Microsoft SQL Server is a popular database system that allows you to query and manage an MSSQL database and is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure.

I utilize the SSMS application primarily to configure, deploy, manage, and administer various components in Microsoft SQL Server, including SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.

The program contains script editors and graphical tools that work with objects and features of the server.

Follow the instructions below and I’ll show you how to download and install Microsoft SQL on your PC for free.

How to Download and Install SQL Server Management Studio on Your PC for Free

  1. Click on the Download button on the sidebar to go directly to the official SQL Server Management Studio download page.
  2. Click on the download button as shown below to download the software.
    SQL Server Management Studio download page screenshot
  3. Wait for the download to complete. Go to your downloads and double-click on the setup file you just downloaded. Follow the installation instructions.
    SQL Server Management Studio installer location screenshot
  4. Wait for the installation to complete. This might take up to 10 minutes.
    SQL Server Management Studio installation process screenshot
  5. You can now launch and start using the software.

How to Uninstall SQL Server Management Studio

If SQL Server Management Studio isn’t the right SQL program for you, here is a simple way to remove the program from your PC:

  1. Type Add or Remove Programs in the Windows search bar and hit Enter.
    SQL Server Management Studio add or remove programs screenshot
  2. Scroll to SQL Server Management Studio on the list of installed programs. Click the Uninstall button.
    SQL Server Management Studio uninstall screenshot
  3. Once the uninstallation wizard opens, click “Uninstall” to confirm that you want to remove the software, and it will be uninstalled from your computer.

If you prefer to use a different program for managing, administering, and configuring your SQL infrastructure, you can check the free alternatives below.

SQL Server Management Studio Overview

The current version of SQL Server Management Studio provides you with an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure, including Azure SQL Database.

Also note that installing a newer version of SQL Server Management Studio does not replace the old version. Instead, it is installed side-by-side with the older versions, allowing you to select the version you want for specific functionalities. When you install the recent version, it automatically installs a native version of Azure Data Studio (a cross-platform database tool for data professionals) on your PC, meaning that you get to enjoy the features of both programs from a single installation. You need to provide a server name to start using the program.

SQL Server Management Studio server configuration screenshot

With SSMS, you have a Graphic User Interface (GUI) tool designed to help you configure, monitor, and administer different instances of SQL Server and databases. Use SSMS to design queries, deploy, monitor, and manage your databases and data warehouses, regardless of their location — whether on your local drive or in the cloud.

How to Connect to a SQL Server Instance

  1. Launch the SQL Server Management Studio application. The Connect to Server dialog box will appear.
  2. Enter the following information for the fields displayed:
    • Server type: Select Database Engine, although it is usually selected by default.
    • Server name: To connect to a locally, enter Localhost. To connect to a different server instance other than the default instance – MSSQLSERVER – enter the fully qualified server name of your SQL Server.
    • Authentication: Select Windows Authentication (usually selected by default). Alternatively, you can select SQL Server Authentication. Note that if you select SQL Server Authentication, you will have to provide a username and password.
    • For username and password, simply provide your Server account user ID and Password. This is usually required when you use SQL Server Authentication.
  3. After completing all the fields, click Connect.
    SQL Server Management Studio server connect button screenshot
    Note: In addition to having SQL Server Management Studio installed, another prerequisite you need to connect to a SQL server instance on your PC is to install and configure a SQL Server instance.
  4. To modify additional connection options, such as the database you’re connecting to, the connection timeout value, and the network protocol, click the Options button on the bottom right. Note that I used the default values for all the fields in this review.

Features of SQL Server Management Studio

  • Easily execute all administrative tasks for SQL Server.
  • Provides support for Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Data Warehouse.
  • An Object Explorer (typically present in all SQL IDEs), which shows you a list of objects on the server. It can also be expanded to show other objects.
  • A Query Window, which shows you the central area of the SSMS where you can write SQL. Press “Control + N” to create a new window.
  • An Execute button that you can click to run and view the queries written in the query window. Press F5 for the shortcut.
  • Databases, which appear under the object explorer, allow you to see all queries created in the query window.
  • Run multiple SQL statements at a time, either simultaneously or individually.
  • SSMS allows you to create multiple query windows, and switch between multiple tabs pretty easily.

Free Alternatives to SQL Server Management Studio

HeidiSQL: HeidiSQL is available as an open-source, portable version and comes with all the essential features you need when managing SQL databases. Among its many features, it connects to multiple servers in one window and allows you to export table rows as CSV, HTML, XML, SQL, etc.

DBeaver: DBeaver is a free, cross-platform, and open-source database management tool that you can use for most database management systems, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, etc. DBeaver works for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Solaris.

FAQs

Is SQL Server Management Studio free?

Yes, the application is absolutely free. Here’s an easy way to download SQL Server Management Studio.

Is SQL Server Management Studio secure?

RStudio products do not include virus scanners. However, you can ensure that your system is not exposed to viruses by double-checking the sources you download packages from. Also, be sure you download RStudio from the official site only.

How many tables can I run per database?

This is limited by the total number of objects in a database. Typical objects in a database include tables, views, stored procedures, user-defined functions, triggers, rules, defaults, and constraints. The sum of all the objects in a database cannot exceed 2,147,483,647.
Download SQL Server Management Studio now!