16106.4

Changelog
16.5.3
The following issues were fixed this release:
Fixed an issue introduced in SSMS 16.5.2 which was causing the expansion of the 'Table' node when the
table had more than one sparse column.
Users can deploy SSIS packages containing OData Connection Manager which connect to a Microsoft
Dynamics AX/CRM Online resource to SSIS catalog. For more information, see OData Connection Manager.
Configuring Always Encrypted on an existing table fails with errors on unrelated objects. Connect ID
3103181
Configuring Always Encrypted for an existing database with multiple schemas doesn't work. Connect ID
3109591
The Always Encrypted, Encrypted Column wizard fails due to the database containing views that reference
system views. Connect ID 3111925
When encrypting using Always Encrypted, errors from refreshing modules after encryption are incorrectly
handled.
Open recent menu doesn't show recently saved files. Connect ID 3113288
SSMS is slow when right-clicking an index for a table (over a remote (Internet) connection). Connect ID
3114074
Fixed an issue with the SQL Designer scrollbar. Connect ID 3114856
Context menu for tables momentarily hangs
SSMS occasionally throws exceptions in Activity Monitor and crashes. Connect ID 697527
SSMS 2016 crashes with error "The process was terminated due to an internal error in the .NET Runtime at
IP 71AF8579 (71AE0000) with exit code 80131506"

SQL Server Management Studio 16.5 release

Version Information
This release of SSMS uses the Visual Studio 2015 Isolated shell.
The release number: 16.5
The build number for this release: 13.0.16000.28
Known Issues with this Build
1. Invoke-Sqlcmd erroneously inserts multiple rows when check constraint occurs. Microsoft Connect Item:
811560
2. Non-ENU language versions do not work completely when creating Availability Groups.
3. Clicking query plan XML does not open the proper SSMS UI.
Changelog
Fixed an issue where a crash could occur when a database with table name containing ;: was clicked on.
Fixed an issue where changes made to the Model page in AS Tabular Database Properties window would script
out the original definition. Microsoft Connect Item: 3080744
Fixed the issue that temporary files are added to the Recent Files list.
Microsoft Connect Item: 2558789
Fixed the issue that Manage Compression menu item is disabled for the user table nodes in object explorer
tree.
Microsoft Connect Item: 3104616
Fixed the issue that user is not able to set the font size for object explorer, registered server explorer,
template explorer as well as object explorer details. Font for the explorers will be using the Environment font.
Microsoft Connect Item: 691432
Fixed the issue that SSMS always reconnect to the default database when connection is lost.
Microsoft Connect Item: 3102337
Fixed many of high dpi issues in policy management and query editor window including the execution plan
icons.
Fixed the issue that option to config font and color for Extended Event is missing.
Fixed the issue of SSMS crashes that occur when closing the application or when it is trying to show the error
dialog.

SQL Server Management Studio 16.4.1 (September 2016) release

Version Information
This release of SSMS uses the Visual Studio 2015 Isolated shell.
The release number: 16.4.1
The build number for this release: 13.0.15900.1
Known Issues with this Build
1. Only a single Azure Active Directory account can log in for an SSMS instance using Active
Directory Universal Authentication.
This restriction is limited to Active Directory Universal Authentication - you can log in to different servers
using Active Directory Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server
Authentication.
As a workaround, you can use another instance of SSMS to login as another Azure Active Directory account.
2. Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFx) commands and the Schema Designer in SSMS do not
support Active Directory Universal Authentication.
Commands that use DacFx (e.g. import and export), the schema designer in SSMS do not currently support
Active Directory Universal Authentication.
 As a workaround, you can use the other forms of authentication provided in SSMS - Active Directory
Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server Authentication.
3. SSMS can only connect to SQL Server 2016 Integrated Services (SSIS 2016) instances.
There is a known compatibility limitation with SQL Server Integration Services that prevents connecting to
previous versions.
As a workaround for this problem, you can connect to your SQL Server Integration Service instance by using
the SSMS release aligned with your SSIS instance.
4. SSMS won't save maintenance plans for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier SQL Server versions.
This is a known limitation that we hope to address in the future. In the meantime, you can use the SSMS
2014 release to save the maintenance plans.
5. Non-English SSMS installations may require the installation of an additional security package.
Non-English localized releases of SSMS require the KB 2862966 security update package if installing on:
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.
6. SQL Server Configuration Manager will fail to launch if there is no SQL Server installed on the
client machine
If you do not have SQL Server installed on your client machine and launch SQL Server Configuration
Manager, you will see the following error:
Cannot connect to WMI provider. You do not have permission or the server is unreachable. Note that you
can only manage SQL Server 2005 and later servers with SQL Server Configuration Manager. Invalid
namespace \[0x8004100e]
,
If you have added your SQL Server instances to 'Registered Servers' list in SSMS:
a. Navigate to 'Registered Servers' view in SSMS.
b. Right-click the SQL Server instance you would like to configure.
c. Select 'SQL Server Configuration Manager...' from the right-click menu.
If you have not added a SQL Server instance to 'Registered Servers' list in SSMS:
a. Open a command promopt as Administrator.
b. Run the Mofcomp tool using the following command:
mofcomp "%programfiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL Server\130\Shared\sqlmgmproviderxpsp2up.mof"
c. After you run the Mofcomp tool, run the following commands to restart the WMI service for
the changes to take effect:
net stop "Windows Management Instrumentation"
net start Windows Management Instrumentation

Changelog
Fixed an issue where attempting to ALTER/Modify a Stored Procedure fails:
Microsoft Connect item #3103831
New 'Read-SqlTableData', 'Read-SqlViewData', and 'Write-SqlTableData' cmdlets to view and write data
using PowerShell.
Trello Read-SqlTableData Card
Microsoft Connect item #2685363
New 'Add-SqlLogin' cmdlet to enable new login management scenarios using PowerShell.
Microsoft Connect item #2588952
Improved support and usability for users connecting to various national clouds.
Fixed an issue where an Out Of Memory Exceptions were being thrown.
 Microsoft Connect item #3062914
Microsoft Connect item #3074856
Fixed an issue where filtering by schema was not a valid filter option.
Microsoft Connect item #3058105
Microsoft Connect item #3101136
Fixed an issue where the Monitor window for a stretched database would not be accessible.
Fixed an issue where the F1 Help always opened online content. Users can now select whether they prefer
online or offline help via the "Set Help Preference" in the Help menu.
Microsoft Connect item #2826366
Fixed an issue where scripting out a 1200-level Analysis Services tabular model wouldnt strip out the
password for scripting, even though the server version had [client model object is now syncd before
scripting].
Fixed an issue where 'SELECT TOP N ROWS' option generated deprecated syntax for the the TOP operator.
Microsoft Connect item #3065435
Fixed various layout issues throughout SSMS, including the Login Properties page and Advanced Query
Execution Options.
Microsoft Connect item #3058199
Microsoft Connect item #3079122
Microsoft Connect item #3071384
Fixed an issue where a solution was created automatically whenever a user opened a new query window.
Microsoft Connect item #2924667
Microsoft Connect item #2917742
Microsoft Connect item #2612635
Fixed an issue where temporal tables could not be expanded in Object Explorer when in system databases.
Microsoft Connect item #2551649
Fixed an issue where SSMS runs a query to SELECT @@trancount after executing a batch.
Microsoft Connect item #3042364
Fixed an issue in Analysis Services where creating a script from an server's properties page resulted in a
hidden connection dialog.
Fixed an issue where Ctrl+Q would not select the Quick Launch toolbar.
Fixed an issue where changing the MaxSize of a database using the Server Properties dialog was broken for
databases > 2 TB.
Microsoft Connect item #1231091
Fixed an issue where the Restore Database wizard wouldn't accept filenames with leading whitespaces:
Microsoft Connect item #2395147
Fixed an issue where the Restore Database wizard wouldn't accept filenames with leading whitespaces:
Microsoft Connect item #2395147

SQL Server Management Studio 16.3 (August 2016) release

August 15, 2016 | Version number: 13.0.15700.28
Features
1. New authentication option 'Active Directory Universal Authentication'
2. New cmdlets for SQL Server PowerShell module
3. Improvements to Database Engine Tuning Advisor (DTA) and Extended Events templates
4. Beta support for High Resolution Display in SSMS
More information on features available in the SSMS changelog.
Known Issues
The following are issues and limitations with this release of SQL Server Management Studio:
1. Only a single Azure Active Directory account can log in for an SSMS instance using Active
Directory Universal Authentication.
This restriction is limited to Active Directory Universal Authentication - you can log in to different servers
using Active Directory Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server
Authentication.
As a workaround, you can use another instance of SSMS to login as another Azure Active Directory account.
2. Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFx) commands and the Schema Designer in SSMS do not
support Active Directory Universal Authentication.
Commands that use DacFx (e.g. import and export), the schema designer in SSMS do not currently support
Active Directory Universal Authentication.
As a workaround, you can use the other forms of authentication provided in SSMS - Active Directory
Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server Authentication.
3. SSMS can only connect to SQL Server 2016 Integrated Services (SSIS 2016) instances.
There is a known compatibility limitation with SQL Server Integration Services that prevents connecting to
previous versions.
As a workaround for this problem, you can connect to your SQL Server Integration Service instance by using
the SSMS release aligned with your SSIS instance.
4. SSMS won't save maintenance plans for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier SQL Server versions.
This is a known limitation that we hope to address in the future. In the meantime, you can use the SSMS
2014 release to save the maintenance plans.
5. Non-English SSMS installations may require the installation of an additional security package.
Non-English localized releases of SSMS require the KB 2862966 security update package if installing on:
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.
6. SQL Server Configuration Manager will fail to launch if there is no SQL Server installed on the
client machine
If you do not have SQL Server installed on your client machine and launch SQL Server Configuration
Manager, you will see the following error:
Cannot connect to WMI provider. You do not have permission or the server is unreachable. Note that you
can only manage SQL Server 2005 and later servers with SQL Server Configuration Manager. Invalid
namespace \[0x8004100e]
,
If you have added your SQL Server instances to 'Registered Servers' list in SSMS:
a. Navigate to 'Registered Servers' view in SSMS.
b. Right-click the SQL Server instance you would like to configure.
c. Select 'SQL Server Configuration Manager...' from the right-click menu.
If you have not added a SQL Server instance to 'Registered Servers' list in SSMS:
a. Open a command promopt as Administrator.
b. Run the Mofcomp tool using the following command:
mofcomp "%programfiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL Server\130\Shared\sqlmgmproviderxpsp2up.mof"
 c. After you run the Mofcomp tool, run the following commands to restart the WMI service for
the changes to take effect:
net stop "Windows Management Instrumentation"
net start Windows Management Instrumentation

Fixes
1. Bug fix to view cleartext of decrypted AlwaysEncrypted large object (LOB) columns in SSMS (Microsoft Connect
item #2413024).
2. Bug fix in Always Encrypted dialog to fix crash when Windows visual styles are not enabled (e.g. enabling high
contrast display).
3. Bug fix for 'Method not found' error preventing connection to SQL Server instances.
4. Bug fix for SSMS crash when creating a partition function with datetime offset.
5. Bug fix to remove Microsoft .NET 3.5 requirement for starting Distributed Replay administration tool
(DReplay.exe).
6. Bug fix in Analysis Services Deployment wizard to support fully-qualified server names.
7. Bug fix in SSMS to display partitions in Analysis Services tabular models with a 2016 compatibility model
(Microsoft Connect item #2845053).
More information on fixes available in the SSMS changelog.

SQL Server Management Studio July 2016 hotfix update release

July 13, 2016 | Version number: 13.0.15600.2
Features
1. Support for Azure SQL Data Warehouse in SSMS.
2. Significant updates to the SQL Server PowerShell module.
3. Significantly improved connection times to Azure SQL databases.
4. Improved support for SQL Server 2016 (1200 compatibility level) tabular databases in the Analysis Services
process dialog, and many more.
More information and features available in the SSMS changelog.
Known Issues
1. The installer for the SSMS July hotfix release shows up as SSMS August release. The setup page for the
July Update hotfix says August due to an internal build setting. This package is in fact a hotfix for the SSMS July
release.
2. SSMS cannot connect to SQL Server instances after installing the 'July 2016 hotfix' release. We are
aware of an issue regarding the latest SSMS update where attempting to connect to a server results in the
following error message:

"Method not found: 'Void

Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Common.SqlConnectionInfo.set_ApplicationIntent(System.String)'"

The fix for this problem will be available in the next SSMS release. As a workaround for this issue, you can
uninstall and reinstall SSMS. For more details, visit this Microsoft Connect thread on the issue.
3. SSMS crashes when trying to select an Azure storage account. The SSMS July release and July hotfix
release crash if you try to select an Azure storage account and do not have a 'classic' storage account. The fix
for this issue will be available in an upcoming SSMS release. As a workaround for this problem, you can
backup/restore your databases to an Azure storage account by creating a classic storage account, or by using
 T-SQL to backup or restore.
4. SSMS will only display 'classic' Azure storage accounts in the Backup/Restore wizards. The SSMS
July release and July hotfix release display only 'classic' Azure storage accounts for new credential creation if
you're trying to backup or restore using the backup or restore wizards. The fix for this issue will be available
in an upcoming SSMS release. As a workaround for this problem, you can backup/restore your databases to
the available Azure 'classic' storage account, or backup to the 'ARM-type' storage accounts using T-SQL to
backup or restore.
5. Non-English SSMS installations may require the installation of an additional security package.
Non-English localized releases of SSMS require the KB 2862966 security update package if installing on:
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.
6. SSMS can only connect to SQL Server 2016 Integrated Services (SSIS 2016) instances. There is a known
compatibility limitation with SQL Server Integration Services that prevents connecting to previous versions. As a
workaround for this problem, you can connect to your SQL Server Integration Service instance by using the
SSMS release aligned with your SSIS instance.
7. SSMS won't save maintenance plans for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier SQL Server versions. We are
working on a fix for this issue. In the meantime, you can use the SSMS 2014 release below to save the
maintenance plans.
8. SQL Server Configuration Manager will fail to launch if there is no SQL Server installed on the client
machine. If you do not have SQL Server installed on your client machine and launch SQL Server Configuration
Manager, you will receive the 'Cannot connect to WMI provider' error. As a workaround:
Open a command prompt as Administrator.
Run the Mofcomp tool using the following command:
mofcomp "%programfiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL Server\130\Shared\sqlmgmproviderxpsp2up.mof"
After you run the Mofcomp tool, run the following commands to restart the WMI service for the changes
to take effect:
net stop "Windows Management Instrumentation"
net start "Windows Management Instrumentation"
Fixes
1. Bug fix in SSMS query designer to allow adding tables to the designer if a user doesn't have SELECT permissions
on them.
2. Bug fix to add IntelliSense support for 'TRY_CAST()', and 'TRY_CONVERT()' functions (Microsoft Connect item
#2453461).
3. Bug fix in the SSMS editor window to allow drag-and-drop open of Sql files (Microsoft Connect item #2690658).
4. Bug fix in Analysis Services to correctly show the Data Feed provider for multi-dimensional Analysis Services
models.
5. Bug fix in SSMS to prevent crash when trying to edit a join link in the SSMS table designer (Microsoft Connect
item #2721052).
More information and bug fixes available in the SSMS changelog.

SQL Server Management Studio June 2016 release

June 1, 2016 | Version number: 13.0.15000.23
Features
New streamlined SSMS installer. Standalone SSMS releases. Automatic check for updates. A new Quick Find dialog.
SSMS built on the Visual Studio 2015 shell, and many more.
More information available in the SSMS changelog.
Known Issues
1. PowerShell script generation from the Always Encrypted wizard is currently disabled. A fix for this issue
will be available in a subsequent monthly SSMS update.
2. The 'Encrypt Columns' context menu item in Object Explorer is disabled for tables and columns when
you are connected to Azure SQL Database. A fix for this issue will be available in a subsequent monthly
SSMS update. As a workaround, right-click your database in Object Explorer, select 'Tasks', and choose 'Encrypt
Columns' to encrypt Azure SQL Database columns and tables.
3. SSMS can only connect to SQL Server 2016 Integrated Services (SSIS 2016) instances. There is a known
compatibility limitation with SQL Server Integration Services that prevents connecting to previous versions. As a
workaround for this problem, you can connect to your SQL Server Integration Service instance by using the
SSMS release aligned with your SSIS instance.
4. SSMS won't save maintenance plans for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier SQL Server versions. We are
working on a fix for this issue. In the meantime, you can use the SSMS 2014 release below to save the
maintenance plans.
5. SQL Server Configuration Manager will fail to launch if there is no SQL Server installed on the client
machine. If you do not have SQL Server installed on your client machine and launch SQL Server Configuration
Manager, you will receive the 'Cannot connect to WMI provider' error. As a workaround:
Open a command prompt as Administrator.
Run the Mofcomp tool using the following command:
mofcomp "%programfiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL Server\130\Shared\sqlmgmproviderxpsp2up.mof"
After you run the Mofcomp tool, run the following commands to restart the WMI service for the changes
to take effect:
net stop "Windows Management Instrumentation"
net start "Windows Management Instrumentation"
Fixes
1. Quick find dialog in SSMS that is better integrated into the current document and allows searching via regular
expressions (Microsoft Connect item #2735513).
2. Bug fix in SSMS context-sensitive F1 help to correctly display help documents and articles.
3. Bug fix in Query Data Store 'Regressed Queries' view that caused SSMS to crash when scrolling.
4. Bug fix in Excel Analysis Services OLEDB connector to allow connections from Excel 2016 to SQL Server Analysis
Services.
5. Bug fix in SSMS Connection dialog to show the connection dialog on the same monitor as the main SSMS
window in multi-monitor systems (Microsoft Connect item #724909).
6. Bug fixes in Always Encrypted experience. Fixed bug where Always Encrypted menu option was not enabled
correctly for Stretch databases. Also fixed bug in the Always Encrypted wizard where it was not properly using
the SafeNet (Luna SA) HSM provider.

SQL Server Management Studio 2014 SP1

May 14, 2015 | Version number: 12.0.4100.1
Features
Improved Azure SQL Database support with new open in management portal menu, table designer integration, and
more.
More information available in the release notes.
Known Issues
N/A
Fixes
1. SSMS Crashes during Movement of Maintenance Plan tasks if the Maintenance Plan name and the first
 SUB_PLAN name are the same.
2. You cannot debug a stored procedure that calls sp_executesql in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). When
F11 is pressed, you receive an 'Object reference not set to an instance of object' error message (Microsoft
Connect item #736509).
3. SSMS does not fully manage Full-Text in SQL Server Express (Microsoft Connect item #740181).
4. SSMS handles Numbered Stored procedures inconsistently (Microsoft Connect item #764197).
5. SSMS occasionally crashes on close, which then causes it to automatically restart (Microsoft Connect item
#774317).
6. Create script duplicates the statements when scripting column level permissions in SSMS (Microsoft Connect
item #797967).
7. SSMS may crash when you try to refresh the SSMS window icon on the task bar (Microsoft Connect item
#799430).

SQL Server Management Studio 2012 SP3

November 21, 2015 | Version number: 11.0.6020.0
Features
Full-feature SSMS express editions. Code snippets. Column store indexes, and more.
More information available in the release notes.
Known Issues
N/A
Fixes
1. Missing columns can't be indicated in the error message when you import data by using Import and Export
Wizard.
2. "Unable to create restore plan due to break in the LSN chain" error when you restore differential backup in
SSMS

Additional Downloads
For a list of all SQL Server Management Studio downloads, search the Microsoft Download Center.
For the latest release of SQL Server Management Studio, see Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

Related resources
Update center for Microsoft SQL Server
SQL Server Management Studio quick start
SQL Server Management Studio forum
 Local Audit for SSMS Usage Feedback Collection
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) contains Internet-enabled features that can collect and send anonymous
feature usage data to Microsoft. SSMS may collect standard computer information and information about use and
performance that may be transmitted to Microsoft and analyzed for purposes of improving the quality, security,
and reliability of SSMS. We do not collect your name, address or other contact information. For details, see the SQL
Server Privacy Statement.

Audit feature usage data

To see feature usage data that is collected by SSMS, do the following:
1. Launch SSMS.
2. Click View, then click Output in the main menu to show the Output window.
3. When the Output window is visible, choose Telemetry in the Show output from: menu.
While you use SSMS to interact with your databases, the Output window shows the data that is collected.

Enable or disable usage feedback collection in SSMS

To opt in or out of usage data collection for SSMS, see: How to configure SQL Server 2016 to send feedback to
Microsoft.

See also
Local Audit for SQL Server Usage Feedback Collection
 Download SQL Server PowerShell Module
4/26/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

As part of the 17.0 release of SQL Server Management Studio, the SQL Server PowerShell module now ships via
the PowerShell Gallery. The module is no longer included in the SSMS install package. To use PowerShell with
SSMS 17.0 and newer, the SQL Server Module must be installed on the machine as an additional step.
Full documentation about installing the latest version of the Windows Management Framework and how to install
PowerShell modules in general can be found on the PowerShell Gallery site.
The PowerShell command to install the SQL Server module is:

Install-module -Name SqlServer -Scope CurrentUser

If there are previous versions of SQL Server PowerShell modules on the machine, it may be necessary to provide
the "-AllowClobber" parameter.
The versions of the SQL Server PowerShell module shipped to the PowerShell Gallery support versioning and
require PowerShell version 5.0 or greater.
 Introduction to SQL Server Management Studio for
Business Intelligence
3/14/2017 2 min to read Edit Online

To access, configure, manage, and administer Analysis Services, Integration Services, and Reporting Services, use
SQL Server Management Studio. Although all three business intelligence technologies rely on SQL Server
Management Studio, the administrative tasks associated with each of these technologies are slightly different.

NOTE
To create and modify Analysis Services, Reporting Services, and Integration Services solutions, use SQL Server Data Tools
(SSDT), not SQL Server Management Studio. SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is a development environment that is based on
MicrosoftVisual Studio.

Managing Analysis Services Solutions Using SQL Server Management

Studio
SQL Server Management Studio enables you to manage Analysis Services objects, such as performing back-ups
and processing objects.
Management Studio provides an Analysis Services Script project in which you develop and save scripts written in
Multidimensional Expressions (MDX), Data Mining Extensions (DMX), and XML for Analysis (XMLA). You use
Analysis Services Scripts projects to perform management tasks or re-create objects, such as database and cubes,
on Analysis Services instances. For example, you can develop an XMLA script in an Analysis Services Script project
that creates new objects directly on an existing Analysis Services instance. The Analysis Services Scripts projects can
be saved as part of a solution and integrated with source code control.
For more information about how to use SQL Server Management Studio, see Developing and Implementing Using
SQL Server Management Studio.

Managing Integration Services Solutions Using SQL Server

Management Studio
SQL Server Management Studio enables you to use the Integration Services service to manage packages and
monitor running packages. You can also use Management Studio to organize packages into folders, run packages,
import and export packages, migrate Data Transformation Services (DTS) packages, and upgrade Integration
Services packages.

Managing Reporting Services Projects Using SQL Server Management

Studio
Use SQL Server Management Studio to enable Reporting Services features, administer the server and databases,
and manage roles and jobs.
You manage shared schedules by using the Shared Schedules folder, and manage report server databases
(ReportServer, ReportServerTempdb). You also create a RSExecRole in the Master system database when you move
a report server database to a new or different SQL Server Database Engine ( SQL Server Database Engine). For
more information about these tasks, see the following topics:
 Management Studio How-to Topics
Administering a Report Server Database
How to: Create the RSExecRole
You also manage the server by enabling and configuring various features, setting server defaults, and managing
roles and jobs. For more information about these tasks, see the following topics:
How to: Set Report Server Properties (Management Studio)
How to: Create, Delete, or Modify a Role (Management Studio)
Enabling and Disabling Client-Side Printing for Reporting Services

See Also
Developing and Implementing Using SQL Server Data Tools
Reporting Services in SQL Server Data Tools
 Customize Menus and Shortcut Keys
3/14/2017 4 min to read Edit Online

A keyboard accelerator allows you to select a menu command or button by pressing ALT+. For example, to open
the Edit menu, press ALT+E. You can rearrange and modify toolbar buttons, menus, and menu commands by using
the Customize dialog box. Instructions are provided for changing the settings using the mouse and using only the
keyboard.
Keyboard accelerators for stored procedures using the Ctrl key can be created from the Keyboard page of the
Tools/Options dialog box.

NOTE
Click Collapse All at the top of this page to show only the headings.

Opening the Keyboard Accelerator Dialog Box Using the Mouse

To access the dialog box for assigning or changing a keyboard accelerator (using the mouse)
1. On the Tools menu, click Customize.
2. Make sure the toolbar you want to change is visible.
a. In the Customize dialog box, click the Toolbars tab.
b. Select the check box for the toolbar you want to display.
3. In the Customize dialog box, click the Commands tab.

Changing a Toolbar Buttons Accelerator Key Using the Mouse

To assign or change a toolbar button's keyboard accelerator (using the mouse)
1. Click the button on the toolbar.
2. In the Customize dialog box, on the Commands tab, click Modify Selection.
3. In the Name box on the shortcut menu, type a name for the toolbar button with an ampersand (&) before
the letter that you want as the keyboard accelerator.
4. Press ENTER.
5. In the Customize dialog box, click Close.

Changing a Menu Commands Accelerator Key Using the Mouse

To assign or change a menu command's keyboard accelerator (using the mouse)
1. Click the menu name on the menu bar or toolbar.
2. Click the menu command.
3. In the Customize dialog box, click Modify Selection.
4. In the Name box on the shortcut menu, type a name for the menu command with an ampersand (&) before
the letter that you want as the keyboard accelerator.
5. Press ENTER.
6. In the Customize dialog box, click Close.

Opening the Keyboard Accelerator Dialog Box Using the Keyboard

To access the dialog box for assigning or changing a keyboard accelerator (using the keyboard)
1. Press ALT+T, then type C, to open the Customize dialog box.
2. Make sure the toolbar you want to change is visible.
a. In the Customize dialog box, press ALT+B to show the Toolbars tab.
b. Use the arrow keys to select the toolbar you want to display, then SPACE to select the check box.
3. In the Customize dialog box, press ALT+C to display the Commands tab.

Changing a Toolbar Buttons Accelerator Key Using the Keyboard

To assign or change a toolbar button's keyboard accelerator (using the keyboard)
1. Press ALT+R to display the Rearrange Commands dialog box.
2. In the Rearrange Commands dialog box, use the arrow keys to select Toolbar.
3. Tab to the Toolbar list, and use the arrow keys to select the toolbar that contains the button you want to
change, and then press ENTER.
4. Tab to the Controls list, and use the arrow keys to select the button you want to change.
5. Press ALT+M, to select Modify Selection.
6. Tab to the Name box on the shortcut menu, type a name for the toolbar button with an ampersand (&)
before the letter that you want as the keyboard accelerator.
7. Press ENTER.
8. Tab to the Close button, and then press ENTER.

Changing a Menu Commands Accelerator Key Using the Keyboard

To assign or change a menu command's keyboard accelerator (using the keyboard)
1. Press ALT+R to display the Rearrange Commands dialog box.
2. Tab to Menu Bar and then use the arrow keys to click the menu you want in the Menu Bar list, and then
press ENTER.
3. Tab to the Controls list, and use the arrow keys to select the button you want to change.
4. Press ALT+M, to select Modify Selection.
5. Tab to the Name box on the shortcut menu, and type a name for the toolbar button with an ampersand (&)
before the letter that you want as the keyboard accelerator.
6. Press ENTER.
7. In the Customize dialog box, click Close.

Creating a Keyboard Accelerator for a Stored Procedure

To create a keyboard accelerator for a stored procedure
1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
2. On the Keyboard page, select an unused keyboard combination in the Shortcut list.
3. In the Stored Procedure box, type the stored procedure name, and then click OK.

Adding a New Item to the Menu

To add a new item to the menu
1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
2. In the Customize dialog box, on the Commands tab, click New Menu.
3. On the Commands box, drag New Menu to the menu bar and drop it where you want the new menu to
appear.
4. On the menu, right-click New Menu, and in the Name box, type a name for the new menu.
5. In the Customize dialog box, select category such as File, and select a command such as Open File. Drag
the command to the new menu. As you point to the new menu, the menu will expand. Drop the command
onto the expanded menu.
6. In the Customize dialog box, click Close.

NOTE
Some commands are available only when SQL Server Management Studio is displaying relevant content. If no commands on
the menu are available, the menu item will not be available.

See Also
Features in SQL Server Management Studio
 Use SQL Server Management Studio
3/14/2017 2 min to read Edit Online

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for accessing, configuring, managing,
administering, and developing all components of SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. SSMS combines a broad
group of graphical tools with a number of rich script editors to provide access to SQL Server to developers and
administrators of all skill levels.
SSMS combines the features of Enterprise Manager, Query Analyzer, and Analysis Manager, included in previous
releases of SQL Server, into a single environment. In addition, SSMS works with all components of SQL Server
such as Reporting Services and Integration Services. Developers get a familiar experience, and database
administrators get a single comprehensive utility that combines easy-to-use graphical tools with rich scripting
capabilities.
To get the latest version, see Download SQL Server Management Studio.

In This Section
Features in SQL Server Management Studio
Lists the rich feature set included in SQL Server Management Studio.
Tool Windows in SQL Server Management Studio
Describes the tools that are components of SQL Server Management Studio.
Understand SQL Server Management Studio Windows Management
Describes how to manage the windows displayed in SQL Server Management Studio.
Administer Servers with SQL Server Management Studio
Describes how to administer instances of SQL Server.
Connect to Any SQL Server Component from SQL Server Management Studio
Describes how to connect to instances of SQL Server and how to perform certain tasks without a connection.
Object Explorer
Describes the features of the Object Explorer.
User Assistance in SQL Server Management Studio
Describes how to configure user assistance, such as Help, in SQL Server Management Studio.
Writing, Analyzing, and Editing Scripts with SQL Server Management Studio
Describes how to use the rich editing environment in SQL Server Management Studio to edit Transact-SQL, MDX,
DMX and XML/A scripts.
Editing SQLCMD Scripts with Query Editor
Describes the capabilities and limitations of using Query Editor in SQLCMD mode.
Color Coding in Code Editors
Describes the meaning of the color coding in Code Editor windows.
SQL Server Management Studio Keyboard Shortcuts
Lists the keyboard shortcuts available in the SQL Server Management Studio.
Customize Menus and Shortcut Keys
Describes how to create custom menus and shortcuts.
Solutions (SQL Server Management Studio)
Describes how to develop script projects and solutions.
Template Explorer
Describes how to use the SQL Server Management Studio templates and how to create custom templates.
Property Pages in SQL Server Management Studio
Describes the new property window layout in SQL Server Management Studio.
Visual Database Tool Designers
Describes the Visual Database Tools that you can use to create queries, design or modify a database structure, or
update data.

See Also
How to: View server properties (SQL Server Management Studio)
SQL Server Management Studio Express
 Features in SQL Server Management Studio
3/14/2017 2 min to read Edit Online

SQL Server Management Studio includes the following general features:

Supports most administrative tasks for SQL Server.
A single, integrated environment for SQL Server Database Engine management and authoring.
Dialogs for managing objects in the SQL Server Database Engine, Analysis Services, and Reporting Services,
that allows you to execute your actions immediately, send them to a Code Editor, or script them for later
execution.
Non-modal and resizable dialogs allow access to multiple tools while a dialog is open.
A common scheduling dialog that allows you to perform action of the management dialogs at a later time.
Exporting and importing SQL Server Management Studio server registration from one Management Studio
environment to another.
Save or print XML Showplan or Deadlock files generated by SQL Server Profiler, review them later, or send
them to administrators for analysis.
A new error and informational message box that presents much more information, allows you to send
Microsoft a comment about the messages, allows you to copy messages to the clipboard, and allows you to
easily e-mail the messages to your support team.
An integrated Web browser for quick browsing of MSDN or online help.
Integration of Help from online communities.
A tutorial on SQL Server Management Studio to help you take advantage of the many new features and
become more productive right away.
A new activity monitor with filtering and automatic refresh.
Integrated Database Mail interfaces.

New Scripting Capabilities

The Code Editor component of SQL Server Management Studio contains integrated script editors for authoring
Transact-SQL, MDX, DMX, and XML/A. It features:
Dynamic Help for immediate access to relevant information while you work.
A rich set of templates with the ability to create custom templates.
Support for writing and editing queries or scripts without requiring a connection to a server.
Scripting support for SQLCMD queries and scripts.
A new interface for viewing XML results.
Integrated source control for solution and script projects, supporting storing and maintaining copies of
scripts as they evolve over time.
Microsoft IntelliSense support for MDX statements.
Object Explorer Features
The Object Explorer component of SQL Server Management Studio is an integrated tool for viewing and managing
objects in all server types. It features:
Filtering by all or part of a name, schema, or date.
The asynchronous population of objects, with the ability to filter objects based on their metadata.
Access to SQL Server Agent on replication servers for administration.
For more information, see Object Explorer.

Extensibility
SQL Server Management Studio is built upon the Visual Studio Isolated Shell, which inherently supports
extensibility (add-ins/plug-ins). It is possible to tap into the Visual Studio extensibility services to surface custom
capabilities within SQL Server Management Studio; however, such extensibility is not supported.
There are some users and third parties that have developed extensions to SQL Server Management Studio. While
we do not discourage this, keep in mind that such extensibility is not supported, so there may be issues with
backward/forward compatibility. Microsoft does not publish documentation for extending SQL Server
Management Studio. There are, however, community blogs and sample code that you may be able to leverage.
Microsoft does not support SQL Server Management Studio installations with SQL Server Management Studio
extensions present, so if you have installed SQL Server Management Studio extensions, you may want to remove
them before calling Microsoft Customer Support about a SQL Server Management Studio issue.

See Also
Use SQL Server Management Studio
 Tool Windows in SQL Server Management Studio
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

SQL Server Management Studio provides many powerful tool windows for all phases of development and
administration. Some tools can be used on any SQL Server component, and others are for certain components
only. The following table identifies the tools that can be used for all components of SQL Server.

Tool Purpose

Object Explorer Browse servers, create and locate objects, manage data
sources, and view logs. This tool is accessed from the View
menu.

Solution Explorer Store and organize scripts and related connection information
in projects called SQL Server Scripts. You can store several SQL
Server Scripts as Solutions and use source control to manage
scripts as they evolve over time. This tool is accessed from the
View menu.

Template Explorer Create queries based on existing templates. You can also
create your custom queries or alter the existing templates to
fit your scenarios. This tool is accessed from the View menu.

Dynamic Help Show a list of related Help topics as you click on a component
or type code.

The tools in SQL Server Management Studio work together. For example, you can:
Register a server with Object Explorer.
Open a SQL Editor window connected to a specific database from Object Explorer.

See Also
Use SQL Server Management Studio
 Build Database Projects by Using SQL Server
Management Studio
3/14/2017 2 min to read Edit Online

A database script project is an organized set of scripts, connection information, and templates that are all associated
with a database or one part of a database. Microsoft SQL Server provides the SQL Server Management Studio for
administering and designing SQL Server databases within the context of a script project. SQL Server Management
Studio includes designers, editors, guides and wizards to assist users in developing, deploying and maintaining
databases.

SQL Server Management Studio

SQL Server Management Studio is a suite of administrative tools for managing the components belonging to SQL
Server. This integrated environment allows users to perform a variety of tasks, such as backing up data, editing
queries, and automating common functions within a single interface.
SQL Server Management Studio includes the following tools:
Code Editor is a rich script editor for writing and editing scripts. SQL Server Management Studio provides
four versions of the Code Editor; the Database Engine Query Editor for Transact-SQL scripts, the DMX Query
Editor, the MDX Query Editor, and the XML/A Query Editor.
Object Explorer for locating, modifying, scripting or running objects belonging to instances of SQL Server.
Template Explorer for locating and scripting templates.
Solution Explorer for organizing and storing related scripts as parts of a project.
Properties Window for displaying the current properties of selected objects.
SQL Server Management Studio supports efficient work processes by providing:
Disconnected access. You can write and edit scripts without connecting to an instance of SQL Server.
Scripting from any dialog box. You can create a script from any dialog box so that you can read, modify,
store and reuse the scripts after you create them.
Nonmodal dialog boxes. When you access a UI dialog box you can browse other resources in SQL Server
Management Studio without closing the dialog box.

Solutions and Script Projects

Solution Explorer is a utility to store and reopen database solutions. Solutions organize related script projects and
files. Script projects store SQL Server script files, SQL templates, connection information and other miscellaneous
files. When a script is saved in a script project, users are able to:
Maintain version control on scripts.
Store results options with a script.
Organize related scripts in a single script project.
Save connection information with scripts.
Solution Explorer is a tool for developers who are creating and reusing scripts that are related to the same project.
If a similar task is required later, you can use group of scripts that were stored in a project. If you have created
applications by using Microsoft Visual Studio, you will find Solution Explorer very familiar.
A solution consists of one or more script projects. A project consists of one or more scripts or connections. A
project may also include nonscript files.

See Also
Use SQL Server Management Studio
Writing, Analyzing, and Editing Queries with SQL Server Management Studio
Solutions (SQL Server Management Studio)
 Understand SQL Server Management Studio
Windows Management
3/14/2017 2 min to read Edit Online

The tool windows in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio are a highly functional, flexible, and efficient system
that allows you to:
Maximize the user workspace for development and management.
Reduce the number of unused windows displayed at one time.
Easily customize the user environment.
Manipulating windows is central to the Management Studio environment. Users can easily access the tools and
windows they use frequently. Users can control how much space they want to allocate to different information, and
the environment should maximize the space available for editing queries accordingly. Windows can be moved to
different locations on the screen. Many windows can be undocked and dragged out of the Management Studio
frame. This is particularly useful when using more than one monitor.
To increase your editing space while maintaining functionality, all windows offer the Auto Hide feature, which
displays the window as a tab within a bar along the border of the main Management Studio environment. When
the pointer is placed over one of these tabs, the underlying window reveals itself. Auto Hide for a window can be
toggled by clicking the Auto Hide button, represented by a pushpin in the upper-right corner of the window. There
is also an Auto Hide All option on the Window menu.
Some components can be configured in either tabbed mode where components appear as tabs in the same
docking location, or in multiple document interface (MDI) mode where each document has its own window. To
configure this feature, on the Tools menu, click Options, click Environment, and then click General.

IMPORTANT
When a login (or a contained database user) connects and is authenticated, the connection stores identity information about
the login. For a Windows Authentication login, this includes information about membership in Windows groups. The identity
of the login remains authenticated as long as the connection is maintained. To force changes in the identity, such as a
password reset or change in Windows group membership, the login must logoff from the authentication authority (Windows
or SQL Server), and log in again. A member of the sysadmin fixed server role or any login with the ALTER ANY
CONNECTION permission can use the KILL command to end a connection and force a login to reconnect. SQL Server
Management Studio can reuse connection information when opening multiple connections to Object Explorer and Query
Editor windows. Close all connections to force reconnection.

IMPORTANT
When a login (or a contained database user) connects and is authenticated, the connection caches identity information about
the login. For a Windows Authentication login, this includes information about membership in Windows groups. The identity
of the login remains authenticated as long as the connection is maintained. To force changes in the identity, such as a
password reset or change in Windows group membership, the login must logoff from the authentication authority (Windows
or SQL Server), and log in again. A member of the sysadmin fixed server role or any login with the ALTER ANY
CONNECTION permission can use the KILL command to end a connection and force a login to reconnect. SQL Server
Management Studio can reuse connection information when opening multiple connections to Object Explorer and Query
Editor windows. Close all connections to force reconnection.
See Also
Use SQL Server Management Studio
The SQL Server Management Studio Environment
 External Tools Dialog Box
3/14/2017 2 min to read Edit Online

Use the External Tools dialog box to add external tools such as SQLCMD or Notepad to the Tools menu. Adding
external tools allows you to easily launch other applications while working in the Microsoft SQL Server
Management Studio environment. You can specify arguments and a working directory when launching the tool. In
addition, the output from some tools can be displayed in the Output window. The External Tools dialog box is
available on the Tools menu.

Options
Menu contents
Lists the titles of the items currently added to the Tools menu. Use the Move Up and Move Down arrows to
change the order the items that appear on the menu. Use the Delete button to remove an item from the menu.
Move Up
Move the selected tool higher in the list of tools that appear on the Tools menu.
Move Down
Move the selected tool lower in the list of tools that appear on the Tools menu.
Add
Clear the text boxes so you can specify a new tool.
Delete
Remove the tool or command from the Menu Contents list as well as from the Tools menu.
Title
Enter the name of the tool or command that will appear on the External Tools submenu of the Tools menu. Place
an ampersand (&) before a letter in the name of the tool to specify that letter as a keyboard shortcut. For example,
"&SQLCMD" would display SQLCMD on the Tools menu.
Command
Specify the path to the file to launch.
Arguments
Specify the variables that are passed to the tool when the tool is selected on the menu. Arguments can specify
values that are passed to the tool or command when it is launched. For example, a value can specify a file name or
directory. Use the arrow button to select from a list of predefined arguments. You can add more than one. For a
complete list of predefined arguments and their definitions, see Arguments for External Tools. You can also enter
custom arguments (for example, command line switches), depending on the command or tool you use.
Use Output window
Opens the Management Studio Output window to display output of the command being run. Not all tools present
output in a format that can be presented in the Output window. For more information, see Output Window.
Treat output as Unicode
Interprets the output as Unicode.
Initial directory
Specify the working directory of the tool. Use the arrow button to select directories. You can select more than one.
Prompt for arguments
Display the Arguments dialog box to allow you to enter or edit values for the arguments each time you launch the
external tool.
Close on exit
Close the window opened by the tool when the tool is closed.

Example
Entering the following values in the External Tools dialog box will create a menu item labeled "DAC" that when
selected, opens a command prompt and runs the sqlcmd utility using the dedicated administrator connection.

BOX VALUE

Title DAC

Command C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL

Server\130\Tools\Binn\SQLCMD.exe

Arguments -A

See Also
Arguments for External Tools
General User Interface Elements
 Arguments Dialog Box
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

The Arguments dialog box specifies new or existing arguments for a tool. This dialog box appears when you
launch an external tool that has the Prompt for arguments option selected in the External Tools dialog box.

Options
Arguments
Lists the current variables specified for the tool in the External Tools dialog box. For a complete list of predefined
arguments and their definitions, see Arguments for External Tools. You can also enter a custom argument.
Command line
Displays the value for the arguments specified in the Arguments dialog box.

See Also
Arguments for External Tools
External Tools Dialog Box
General User Interface Elements
 Administer Servers with SQL Server Management
Studio
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio is a rich, integrated administrative client designed to meet the SQL
Server and Azure SQL Database administrator's server management requirements. In Management Studio,
administrative tasks are accomplished using Object Explorer, which allows you to connect to any server in the SQL
Server family and graphically browse its contents. A server can be an instance of the Database Engine, Analysis
Services, Reporting Services, Integration Services or Azure SQL Database.
The tool components of Management Studio include Registered Servers, Object Explorer, Solution Explorer,
Template Explorer, the Object Explorer Details page, and the document window. To display a tool, on the View
menu, click the tool name. To display the Query Editor tool, click the New Query button on the toolbar.

IMPORTANT
Network traffic between Management Studio and SQL Server is unencrypted by default. Do not work with sensitive data
(including passwords) in Management Studio unless you have established an encrypted connection. For more information,
see How to: Enable Encrypted Connections to the Database Engine (SQL Server Configuration Manager).

Use Management Studio to:

Register servers.
Connect to an instance of the Database Engine, SSAS, SSRS, SSIS or Azure SQL Database.
Configure server properties.
Manage database and SSAS objects such as cubes, dimensions, and assemblies.
Create objects, such as databases, tables, cubes, database users, and logins.
Manage files and filegroups.
Attach or detach databases.
Launch scripting tools.
Manage security.
View system logs.
Monitor current activity.
Configure replication.
Manage full-text indexes.
To start and stop SQL Server or SQL Server Agent, use SQL Server Configuration Manager.

See Also
Use SQL Server Management Studio
How to: View server properties (SQL Server Management Studio)
 SQL Server Management Studio - License Terms
3/14/2017 7 min to read Edit Online

Available Languages:
Chinese (People's Republic of China) | Chinese (Taiwan) | English (United States) | French
German | Italian | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese (Brazil) | Russian | Spanish

MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS

MICROSOFT SQL SERVER MANAGEMENT STUDIO

These license terms are an agreement between Microsoft Corporation (or based on where you live, one of its
affiliates) and you. Please read them. They apply to the software named above, which includes the media on which
you received it, if any. The terms also apply to any Microsoft
updates,
supplements,
Internet-based services, and
support services
for this software, unless other terms accompany those items. If so, those terms apply.
By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software.
As described below, using some features also operates as your consent to the transmission of certain
standard computer information for Internet-based services.

If you comply with these license terms, you have the perpetual rights below.
1. INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS.
a. Installation and Use. You may install and use one copy of the software on your device.
b. Third Party Programs. The software may include third party programs that Microsoft, not the third party,
licenses to you under this agreement. Notices, if any, for the third party program are included for your information
only.
2. ADDITIONAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND/OR USE RIGHTS.
a. Distributable Code. The software contains code that you are permitted to distribute in programs you develop
if you comply with the terms below.
i. Right to Use and Distribute. The code and text files listed below are Distributable Code.
Sample Code. You may modify, copy, and distribute the source and object code form of code marked as
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ii. Distribution Requirements. For any Distributable Code you distribute, you must
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distribute Distributable Code included in a setup program only as part of that setup program without
 modification;
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display your valid copyright notice on your programs; and
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iii. Distribution Restrictions. You may not
alter any copyright, trademark or patent notice in the Distributable Code;
use Microsofts trademarks in your programs names or in a way that suggests your programs come from or
are endorsed by Microsoft;
distribute Distributable Code to run on a platform other than the Windows platform;
include Distributable Code in malicious, deceptive or unlawful programs; or
modify or distribute the source code of any Distributable Code so that any part of it becomes subject to an
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the code be disclosed or distributed in source code form; or
others have the right to modify it.
3. INTERNET-BASED SERVICES. Microsoft provides Internet-based services with the software. It may change or
cancel them at any time.
a. Consent for Internet-Based Services. The software feature described below and in the SQL Server Privacy
Statement connects to Microsoft or service provider computer systems over the Internet. In some cases, you will
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the transmission of this information. Microsoft does not use the information to identify or contact you.
i. Computer Information. The following feature uses Internet protocols, which send to the appropriate systems
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version of the software you are using, and the language code of the device where you installed the software.
Microsoft uses this information to make the Internet-based service available to you.
Web Content Features. Features in the software can retrieve related content from Microsoft and provide it to
you. To provide the content, these features send to Microsoft the type of operating system, name and version of
the software you are using, type of browser and language code of the device where you installed the software.
Examples of these features are clip art, templates, online training, online assistance, help and Appshelp. You may
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ii. Use of Information. We may use the computer information, to improve our software and services. We may
also share it with others, such as hardware and software vendors. They may use the information to improve how
their products run with Microsoft software.
4. SCOPE OF LICENSE. The software is licensed, not sold. This agreement only gives you some rights to use the
software. Microsoft reserves all other rights. Unless applicable law gives you more rights despite this limitation, you
may use the software only as expressly permitted in this agreement. In doing so, you must comply with any
technical limitations in the software that only allow you to use it in certain ways. You may not
work around any technical limitations in the software;
reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the software, except and only to the extent that applicable law
expressly permits, despite this limitation;
make more copies of the software than specified in this agreement or allowed by applicable law, despite this
limitation;
publish the software for others to copy;
 rent, lease or lend the software;
transfer the software or this agreement to any third party; or
use the software for commercial software hosting services.
5. BACKUP COPY. You may make one backup copy of the software. You may use it only to reinstall the software.
6. DOCUMENTATION. Any person that has valid access to your computer or internal network may copy and use
the documentation for your internal, reference purposes.
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with all domestic and international export laws and regulations that apply to the software. These laws include
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8. SUPPORT SERVICES. Because this software is as is, we may not provide support services for it.
9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This agreement, and the terms for supplements, updates, Internet-based services and
support services that you use, are the entire agreement for the software and support services.
10. APPLICABLE LAW.
a. United States. If you acquired the software in the United States, Washington state law governs the
interpretation of this agreement and applies to claims for breach of it, regardless of conflict of laws principles. The
laws of the state where you live govern all other claims, including claims under state consumer protection laws,
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b. Outside the United States. If you acquired the software in any other country, the laws of that country apply.
11. LEGAL EFFECT. This agreement describes certain legal rights. You may have other rights under the laws of your
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12. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. The software is licensed as-is. You bear the risk of using it. Microsoft
gives no express warranties, guarantees or conditions. You may have additional consumer rights or
statutory guarantees under your local laws which this agreement cannot change. To the extent
permitted under your local laws, Microsoft excludes the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness
for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
FOR AUSTRALIA You have statutory guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law and nothing in
these terms is intended to affect those rights.
13. LIMITATION ON AND EXCLUSION OF REMEDIES AND DAMAGES. You can recover from Microsoft and
its suppliers only direct damages up to U.S. $5.00. You cannot recover any other damages, including
consequential, lost profits, special, indirect or incidental damages.
This limitation applies to
anything related to the software, services, content (including code) on third party Internet sites, or third party
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claims for breach of contract, breach of warranty, guarantee or condition, strict liability, negligence, or other tort
to the extent permitted by applicable law.
It also applies even if Microsoft knew or should have known about the possibility of the damages. The above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you because your country may not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental, consequential or other damages.
 Previous SQL Server Management Studio Releases
4/26/2017 17 min to read Edit Online

The following previous releases of SQL Server Management Studio are available.

SQL Server Management Studio 16.5.3 release

Version Information
This release of SSMS uses the Visual Studio 2015 Isolated shell.
The release number: 16.5.3
The build number for this release: 13.0.16106.4

Changelog
16.5.3
The following issues were fixed this release:
Fixed an issue introduced in SSMS 16.5.2 which was causing the expansion of the 'Table' node when the
table had more than one sparse column.
Users can deploy SSIS packages containing OData Connection Manager which connect to a Microsoft
Dynamics AX/CRM Online resource to SSIS catalog. For more information, see OData Connection
Manager.
Configuring Always Encrypted on an existing table fails with errors on unrelated objects. Connect ID
3103181
Configuring Always Encrypted for an existing database with multiple schemas doesn't work. Connect ID
3109591
The Always Encrypted, Encrypted Column wizard fails due to the database containing views that reference
system views. Connect ID 3111925
When encrypting using Always Encrypted, errors from refreshing modules after encryption are incorrectly
handled.
Open recent menu doesn't show recently saved files. Connect ID 3113288
SSMS is slow when right-clicking an index for a table (over a remote (Internet) connection). Connect ID
3114074
Fixed an issue with the SQL Designer scrollbar. Connect ID 3114856
Context menu for tables momentarily hangs
SSMS occasionally throws exceptions in Activity Monitor and crashes. Connect ID 697527
SSMS 2016 crashes with error "The process was terminated due to an internal error in the .NET Runtime
at IP 71AF8579 (71AE0000) with exit code 80131506"

SQL Server Management Studio 16.5 release

Version Information
This release of SSMS uses the Visual Studio 2015 Isolated shell.
The release number: 16.5
The build number for this release: 13.0.16000.28
Known Issues with this Build
1. Invoke-Sqlcmd erroneously inserts multiple rows when check constraint occurs. Microsoft Connect Item:
811560
2. Non-ENU language versions do not work completely when creating Availability Groups.
3. Clicking query plan XML does not open the proper SSMS UI.
Changelog
Fixed an issue where a crash could occur when a database with table name containing ;: was clicked on.
Fixed an issue where changes made to the Model page in AS Tabular Database Properties window would
script out the original definition. Microsoft Connect Item: 3080744
Fixed the issue that temporary files are added to the Recent Files list.
Microsoft Connect Item: 2558789
Fixed the issue that Manage Compression menu item is disabled for the user table nodes in object
explorer tree.
Microsoft Connect Item: 3104616
Fixed the issue that user is not able to set the font size for object explorer, registered server explorer,
template explorer as well as object explorer details. Font for the explorers will be using the Environment
font.
Microsoft Connect Item: 691432
Fixed the issue that SSMS always reconnect to the default database when connection is lost.
Microsoft Connect Item: 3102337
Fixed many of high dpi issues in policy management and query editor window including the execution
plan icons.
Fixed the issue that option to config font and color for Extended Event is missing.
Fixed the issue of SSMS crashes that occur when closing the application or when it is trying to show the
error dialog.

SQL Server Management Studio 16.4.1 (September 2016) release

Version Information
This release of SSMS uses the Visual Studio 2015 Isolated shell.
The release number: 16.4.1
The build number for this release: 13.0.15900.1
Known Issues with this Build
1. Only a single Azure Active Directory account can log in for an SSMS instance using Active
Directory Universal Authentication.
This restriction is limited to Active Directory Universal Authentication - you can log in to different servers
using Active Directory Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server
Authentication.
As a workaround, you can use another instance of SSMS to login as another Azure Active Directory
account.
2. Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFx) commands and the Schema Designer in SSMS do not
 support Active Directory Universal Authentication.
Commands that use DacFx (e.g. import and export), the schema designer in SSMS do not currently
support Active Directory Universal Authentication.
As a workaround, you can use the other forms of authentication provided in SSMS - Active Directory
Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server Authentication.
3. SSMS can only connect to SQL Server 2016 Integrated Services (SSIS 2016) instances.
There is a known compatibility limitation with SQL Server Integration Services that prevents connecting
to previous versions.
As a workaround for this problem, you can connect to your SQL Server Integration Service instance by
using the SSMS release aligned with your SSIS instance.
4. SSMS won't save maintenance plans for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier SQL Server versions.
This is a known limitation that we hope to address in the future. In the meantime, you can use the SSMS
2014 release to save the maintenance plans.
5. Non-English SSMS installations may require the installation of an additional security package.
Non-English localized releases of SSMS require the KB 2862966 security update package if installing on:
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.
6. SQL Server Configuration Manager will fail to launch if there is no SQL Server installed on the
client machine
If you do not have SQL Server installed on your client machine and launch SQL Server Configuration
Manager, you will see the following error:
Cannot connect to WMI provider. You do not have permission or the server is unreachable. Note that you
can only manage SQL Server 2005 and later servers with SQL Server Configuration Manager. Invalid
namespace \[0x8004100e]
,
If you have added your SQL Server instances to 'Registered Servers' list in SSMS:
a. Navigate to 'Registered Servers' view in SSMS.
b. Right-click the SQL Server instance you would like to configure.
c. Select 'SQL Server Configuration Manager...' from the right-click menu.
If you have not added a SQL Server instance to 'Registered Servers' list in SSMS:
a. Open a command promopt as Administrator.
b. Run the Mofcomp tool using the following command:
mofcomp "%programfiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL
Server\130\Shared\sqlmgmproviderxpsp2up.mof"
c. After you run the Mofcomp tool, run the following commands to restart the WMI service
for the changes to take effect:
net stop "Windows Management Instrumentation"
net start Windows Management Instrumentation

Changelog
Fixed an issue where attempting to ALTER/Modify a Stored Procedure fails:
Microsoft Connect item #3103831
New 'Read-SqlTableData', 'Read-SqlViewData', and 'Write-SqlTableData' cmdlets to view and write data
using PowerShell.
Trello Read-SqlTableData Card
Microsoft Connect item #2685363
New 'Add-SqlLogin' cmdlet to enable new login management scenarios using PowerShell.
Microsoft Connect item #2588952
Improved support and usability for users connecting to various national clouds.
Fixed an issue where an Out Of Memory Exceptions were being thrown.
Microsoft Connect item #3062914
Microsoft Connect item #3074856
Fixed an issue where filtering by schema was not a valid filter option.
Microsoft Connect item #3058105
Microsoft Connect item #3101136
Fixed an issue where the Monitor window for a stretched database would not be accessible.
Fixed an issue where the F1 Help always opened online content. Users can now select whether they prefer
online or offline help via the "Set Help Preference" in the Help menu.
Microsoft Connect item #2826366
Fixed an issue where scripting out a 1200-level Analysis Services tabular model wouldnt strip out the
password for scripting, even though the server version had [client model object is now syncd before
scripting].
Fixed an issue where 'SELECT TOP N ROWS' option generated deprecated syntax for the the TOP
operator.
Microsoft Connect item #3065435
Fixed various layout issues throughout SSMS, including the Login Properties page and Advanced Query
Execution Options.
Microsoft Connect item #3058199
Microsoft Connect item #3079122
Microsoft Connect item #3071384
Fixed an issue where a solution was created automatically whenever a user opened a new query window.
Microsoft Connect item #2924667
Microsoft Connect item #2917742
Microsoft Connect item #2612635
Fixed an issue where temporal tables could not be expanded in Object Explorer when in system
databases.
Microsoft Connect item #2551649
Fixed an issue where SSMS runs a query to SELECT @@trancount after executing a batch.
Microsoft Connect item #3042364
Fixed an issue in Analysis Services where creating a script from an server's properties page resulted in a
hidden connection dialog.
Fixed an issue where Ctrl+Q would not select the Quick Launch toolbar.
Fixed an issue where changing the MaxSize of a database using the Server Properties dialog was broken
for databases > 2 TB.
Microsoft Connect item #1231091
Fixed an issue where the Restore Database wizard wouldn't accept filenames with leading whitespaces:
Microsoft Connect item #2395147
Fixed an issue where the Restore Database wizard wouldn't accept filenames with leading whitespaces:
Microsoft Connect item #2395147

SQL Server Management Studio 16.3 (August 2016) release

August 15, 2016 | Version number: 13.0.15700.28
Features
1. New authentication option 'Active Directory Universal Authentication'
2. New cmdlets for SQL Server PowerShell module
3. Improvements to Database Engine Tuning Advisor (DTA) and Extended Events templates
4. Beta support for High Resolution Display in SSMS
More information on features available in the SSMS changelog.
Known Issues
The following are issues and limitations with this release of SQL Server Management Studio:
1. Only a single Azure Active Directory account can log in for an SSMS instance using Active
Directory Universal Authentication.
This restriction is limited to Active Directory Universal Authentication - you can log in to different servers
using Active Directory Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server
Authentication.
As a workaround, you can use another instance of SSMS to login as another Azure Active Directory
account.
2. Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFx) commands and the Schema Designer in SSMS do not
support Active Directory Universal Authentication.
Commands that use DacFx (e.g. import and export), the schema designer in SSMS do not currently
support Active Directory Universal Authentication.
As a workaround, you can use the other forms of authentication provided in SSMS - Active Directory
Password Authentication, Active Directory Integrated Authentication or SQL Server Authentication.
3. SSMS can only connect to SQL Server 2016 Integrated Services (SSIS 2016) instances.
There is a known compatibility limitation with SQL Server Integration Services that prevents connecting
to previous versions.
As a workaround for this problem, you can connect to your SQL Server Integration Service instance by
using the SSMS release aligned with your SSIS instance.
4. SSMS won't save maintenance plans for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier SQL Server versions.
This is a known limitation that we hope to address in the future. In the meantime, you can use the SSMS
2014 release to save the maintenance plans.
5. Non-English SSMS installations may require the installation of an additional security package.
Non-English localized releases of SSMS require the KB 2862966 security update package if installing on:
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.
6. SQL Server Configuration Manager will fail to launch if there is no SQL Server installed on the
client machine
If you do not have SQL Server installed on your client machine and launch SQL Server Configuration
Manager, you will see the following error:
Cannot connect to WMI provider. You do not have permission or the server is unreachable. Note that you
can only manage SQL Server 2005 and later servers with SQL Server Configuration Manager. Invalid
namespace \[0x8004100e]
,
If you have added your SQL Server instances to 'Registered Servers' list in SSMS:
a. Navigate to 'Registered Servers' view in SSMS.
 b. Right-click the SQL Server instance you would like to configure.
c. Select 'SQL Server Configuration Manager...' from the right-click menu.
If you have not added a SQL Server instance to 'Registered Servers' list in SSMS:
a. Open a command promopt as Administrator.
b. Run the Mofcomp tool using the following command:
mofcomp "%programfiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL
Server\130\Shared\sqlmgmproviderxpsp2up.mof"
c. After you run the Mofcomp tool, run the following commands to restart the WMI service
for the changes to take effect:
net stop "Windows Management Instrumentation"
net start Windows Management Instrumentation

Fixes
1. Bug fix to view cleartext of decrypted AlwaysEncrypted large object (LOB) columns in SSMS (Microsoft
Connect item #2413024).
2. Bug fix in Always Encrypted dialog to fix crash when Windows visual styles are not enabled (e.g. enabling
high contrast display).
3. Bug fix for 'Method not found' error preventing connection to SQL Server instances.
4. Bug fix for SSMS crash when creating a partition function with datetime offset.
5. Bug fix to remove Microsoft .NET 3.5 requirement for starting Distributed Replay administration tool
(DReplay.exe).
6. Bug fix in Analysis Services Deployment wizard to support fully-qualified server names.
7. Bug fix in SSMS to display partitions in Analysis Services tabular models with a 2016 compatibility model
(Microsoft Connect item #2845053).
More information on fixes available in the SSMS changelog.

SQL Server Management Studio July 2016 hotfix update release

July 13, 2016 | Version number: 13.0.15600.2
Features
1. Support for Azure SQL Data Warehouse in SSMS.
2. Significant updates to the SQL Server PowerShell module.
3. Significantly improved connection times to Azure SQL databases.
4. Improved support for SQL Server 2016 (1200 compatibility level) tabular databases in the Analysis Services
process dialog, and many more.
More information and features available in the SSMS changelog.
Known Issues
1. The installer for the SSMS July hotfix release shows up as SSMS August release. The setup page for
the July Update hotfix says August due to an internal build setting. This package is in fact a hotfix for the
SSMS July release.
2. SSMS cannot connect to SQL Server instances after installing the 'July 2016 hotfix' release. We
are aware of an issue regarding the latest SSMS update where attempting to connect to a server results in
the following error message:

"Method not found: 'Void

Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Common.SqlConnectionInfo.set_ApplicationIntent(System.String)'"
 The fix for this problem will be available in the next SSMS release. As a workaround for this issue, you can
uninstall and reinstall SSMS. For more details, visit this Microsoft Connect thread on the issue.
3. SSMS crashes when trying to select an Azure storage account. The SSMS July release and July hotfix
release crash if you try to select an Azure storage account and do not have a 'classic' storage account. The
fix for this issue will be available in an upcoming SSMS release. As a workaround for this problem, you
can backup/restore your databases to an Azure storage account by creating a classic storage account, or
by using T-SQL to backup or restore.
4. SSMS will only display 'classic' Azure storage accounts in the Backup/Restore wizards. The SSMS
July release and July hotfix release display only 'classic' Azure storage accounts for new credential
creation if you're trying to backup or restore using the backup or restore wizards. The fix for this issue will
be available in an upcoming SSMS release. As a workaround for this problem, you can backup/restore
your databases to the available Azure 'classic' storage account, or backup to the 'ARM-type' storage
accounts using T-SQL to backup or restore.
5. Non-English SSMS installations may require the installation of an additional security package.
Non-English localized releases of SSMS require the KB 2862966 security update package if installing on:
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.
6. SSMS can only connect to SQL Server 2016 Integrated Services (SSIS 2016) instances. There is a
known compatibility limitation with SQL Server Integration Services that prevents connecting to previous
versions. As a workaround for this problem, you can connect to your SQL Server Integration Service instance
by using the SSMS release aligned with your SSIS instance.
7. SSMS won't save maintenance plans for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier SQL Server versions. We are
working on a fix for this issue. In the meantime, you can use the SSMS 2014 release below to save the
maintenance plans.
8. SQL Server Configuration Manager will fail to launch if there is no SQL Server installed on the client
machine. If you do not have SQL Server installed on your client machine and launch SQL Server
Configuration Manager, you will receive the 'Cannot connect to WMI provider' error. As a workaround:
Open a command prompt as Administrator.
Run the Mofcomp tool using the following command:
mofcomp "%programfiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL Server\130\Shared\sqlmgmproviderxpsp2up.mof"
After you run the Mofcomp tool, run the following commands to restart the WMI service for the
changes to take effect:
net stop "Windows Management Instrumentation"
net start "Windows Management Instrumentation"
Fixes
1. Bug fix in SSMS query designer to allow adding tables to the designer if a user doesn't have SELECT
permissions on them.
2. Bug fix to add IntelliSense support for 'TRY_CAST()', and 'TRY_CONVERT()' functions (Microsoft Connect item
#2453461).
3. Bug fix in the SSMS editor window to allow drag-and-drop open of Sql files (Microsoft Connect item
#2690658).
4. Bug fix in Analysis Services to correctly show the Data Feed provider for multi-dimensional Analysis Services
models.
5. Bug fix in SSMS to prevent crash when trying to edit a join link in the SSMS table designer (Microsoft
Connect item #2721052).
More information and bug fixes available in the SSMS changelog.
 SQL Server Management Studio June 2016 release
June 1, 2016 | Version number: 13.0.15000.23
Features
New streamlined SSMS installer. Standalone SSMS releases. Automatic check for updates. A new Quick Find
dialog. SSMS built on the Visual Studio 2015 shell, and many more.
More information available in the SSMS changelog.
Known Issues
1. PowerShell script generation from the Always Encrypted wizard is currently disabled. A fix for this
issue will be available in a subsequent monthly SSMS update.
2. The 'Encrypt Columns' context menu item in Object Explorer is disabled for tables and columns
when you are connected to Azure SQL Database. A fix for this issue will be available in a subsequent
monthly SSMS update. As a workaround, right-click your database in Object Explorer, select 'Tasks', and
choose 'Encrypt Columns' to encrypt Azure SQL Database columns and tables.
3. SSMS can only connect to SQL Server 2016 Integrated Services (SSIS 2016) instances. There is a
known compatibility limitation with SQL Server Integration Services that prevents connecting to previous
versions. As a workaround for this problem, you can connect to your SQL Server Integration Service instance
by using the SSMS release aligned with your SSIS instance.
4. SSMS won't save maintenance plans for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier SQL Server versions. We are
working on a fix for this issue. In the meantime, you can use the SSMS 2014 release below to save the
maintenance plans.
5. SQL Server Configuration Manager will fail to launch if there is no SQL Server installed on the client
machine. If you do not have SQL Server installed on your client machine and launch SQL Server
Configuration Manager, you will receive the 'Cannot connect to WMI provider' error. As a workaround:
Open a command prompt as Administrator.
Run the Mofcomp tool using the following command:
mofcomp "%programfiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL Server\130\Shared\sqlmgmproviderxpsp2up.mof"
After you run the Mofcomp tool, run the following commands to restart the WMI service for the
changes to take effect:
net stop "Windows Management Instrumentation"
net start "Windows Management Instrumentation"
Fixes
1. Quick find dialog in SSMS that is better integrated into the current document and allows searching via
regular expressions (Microsoft Connect item #2735513).
2. Bug fix in SSMS context-sensitive F1 help to correctly display help documents and articles.
3. Bug fix in Query Data Store 'Regressed Queries' view that caused SSMS to crash when scrolling.
4. Bug fix in Excel Analysis Services OLEDB connector to allow connections from Excel 2016 to SQL Server
Analysis Services.
5. Bug fix in SSMS Connection dialog to show the connection dialog on the same monitor as the main SSMS
window in multi-monitor systems (Microsoft Connect item #724909).
6. Bug fixes in Always Encrypted experience. Fixed bug where Always Encrypted menu option was not enabled
correctly for Stretch databases. Also fixed bug in the Always Encrypted wizard where it was not properly
using the SafeNet (Luna SA) HSM provider.

SQL Server Management Studio 2014 SP1

May 14, 2015 | Version number: 12.0.4100.1
Features
Improved Azure SQL Database support with new open in management portal menu, table designer integration,
and more.
More information available in the release notes.
Known Issues
N/A
Fixes
1. SSMS Crashes during Movement of Maintenance Plan tasks if the Maintenance Plan name and the first
SUB_PLAN name are the same.
2. You cannot debug a stored procedure that calls sp_executesql in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
When F11 is pressed, you receive an 'Object reference not set to an instance of object' error message
(Microsoft Connect item #736509).
3. SSMS does not fully manage Full-Text in SQL Server Express (Microsoft Connect item #740181).
4. SSMS handles Numbered Stored procedures inconsistently (Microsoft Connect item #764197).
5. SSMS occasionally crashes on close, which then causes it to automatically restart (Microsoft Connect item
#774317).
6. Create script duplicates the statements when scripting column level permissions in SSMS (Microsoft Connect
item #797967).
7. SSMS may crash when you try to refresh the SSMS window icon on the task bar (Microsoft Connect item
#799430).

SQL Server Management Studio 2012 SP3

November 21, 2015 | Version number: 11.0.6020.0
Features
Full-feature SSMS express editions. Code snippets. Column store indexes, and more.
More information available in the release notes.
Known Issues
N/A
Fixes
1. Missing columns can't be indicated in the error message when you import data by using Import and Export
Wizard.
2. "Unable to create restore plan due to break in the LSN chain" error when you restore differential backup in
SSMS

Additional Downloads
For a list of all SQL Server Management Studio downloads, search the Microsoft Download Center.
For the latest release of SQL Server Management Studio, see Download SQL Server Management Studio
(SSMS).

Related resources
Update center for Microsoft SQL Server
SQL Server Management Studio quick start
SQL Server Management Studio forum
 Configure WMI to Show Server Status in SQL Server
Tools
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

This topic describes how to configure WMI to show the server status in SQL Server tools in SQL Server 2016. When
connecting to servers, both the Registered Servers and Object Explorer components of SQL Server Management
Studio, as well as SQL Server Configuration Manager, use Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to obtain
the status of the SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) and SQL Server Agent (MSSQLSERVER) services. To display the
status of the service, the user must have rights to remotely access the WMI object. The server must have WMI
installed to configure this permission.

To configure WMI permission

1. On the Start menu on the remote server, click Run.
2. In the Open box type wmimgmt.msc, and then click OK.
3. In the Windows Management Infrastructure program, right-click WMI Control (Local), and then click
Properties.
4. In the WMI Control (Local) Properties dialog box, on the Security tab, expand Root, and then click
CIMV2.
5. Click Security to open the Security for ROOT\CIMV2 dialog box.
6. Add a group or user to the Group or user names box and select it.
7. In the Permissions for box, select the Allow column, for the Remote Enable permission, for users whom
you wish to remotely detect the service status.

See Also
Start, Stop, or Pause the SQL Server Agent Service
 The SQL Server Management Studio Environment
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

SQL Server Management Studio provides a rich environment for managing and developing queries in SQL Server.

In This Section
General User Interface Elements
Outline general features of the user interface, such as Solution Explorer, Object Explorer, the Properties window,
and the integrated Web browser.
Solution Explorer
Introduces Solution Explorer, which provides you with an organized view of your projects and their files as well as
ready access to commands for managing them.
Solution Explorer Source Control
Describes how SQL Server Management Studio integrates with source control products.
 Property Pages in SQL Server Management Studio
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

Property page dialog boxes in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio all use a common format displaying
information with expanding and collapsing categories. The fields shown depend on the particular property.
Properties shown in gray are read-only. Categorized and Alphabetic buttons are near the top of each property
page.
The following table describes the common elements of Management Studio property page dialog boxes.

ELEMENT DESCRIPTION

Categorized Lists all properties and property values for the selected object,
sorted by category. In category view, you can collapse a
category to reduce the number of visible properties. When
you expand or collapse a category, you see a plus sign (+) or
minus sign (-) to the left of the category name. Categories are
listed alphabetically.

Alphabetic Lists all properties and property values for the selected object,
sorted alphabetically.

Property name The first column in the grid lists the property names.

Properties The second column in the grid lists the property values.

Description pane The description pane appears at the bottom of the page and
shows the property type and a short description of the
property. You can turn the description of the property off and
on using the Description command on the shortcut menu.
 Properties Window (Management Studio)
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

Use this window to view properties of selected elements. You can also use the Properties window to view file,
project, and solution properties. The Properties window is available by clicking Properties Window on the View
menu.
The Properties window displays different types of editing fields, depending on the needs of a particular property.
Properties shown in gray are read-only.

Options
ELEMENT DESCRIPTION

Object name Lists the currently selected object or objects. Only objects from
the active editor or designer are visible.

Categorized Lists all properties and property values for the selected object,
by category. You can collapse a category to reduce the
number of visible properties. When you expand or collapse a
category, you see a plus (+) or minus (-) to the left of the
category name. Categories are listed alphabetically.

Alphabetic Alphabetically sorts all design-time properties and events for

selected objects.

Properties Displays the properties for an object.

Description pane The description pane appears at the bottom of the Properties
window and shows the property type and a short description
of the property. You can turn the description of the property
off and on using the Description command on the shortcut
menu.

See Also
General User Interface Elements
 About Dialog Box
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

The About dialog box provides product information and allows you to access information about the machine the
product is running on. For evaluation copies, the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio entry lists the number
of days remaining until the installation expires. This dialog box is available on the Help menu.

Options
Component Name
Lists the name of each SQL Server item installed.
Version
Lists the version of each installed component.
Copy Info
Copies the component names and versions to the Microsoft Windows clipboard.

See Also
General User Interface Elements
 SQL Server Management Studio Web Browser
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

SQL Server Management Studio hosts a version of Microsoft Internet Explorer. This Web browser allows you to
browse URLs, and view MSDN Library help topics without leaving SQL Server Management Studio. You can access
the Web browser by pointing to Web Browser on the View menu, and then clicking Show Browser.

See Also
General User Interface Elements
 General User Interface Elements
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

The Editor, the Properties window, and the Toolbox are some of the basic elements of Microsoft SQL Server
Management Studio.

In This Section
About Dialog Box
Describes the dialog box that provides information about SQL Server Management Studio and about the
computer that it is running on.
SQL Server Management Studio Web Browser
Describes how SQL Server Management Studio hosts a Web browser in a document window.
External Tools Dialog Box
Allows you to add tools to the Tools menu that are not part of SQL Server Management Studio.
Properties Window (Management Studio)
Allows you to view properties and events of selected objects that are located in editors and designers. Also allows
you to edit and view the properties of files, projects, and solutions. Some properties can be edited in the
Properties window.
Use the Toolbox
Explains how to manipulate and use the Toolbox to add controls to your project's designers. For example, you
use the Toolbox to add steps to a Maintenance task.
 User Assistance in SQL Server Management Studio
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User assistance is available in SQL Server Management Studio through the Help menu and SQL Server Books
Online. The Help menu in Management Studio offers several different routes to information about SQL Server. It
also provides access to SQL Server community and MSDN Online resources not previously available from within
the Help environment. In addition, the Help environment is now configurable to launch either within the SQL
Server Management Studio environment or in an associated external window of its own.

The Help Interface

The Contents and Index provide functionality and an interface already familiar to SQL Server users. The other
options are:
How Do I
Provides a hierarchical set of linked pages containing useful topics related to common SQL Server tasks. The
content is organized by component and task, for example, Replication topics, and so on.
Search
Searches for topics, with or without predefined filters. Search in SQL Server is a separate tabbed page. Users
can refine their searches with one or more predefined topic type, language, or technology filters. By default,
Search does not use any of the predefined filters, and only topics in the installed collections are searched.
Users can include online resources in their search by enabling online Help. For more information, see
"MSDN Online and SQL Server Communities" later in this topic.
Dynamic Help
Automatically displays links to relevant information while users work in the Management Studio
environment.
Help Favorites
Stores user topic bookmarks for easy access later.
Help on Help ( Microsoft Document Explorer Help) links users to the documentation about the Help Viewer, but the
topics are in a collection separate from SQL Server Books Online. For information about the Help Viewer, select
Help on Help from the Help menu of SQL Server Books Online.

MSDN Online and SQL Server Communities

Help in Management Studio also provides users ways to contact MSDN Online and SQL Server-focused
communities on the Web for information. You can:
Access SQL Server communities from the How Do I page.
Search MSDN Online and SQL Server community sites.
To access SQL Server-focused communities from the How Do I page
1. In SQL Server Management Studio, on the Help menu, click How Do I.
2. The SQL Server How Do I page opens. In the Community Links sidebar, click the name of the community
site you want to access.
 NOTE
The computer running SQL Server must have a direct connection to the Web.

Before you can search MSDN Online or the SQL Server communities, you must enable online search.
To enable online search
1. On the Tools menu, click Options. In the Options dialog box, expand the Environment and Help nodes if
necessary, and then click Online.
2. In the When loading Help content area, select an online option.
3. In the Search these providers list, select the search providers you want to search, and clear those you
don't.
4. If Codezone Community is one of your selected search providers, then in the Codezone Community list,
select and clear items as appropriate.
5. Click OK.
To search MSDN Online and SQL Server-focused communities from the Search page
1. On the Help menu, click Search.
2. Enter your search terms in the Search for text box, and then click Search.
Whether or not you perform a search using the filters available (technology, language, and topic type), your search
will now be run against all the search providers you selected.

Launching Help
There are two ways to display Help from SQL Server Management Studio. By default, when SQL Server Books
Online is opened from within Management Studio, it opens in a document window external to the Management
Studio environment. This window is still associated with the Management Studio; it can respond to some
Management Studio events; and when you close Management Studio, Books Online will close as well. Opening
Books Online this way is particularly useful when you are using two monitors; you can drag the Books Online
window to the second monitor, out of the way of work you are doing in the first one, but still easily referenced.
You can also open Books Online as a document window inside Management Studio. This is preferable when you
have limited screen space and want to take advantage of Management Studio and its ability to hide windows.

NOTE
If you want Books Online to be completely independent of Management Studio, open SQL Server Books Online from the
Start menu, and it will not react to your actions in the Management Studio environment, nor will it close if you exit
Management Studio.

To configure Help and SQL Server Books Online to launch inside the Management Studio window
1. On the Tools menu, click Options, expand Environment, expand Help, and then click General.
2. In the Show Help Using box, click Integrated Help Viewer.
 Arguments for External Tools
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

Arguments are variables that the Studio environment supplies values for when an external tool is launched from
the Tools menu. External tools such as Notepad can be added to the Tools menu using the External Tools dialog
box.
The following table lists arguments for external tools.

NAME ARGUMENT DESCRIPTION

Item Path $(ItemPath) The complete file name of the current

source (defined as drive + path + file
name); blank if a non-source window is
active.

Item Directory $(ItemDir) The directory of the current source

(defined as drive + path); blank if a
non-source window is active.

Item File Name $(ItemFilename) The file name of the current source
(defined as file name); blank if a non-
source window is active.

Item extension $(ItemExt) The file name extension of the current

source.

Current Line* $(CurLine) The current line position of the cursor

in the editor.

Current Column* $(CurCol) The current column position of the

cursor in the editor.

Current Text* $(CurText) The current text (the word under the
current cursor position, or a single-line
selection, if there is one).

Target Path $(TargetPath) The complete file name of the target

(defined as drive + path + file name).

Target Directory $(TargetDir) The directory of the target.

Target Name $(TargetName) The file name of the target.

Target Extension $(TargetExt) The file name extension of the target.

Project Directory $(ProjDir) The directory of the current project

(defined as drive + path).

Project File Name $(ProjFileName) The file name of the current project
(defined as drive + path + file name).
 NAME ARGUMENT DESCRIPTION

Solution Directory $(SolutionDir) The directory of the current solution

(defined as drive + path).

Solution File Name $(SolutionFileName) The file name of the current solution
(defined as drive + path + file name).

*The current line, current column, or current text is based on the position of the cursor in the text editor as shown
in the status bar.

See Also
External Tools Dialog Box
General User Interface Elements
 Add an External Tool to the Tools Menu (SQL Server
Management Studio)
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

You can launch any Microsoft Windows or Microsoft .NET Framework application from SQL Server Management
Studio. External applications can be added to, and run from, the Tools menu.
To add an external tool to the Tools menu
1. On the Tools menu, click External Tools.
2. In the Title text box, type the name you want to appear in the Menu contents list.
3. In the Command text box, type the program name. Include the path to the executable file if necessary.
4. In the Arguments text box, type the program arguments if necessary.
5. In the Initial directory text box, type the program's initial directory if necessary.
6. To add the tool to the Menu contents list, click Add; and then click OK.
 Configure Login Auditing (SQL Server Management
Studio)
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

This topic describes how to configure login auditing in SQL Server 2016 to monitor SQL Server Database Engine
login activity. Login auditing can be configured to write to the error log on the following events.
Failed logins
Successful logins
Both failed and successful logins
You must restart SQL Server before this option will take effect.

Using SQL Server Management Studio

To configure login auditing
1. In SQL Server Management Studio, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine with Object
Explorer.
2. In Object Explorer, right-click the server name, and then click Properties.
3. On the Security page, under Login auditing, click the desired option and close the Server Properties page.
4. In Object Explorer, right-click the server name, and then click Restart.
 Use the Toolbox
3/14/2017 1 min to read Edit Online

You can select and drag items, text, and controls from the Toolbox onto forms, pages, and designers, and drag
items from these sources back into the Toolbox for reuse later. For example, in SQL Server Management Studio
you can drag a task onto a Maintenance Plan.
Items in the Toolbox are grouped into sections called tabs. Here is a reference list of common Toolbox tasks and
how to do them:

TO DO THIS

Open the Toolbox On the View menu, click Toolbox.

Make the Toolbox close automatically Open the Toolbox. On the Window menu, select Auto Hide.

Make the Toolbox stay open Open the Toolbox. On the Window menu, clear Auto Hide.

Move the Toolbox to a different location Open the Toolbox. On the Window menu, clear Auto Hide,
and then select Floating. Drag the Toolbox to the desired
location.

Hide the Toolbox In the Window menu, select Hide. (To reopen the Toolbox,
click Toolbox on the View menu.)

Expand a Toolbox tab Click the desired tab in the Toolbox.

Expand Toolbox tabs one after another Press CTRL+DOWN ARROW to expand the next Toolbox tab,
or CTRL+UP ARROW to expand the previous tab.

Create a new Toolbox tab Right-click anywhere in the Toolbox, and then click Add Tab.
Type the name for the new tab, and then press Enter.

Insert a Toolbox item at the selected location on the designer Drag an item from the Toolbox to the designer or double-click
the desired item on the expanded Toolbox tab.

Change the position of a tab in the Toolbox Drag the Toolbox tab to the new location preferred, and
release the mouse.

Change the position of an item on an expanded Toolbox tab Drag the item to the new location, and release the mouse.

Rename a Toolbox item Right-click the Toolbox item, and click Rename Item on the
shortcut menu.

See Also
General User Interface Elements