Year: 2026

Understanding SQL Server Cost Threshold for Parallelism Optimizing SQL Server performance often comes down to fine-tuning configuration options that control how queries are executed. One frequently overlooked but critical setting is the Cost Threshold for Parallelism, which influences whether the database engine chooses to run operations across multiple CPU cores or sticks to a single thread. When this threshold is set too low, SQL Server may parallelize queries that would run more efficiently without the overhead of thread coordination, leading …

SQL Server Cost Threshold for Parallelism: Best Practices and Configuration Read more →

July is here and that means it’s time for us to pivot our collective gaze to the pulse of our digital lifeblood – our databases! As the founder of Database Health and Stedman Solutions, I am excited to declare this month as Database Health Monitor Month! This is our annual opportunity to appreciate the often-unseen guardians of our valuable data, and to dive deeper into the heartbeat of our systems, replete with intricate data structures and complex relations. It’s time …

Sneak preview – July is Database Health Monitor Month Read more →

SQL Server performance dashboard highlighting query bottlenecks and resource usage If your SQL Server suddenly starts dragging, the ripple effects can quickly reach every corner of your organization. Reports that once loaded in seconds now time out, transactions pile up, and end users begin to lose confidence in the systems they rely on every day. Pinpointing the exact culprit is rarely straightforward, yet most slowdowns stem from a handful of recurring issues that can be systematically identified and corrected. Performance …

Why Is My SQL Server Slow? 8 Common Causes & Fixes Read more →

Over the years developing Database Health Monitor I have added a number of keyboard shortcuts to make life easier when working in the application. Some of these are listed here to share since they are not all completely obvious. Backspace Key – Jump to the last report viewed The Backspace key can be used to jump to the previous report that you were viewing. Not just that, but hit it multiple times and you can browse back through the history …

Keyboard Shortcuts for Database Health Monitor Read more →

In the world of database administration, few oversights carry as much weight as the absence of primary keys on SQL Server tables. While it might seem like a minor detail during initial setup or rapid development, this missing element can quietly undermine the stability and efficiency of even the most critical systems over time. Primary keys serve as the backbone of reliable data management by guaranteeing unique identification for every row. Without them, queries become harder to optimize, joins grow …

Missing Primary Keys in SQL Server: Hidden Risks and How to Fix Them Read more →

When you need to check compatibility level SQL Server after upgrading, start by reviewing the compatibility levels assigned to your databases. These settings determine which features and behaviors are available, directly influencing query performance and application stability during and after the upgrade process. Without a clear view of current compatibility levels across all databases, teams risk overlooking instances that could benefit from newer functionality or that might encounter unexpected issues. A quick and reliable method to inspect these settings helps …

How to Check and Update SQL Server Compatibility Levels with T-SQL Read more →

In the world of database administration, keeping a close eye on performance metrics using sys.dm_os_performance_counters is vital for ensuring SQL Server instances run efficiently. This DMV helps DBAs track memory allocation, buffer management, and transaction throughput to spot issues before they impact users. One particularly useful resource comes in the form of dynamic management views that expose detailed counter data collected by the database engine. These views offer a direct window into internal operations, making it easier to diagnose bottlenecks …

sys.dm_os_performance_counters: SQL Server Performance Counters Guide Read more →

Navigating the complexities of SQL Server performance issues can be a daunting task for any organization. When your database starts to lag, impacting business operations, finding the right expert becomes critical. A skilled SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant by Stedman Solutions can transform your system’s efficiency, but the challenge lies in identifying the best fit for your specific needs. The market is filled with consultants claiming expertise, yet not all possess the specialized knowledge required for SQL Server optimization. You …

How to Choose the Best SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant Read more →

Database administrators know that even the most carefully maintained SQL Server environments can encounter unexpected integrity problems. Over time, hardware issues, unexpected power loss, or software bugs can introduce subtle database corruption that may go unnoticed until it affects application performance or causes data loss. DBCC CHECKDB remains one of the most thorough and widely used commands for detecting these problems early. By examining allocation structures, index relationships, and page consistency, the command provides a clear picture of database health …

How to Run DBCC CHECKDB in SQL Server: Beginner’s Guide Read more →

The Database Engine Tuning Advisor (DTA) helps avoid over-indexing risks in Microsoft SQL Server by analyzing workloads and suggesting safer index changes. At its core, DTA processes workload data such as trace files or query scripts to simulate the effects of potential modifications, including new indexes, updated statistics, and table partitioning schemes. This analysis aims to provide actionable scripts that DBAs can review and apply selectively, rather than requiring manual trial-and-error tuning for every workload variation. Despite its utility in …

DTA SQL Server Risks: How to Avoid Over-Indexing with Database Engine Tuning Advisor Read more →