sql server hub / ssms downloads

SSMS downloadsand release history

SQL Server Management Studio versions and main Microsoft download links in one searchable page.

This tracks the public release-history table Microsoft publishes for SSMS. For SQL Server engine builds, use the SQL Server updates tracker.

Install note

Microsoft lists only the latest SSMS release as supported. Older installers are useful for compatibility or rollback work, but they should be chosen deliberately.

Latest listed version

22.6.0

Released May 12, 2026.

Current status

No change

The latest sync matched the previously stored snapshot.

History

0

Tracked snapshot changes kept locally for comparison.

Change highlights

No changes detected in the latest sync.

Affected versions

No affected versions in the latest sync.

What is SSMS?

SSMS is SQL Server Management Studio, Microsoft's desktop tool for connecting to SQL Server, running queries, managing database objects, reviewing jobs, and doing regular DBA work.

Installing SSMS gives you the management tool. For SQL Server engine builds, cumulative updates, and GDRs, use the SQL Server engine updates tracker.

Downloads

Latest SSMS downloads by major version

Use this table for the latest listed installer in each SSMS major version. Older point releases and archived links are listed in the version sections below.

Latest major versions

7

Latest listed installer per major version.

ChannelSSMS versionBuild numberRelease dateDownload
Release
22.6.0
Not listedMay 12, 2026SQL Server Management Studio GA
Fixed
21.6.17
21.6.17
October 14, 202521.6.17
Fixed
20.2.1
20.2.37.0
April 8, 202520.2.1
Fixed
19.3
19.3.4.0
January 10, 202419.3
Fixed
18.12.1
15.0.18420.0
June 21, 202218.12.1
Fixed
17.9.1
14.0.17289.0
November 21, 201817.9.1
Fixed
16.5.3
13.0.16106.4
January 30, 201716.5.3

How to Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

The normal SSMS setup flow uses Microsoft's Visual Studio Installer. It is still a short install when you only need Management Studio.

  1. Step 1

    Download SSMS

    Start with the latest SSMS 22 installer.

  2. Step 2

    Run vs_SSMS.exe

    Open the downloaded bootstrapper from your Downloads folder or software share.

  3. Step 3

    Let Visual Studio Installer open

    SSMS 22 setup is handled by Visual Studio Installer, not a standalone MSI.

  4. Step 4

    Choose installation options

    Keep the default SSMS install or add optional components and language packs.

  5. Step 5

    Complete installation

    Let setup download and install the selected files. Standard installs need internet access.

  6. Step 6

    Launch SSMS

    Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the SQL Server instance you manage.

SSMS 22 vs SSMS 21

SSMS 22 is the default choice for new installs. SSMS 21 is mainly useful when you need a known older major version for compatibility, rollback, or an existing support process.

VersionUse whenDownload styleNotes
SSMS 22 (22.6.0)New installs and normal workstation updates.Latest SSMS 22 downloadBest default unless a tool or extension needs an older major version.
SSMS 21 (21.6.17)Compatibility checks, rollback targets, or older support processes.Fixed SSMS 21 installerChoose deliberately; Microsoft lists only the latest SSMS release as supported.

SSMS Compatibility with SQL Server Versions

SSMS can manage older SQL Server versions. The table below follows Microsoft's current SSMS compatibility information.

SSMS versionHighest listed SQL Server versionOlder SQL Server supportNotes
SSMS 22.xSQL Server 2025 (17.x)SQL Server 2014 (12.x) and laterYes, SSMS 22 works with SQL Server 2019.
SSMS 21.xSQL Server 2025 (17.x)Older supported SQL Server versionsUse only when you need the older SSMS major line.
SSMS 19.x / 20.xSQL Server 2022 (16.x)Older supported SQL Server versionsCommon rollback or compatibility target.
SSMS 18.xSQL Server 2019 (15.x)Older supported SQL Server versionsOlder workstation baseline.
SSMS 17.xSQL Server 2017 (14.x)Older supported SQL Server versionsLegacy major version.
SSMS 16.xSQL Server 2016 (13.x)Older supported SQL Server versionsLegacy major version.

SQL Server Integration Services has separate legacy service notes in Microsoft's documentation. Check that path separately if SSMS is used mainly for SSIS administration.

SSMS System Requirements

Current SSMS 22 setup requires a 64-bit Windows system. The normal bootstrapper needs internet access; managed installs can use an offline layout.

Microsoft's FAQ uses broader Windows 10 or later wording. The dedicated SSMS 22 requirements page currently lists Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, 2022, and 2019.

Operating systemsWindows 11; Windows Server 2025, 2022, and 2019.
Architecture64-bit Windows. 32-bit and Arm32 are not supported.
Processorx64 processor. Windows 11 on Arm64 is supported.
Memory4 GB minimum; 16 GB or more recommended.
Disk space4 GB to 50 GB, depending on selected features.
.NET.NET Framework 4.8 runtime is required.
Installer accessInternet access for the normal bootstrapper; offline layout available for disconnected installs.

What's New in SSMS 22

SSMS 22 is the current major line, with 22.6.0 listed as the latest release on this page.

64-bit SSMS

SSMS 22 runs as a 64-bit application, which is the main platform change from older major versions.

Visual Studio-based shell

The SSMS 22 line follows the newer Visual Studio shell and installer model used by current Microsoft tooling.

Current tooling updates

Recent releases include Database DevOps workload updates, driver updates, and results grid improvements.

Modern workflow features

The SSMS 22 line also includes Git, Copilot, settings migration, and Entra-related improvements from the release notes.

SSMS release history by version

Browse the Microsoft-listed SSMS releases by major version, including older point releases that may matter for rollback or compatibility work.

SSMS 22 downloads and release history

+
VersionBuildRelease dateDownloadNotes
22.6.0Not listedMay 12, 2026SQL Server Management Studio GARelease notes
22.5.2Not listedApril 28, 2026SQL Server Management Studio 22.5.2Release notes
22.5.0Not listedApril 14, 2026SQL Server Management Studio 22.5.0Release notes
22.4.1Not listedMarch 18, 2026SQL Server Management Studio 22.4.1Release notes
22.3.3Not listedMarch 10, 2026SQL Server Management Studio 22.3.3Release notes
22.3.2Not listedFebruary 24, 2026SQL Server Management Studio 22.3.2Release notes
22.3.0Not listedFebruary 10, 2026SQL Server Management Studio 22.3.0Release notes
22.2.1Not listedJanuary 21, 2026SQL Server Management Studio 22.2.1Release notes
22.1.0Not listedDecember 9, 2025SQL Server Management Studio 22.1Release notes
22.0.0Not listedNovember 11, 2025SQL Server Management Studio 22.0Release notes

SSMS 21 downloads and release history

+
VersionBuildRelease dateDownloadNotes
21.6.1721.6.17October 14, 202521.6.17Release notes
21.5.1421.5.14September 9, 202521.5.14Release notes
21.4.1221.4.12August 12, 202521.4.12Release notes
21.4.821.4.8July 8, 202521.4.8Release notes
21.3.721.3.7June 23, 202521.3.7Release notes
21.3.621.3.6June 17, 202521.3.6Release notes
21.2.521.2.5June 10, 202521.2.5Release notes
21.1.321.1.3May 28, 202521.1.3Release notes
21.0.1Not listedMay 21, 2025Not listedRelease notes
21.0.021.0.0May 19, 202521.0.0Release notes

SSMS 20 downloads and release history

+
VersionBuildRelease dateDownloadNotes
20.2.120.2.37.0April 8, 202520.2.1Release notes
20.220.2.30.0July 9, 2024Download SSMS 20.2Release notes
20.120.1.10.0April 9, 2024Download SSMS 20.1Release notes
20.020.0.70.0March 19, 2024Download SSMS 20.0Release notes

SSMS 19 downloads and release history

+
VersionBuildRelease dateDownloadNotes
19.319.3.4.0January 10, 202419.3Release notes

SSMS 18 downloads and release history

+
VersionBuildRelease dateDownloadNotes
18.12.115.0.18424.0June 21, 202218.12.1Release notes

SSMS 17 downloads and release history

+
VersionBuildRelease dateDownloadNotes
17.9.114.0.17289.0November 21, 201817.9.1Release notes

SSMS 16 downloads and release history

+
VersionBuildRelease dateDownloadNotes
16.5.313.0.16106.4January 30, 201716.5.3Release notes

SSMS downloads FAQ

Short answers for the common SSMS download and version questions.

What is SSMS?

+

SSMS is SQL Server Management Studio, Microsoft's desktop tool for connecting to SQL Server, running queries, managing objects, checking jobs, and doing day-to-day database administration.

What is the latest SSMS version?

+

The latest Microsoft-listed SSMS version on this page is 22.6.0. The page updates from Microsoft's public SSMS release information.

How do I install SSMS?

+

Download the SSMS installer, run vs_SSMS.exe, let Visual Studio Installer open, choose the options you need, complete setup, and launch SQL Server Management Studio.

Should I install SSMS 22 or SSMS 21?

+

Use SSMS 22 for new installs unless you have a known compatibility, extension, toolchain, or rollback reason to use SSMS 21.

Does SSMS 22 work with SQL Server 2019?

+

Yes. Microsoft's current compatibility information lists SSMS 22.x for SQL Server 2014 and later, so SQL Server 2019 is included.

Can I install an older SSMS version?

+

Yes, when Microsoft still provides a fixed installer link for that version. Older versions are usually for rollback, compatibility, or matching an existing support process.

Is SSMS the same as SQL Server?

+

No. SSMS is the management tool. SQL Server is the database engine. Installing SSMS does not install or patch the SQL Server engine.

What are the SSMS system requirements?

+

For SSMS 22, Microsoft's dedicated requirements page lists a 64-bit Windows system, Windows 11 or supported Windows Server releases, .NET Framework 4.8, and enough disk space for selected features.

Where can I find SQL Server engine updates?

+

Use the SQL Server updates tracker for engine builds, cumulative updates, GDRs, and version history. SSMS versions are tracked separately on this page.

Install note

Choosing an SSMS version

Start with the latest SSMS release. Use an older installer only when you need a known rollback target, a specific extension or toolchain, or a version that matches an existing support process.

Working on SQL Server patching or upgrades?

Use the SQL Server updates tracker for engine builds, and the SQL Server update guide for patch planning.