Updated: May 31, 2023 (December 19, 2022)

SQL Server Timelines

Andrew analyzes and writes about Microsoft's data management, business intelligence, and machine learning solutions, as well as aspects of licensing... more

The latest version of SQL Server, 2022, shipped on Nov. 16, 2022. Future SQL Server releases (shown here as SQL Server 2024 and 2027) are expected to provide more Azure-connected features, along with core database engine updates for performance, security, and availability. Microsoft’s release pattern has changed over the years, but it will probably release new versions every 24 to 36 months that will contain a rollup of new features that have been released to the Azure SQL cloud services and introduce more ways to connect to Azure.

SQL Server 2019 reached general availability on Nov. 4, 2019. It follows the cumulative update servicing method, introduced with SQL Server 2017.

SQL Server 2017 reached general availability on Sept. 29, 2017. It was the first version to abandon the use of service packs, instead receiving a cumulative update each month for the first year, followed by cumulative updates every quarter thereafter. Customers typically must update to the latest cumulative update in order to receive support.

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