SQL Server Upgrade Guide for Dev

Are you a developer who is planning to upgrade your SQL Server? It can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can simplify the process and ensure a smooth transition. This guide is designed to help you understand the steps involved in upgrading your SQL Server and provide you with useful tips and tricks.

Why Upgrade Your SQL Server?

Before we dive into the specifics of upgrading your SQL Server, let’s first discuss why you should do it. There are several reasons why upgrading your SQL Server is crucial:

• Improved performance: Upgrading your SQL Server can significantly improve the performance of your applications and databases.
• Better security: A newer version of SQL Server will offer stronger security features to protect your data.
• Support and updates: Older versions of SQL Server may no longer receive support or updates, leaving you vulnerable to security breaches.
• New features: Upgrading to a newer version of SQL Server will provide you with access to new features and capabilities that will enhance your development experience.

Preparing for the Upgrade

Before you begin the upgrade process, there are several things you need to do to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Check Compatibility

The first thing you need to do is check the compatibility of your current SQL Server with the version you want to upgrade to. Microsoft provides a comprehensive list of supported versions and upgrade paths, which you can find on their website.

You should also check if any of your applications or third-party tools are not compatible with the new version of SQL Server. This will help you identify any potential issues before you begin the upgrade.

Backup Your Databases

The next step is to backup all your databases. This is essential in case anything goes wrong during the upgrade process. You can use SQL Server Management Studio or a third-party tool to backup your databases. Make sure to test the backups to ensure that they are usable.

Plan for Downtime

Upgrading your SQL Server will require some downtime, so you need to plan for this accordingly. You should communicate the planned downtime to your users and stakeholders to minimize any disruption.

Allocate Adequate Resources

You need to ensure that you have adequate resources to support the upgraded SQL Server. This includes RAM, disk space, and CPU. Check the minimum hardware requirements for the new version of SQL Server and make sure your infrastructure meets those requirements.

Create an Upgrade Plan

Finally, you need to create a detailed upgrade plan. This should include all the steps you need to take in order to upgrade your SQL Server, such as updating application configurations, installing and configuring the new version of SQL Server, and migrating your data to the new version.

The Upgrade Process

Now that you have completed the preparation phase, it’s time to begin the actual upgrade process. This section will walk you through the steps involved:

Step 1: Install the New Version of SQL Server

The first step is to install the new version of SQL Server. You can do this either by downloading the installation file from Microsoft’s website or by using a tool like SQL Server Installation Center.

During the installation process, you will be prompted to select the features you want to install. Make sure to select all the features you need.

Step 2: Check for Updates

Once you have installed the new version of SQL Server, check for any updates that need to be installed. You can do this by opening SQL Server Management Studio and running the SQL Server Updates feature.

Step 3: Migrate Your Databases

The next step is to migrate your databases to the new version of SQL Server. You can do this using the SQL Server Management Studio Database Migration Wizard or by scripting out your databases and importing them into the new version.

Step 4: Update Application Configurations

Once you have migrated your databases, you need to update your application configurations to point to the new version of SQL Server. Make sure to test all your applications to ensure they are working correctly.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about upgrading your SQL Server:

How long does it take to upgrade SQL Server?

The time it takes to upgrade your SQL Server depends on various factors such as the size of your databases, the complexity of your applications, and the resources available to you. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Can I skip a version when upgrading SQL Server?

It is generally recommended that you upgrade to the next version in the upgrade path. However, if your current version is several versions behind, you may need to perform multiple upgrades to reach the latest version.

What happens if the upgrade fails?

If the upgrade fails, you can restore your databases from the backups you created before starting the upgrade process. You may need to troubleshoot and resolve any issues before attempting the upgrade again.

Version	Release Date
SQL Server 2019	November 2019
SQL Server 2017	October 2017
SQL Server 2016	June 2016
SQL Server 2014	April 2014