How to Check the Version of SQL Server

Hello Dev! As you navigate the world of SQL Server, it’s important to know exactly which version you’re working with. This information can be useful for troubleshooting, compatibility issues, and overall database management. In this article, we’ll explore different methods you can use to determine the version of SQL Server you have installed.

Method 1: Using SQL Server Management Studio

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a graphical user interface used to manage SQL Server databases. It also provides an easy way to check the version of SQL Server. Here are the steps to follow:

Step
Description
Step 1
Open SQL Server Management Studio.
Step 2
Connect to the SQL Server instance you want to check.
Step 3
Click on the “Help” menu and select “About”.
Step 4
The “About Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio” window will appear, displaying the version number.

It’s important to note that the version number displayed in SSMS is for the SQL Server Management Studio application, not the SQL Server instance itself.

FAQ:

1. What if I can’t connect to the SQL Server instance?

If you can’t access the SQL Server instance from SSMS, you can try another method to check the version.

2. Is there an easier way to get the version number?

Yes, there is! If you have access to the SQL Server Configuration Manager, you can find the version number there as well.

Method 2: Using SQL Server Configuration Manager

SQL Server Configuration Manager is a tool used to manage the SQL Server services installed on a machine. Here are the steps to follow:

Step
Description
Step 1
Open SQL Server Configuration Manager.
Step 2
Expand the “SQL Server Services” node.
Step 3
Right-click on the instance you want to check and select “Properties”.
Step 4
The “SQL Server Instance Name Properties” window will appear, displaying the version number.

The version number displayed in SQL Server Configuration Manager is for the SQL Server instance itself.

FAQ:

1. What if the SQL Server Configuration Manager isn’t installed?

If SQL Server Configuration Manager isn’t installed on your machine, you can try using the registry editor method below.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

This method involves using the Windows Registry Editor to access the version information stored in the registry. Here are the steps to follow:

Step
Description
Step 1
Open the registry editor by typing “regedit” in the Windows search bar.
Step 2
Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\
Step 3
Expand the key for the instance you want to check.
Step 4
Look for the “CurrentVersion” value, which will display the version number.

Using the registry editor can be tricky, so be careful not to make any changes to the registry unless you know what you’re doing.

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FAQ:

1. Is it safe to use the registry editor?

Editing the registry can be dangerous, as it can cause problems with your operating system if done incorrectly. Be sure to follow the steps carefully and only make changes if you know what you’re doing.

Method 4: Using T-SQL

For those who prefer using T-SQL, you can also check the version of SQL Server using a query. Here’s how:

Step
Description
Step 1
Open SQL Server Management Studio.
Step 2
Connect to the SQL Server instance you want to check.
Step 3
Open a new query window.
Step 4
Type the following query:
SELECT @@VERSION
Step 5
Execute the query.

The results of the query will display the version number of SQL Server.

FAQ:

1. Is T-SQL the only way to check the version?

No, you can use any of the methods outlined in this article to check the version of SQL Server. Choose the one that works best for you.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are several ways to check the version of SQL Server. Whether you prefer using a graphical user interface or T-SQL, you can easily find the information you need to manage your database. Knowing the version number is just one step in becoming a SQL Server expert.

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