How to Check Your SQL Server Version

How to Check Your SQL Server Version: 3 Simple Methods

Knowing your SQL Server version is crucial for troubleshooting, compatibility checks, and ensuring your server is running on a supported version. Here, I’ll show you three simple ways to determine your SQL Server version: one using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and two with T-SQL commands.

Method 1: Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

One of the easiest ways to check your SQL Server version is through SSMS. Follow these steps:

1. Open SSMS and connect to your SQL Server instance.
2. In the Object Explorer, locate your server name at the top of the tree.
3. The version number appears next to the server name in parentheses. It looks something like this:

   SQL Server 2022 (15.x.x.x) - Developer Edition (64-bit)

Here’s what the information tells you:

• SQL Server Version: The year and major version number (e.g., SQL Server 2022).
• Build Number: The specific build version (e.g., 15.x.x.x).
• Edition: The server edition, such as Developer, Enterprise, or Standard.
• Architecture: Indicates if the server is 32-bit or 64-bit.

Method 2: Using T-SQL: @@VERSION

For a quick way to check your SQL Server version programmatically, use the @@VERSION system function. Execute the following query in a new query window in SSMS:

SELECT @@VERSION;    

The result will display detailed information, such as:

Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (RTM) - 15.0.2000.5 (X64)    Oct 10 2022 17:00:00    Copyright (C) 2022 Microsoft Corporation    Developer Edition (64-bit) on Windows 10 Enterprise 10.0 (Build 19045: )    

Key Components:

• Product Name and Version: SQL Server 2022 and 15.0.2000.5.
• Build Type: RTM (Release to Manufacturing) or CU (Cumulative Update).
• Edition: Developer Edition.
• Operating System: Windows 10 Enterprise.

Method 3: Using T-SQL: SERVERPROPERTY Function

For a more granular and flexible approach, use the SERVERPROPERTY function. This function lets you retrieve specific details about your SQL Server instance. Run the following query:

SELECT     SERVERPROPERTY('ProductVersion') AS VersionNumber,    SERVERPROPERTY('ProductLevel') AS ServicePackLevel,    SERVERPROPERTY('Edition') AS Edition;    

Example Output:

What Each Column Means:

• VersionNumber: Displays the version and build number (e.g., 15.0.2000.5).
• ServicePackLevel: Shows whether the server is RTM, SP1, SP2, or a cumulative update.
• Edition: Specifies the server edition, such as Developer, Enterprise, or Standard.

Why Checking Your SQL Server Version Matters

Knowing your SQL Server version is essential for several reasons:

• Support Lifecycle: Older versions of SQL Server may no longer receive updates or security patches.
• Compatibility: Ensures compatibility with features, tools, or applications.
• Upgrades and Patching: Helps in planning upgrades or applying patches.

Summary

Here are the three easy ways to check your SQL Server version:

1. SSMS: Look at the version displayed next to your server in Object Explorer.
2. T-SQL with @@VERSION: Run SELECT @@VERSION; for detailed information.
3. T-SQL with SERVERPROPERTY: Use SERVERPROPERTY for specific version, service pack, and edition details.

If you’re unsure about what your version means or need help planning an upgrade, reach out to us at Stedman Solutions. With our SQL Server Managed Services, we ensure your server is always up-to-date, secure, and optimized. Let us handle the complexity so you can focus on your business!