Updated: May 31, 2023 (March 29, 2023)

Free SQL Server Developer Edition Is Mostly for Demos

Wes Miller analyzes and writes about Microsoft’s security, identity management, and systems management technologies. Before joining Directions on Microsoft, Wes... more

SQL Server Developer edition is free for development and test use.
Because the product requires other non-free technologies like Windows, use of Developer edition outside of Visual Studio/MSDN Platforms subscriptions offers limited value.
Organizations should ensure they are aware of where and how Developer edition is being used to avoid licensing penalties due to misuse.

Most organizations license SQL Server for development and test purposes using Per-User Visual Studio (VS) and Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Platforms subscriptions, as these subscriptions include all of the development and test tools, and other software needed for development, test, prototyping, and demonstration purposes. SQL Server Developer edition is a feature-identical but rules-constrained release of Enterprise edition, intended solely for dev/test purposes. It is included in VS/MSDN Platforms subscriptions and available for free download outside of VS/MSDN Platforms. Use of this free download is not without risk, and organizations should ensure users are educated about which uses are permissible to avoid compliance issues.

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