Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) All Versions [2025]

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an all-in-one place for you to go if you want to manage your MS SQL databases. SSMS gives you a graphical interface, so you can manage your SQL databases from a local SQL server to an on-cloud database stack.

SQL Server Management Studio can be used to deploy, monitor, and upgrade existing SQL databases. Some might even consider it an all-in-one solution.

This article gives you direct download links for all available SSMS versions that you can use to meet your requirements. But before we begin, let us give you a little insight into the different requirements and prerequisites.

What is SQL Server Management Studio

As mentioned above, SQL Server Management Studio, or SSMS, is an integrated management environment for a SQL Server architecture. It offers a user interface, a set of tools, and sophisticated script editors that communicate with SQL Server.

The user-friendly interface and convenient manageability of the SSMS make it easier for the developers to manage the many SQL databases, perform maintenance works, and access them when required.

SSMS is completely free and can be used to manage any number of database servers you want.

The latest SQL Server Management Studio – SSMS 21

Before moving forward, let’s go through the features of the latest SSMS 21. Honestly, it feels like a completely new application as compared to the older versions. Here are some of the game-changing features:

Dark Mode

SSMS 21 includes a full dark theme that covers everything from menus, query editor, results and even Object Explorer. This is especially useful for users who prefer to work at night.

AI-Powered Assistance

AI is being integrated into everything we can think of. SSMS 21 is no different. Microsoft has introduced Copilot integration to help write queries, suggest optimizations and even explain complex execution paths. This makes the task of a database administrator a lot easier.

Auto-Updates

SSMS21 now uses Visual Studio installer, meaning that you will get automatic updates (through Visual Studio updates and Windows updates). This will also translate to smaller download sizes and latest features integration over time.

You may also install SSMS 21 along side older versions of the system.

SQL Server 2025 Support

SSMS 21 includes full support for the latest SQL Server 2025 new AI features including vector search capabilities and native JSON support.

SQL Server Management Studio System Requirements

Before you begin installing SSMS on your device, you’ll need to meet these minimum hardware requirements:

Operating System Support

• Windows 11 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, Enterprise, Education)
• Windows 10 version 1607 or later (Home, Professional, Education, Enterprise)
• Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, or 2016 (Standard and Datacenter)

Download all versions of Windows Server.

Note: If you’re still running Windows 8.1 or older Windows Server versions, you’ll need to stick with SSMS 20 or earlier versions.

Hardware Requirements

• Processor: 1.8 GHz or faster x86 (Intel, AMD) processor
• RAM: 2GB (2.5GB if running on a virtual machine)
• Storage: Minimum of 2 GB (Can go up to 10 GB depending upon installed features)

Software Requirements

• .NET Framework 4.8 (installed automatically if not present)
• Administrator rights for installation

SQL Server Management Studio Download Links

Here’s the list of the latest builds of SQL Server Management Studio. Click the Download button to immediately begin downloading the tool.

Important: Microsoft only supports the latest version (SSMS 21). Older versions no longer receive security updates.

Language Options

SSMS 21 is available in 14 languages:

English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Czech, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, Turkish

The installer automatically matches your Windows language, but you can choose a different language during installation.

You can also download a specific version if you don’t want the latest build of SSMS:

There have also been preview releases for some of these versions that have not been mentioned in the table above.

To download any SSMS version in any other language, please visit Microsoft’s Release Notes page for direct download links.

How to Install SQL Server Management Studio

Once you have downloaded the SSMS, here is how to install it:

1. Download the setup file for the SSMS version from the given links above.

2. Run the downloaded file.

   The installation wizard will then run.

3. Click Install.

   

   SSMS will now begin installing on your PC. The process should take about 5 minutes but can vary depending on your system’s specifications.

4. Once installed, click Close.

   

You can now launch SSMS by searching for it through the Windows Search bar and begin using it.

SQL Server Management Studio Available Languages

SSMS can be downloaded and installed in the following languages:

• English (US)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Russian
• Spanish

Uninstall SQL Server Management Studio

If you ever want to uninstall the SSMS, here is how to do it:

1. Run the downloaded setup file for SSMS previously used for installation.

   If you don’t already have it, you can download the setup file from the direct download links shared above.

2. Click Uninstall from the wizard.

   

   The wizard will then remove SSMS from your device.

3. Click Close when it is finished.

   

FAQs