This article contains guidance about how to use different versions of Microsoft SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows operating system.

Original product version: SQL Server

Original KB number: 2681562

Summary
Note



Unless noted otherwise, when an OS is supported for a SQL Major version, it remains supported for all subsequent servicing releases. For example, if SQL Server 2016 RTM is supported on Windows 10, this implies that any CUs on top of SQL Server 2016 RTM or SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 1 (SP1) are supported on Windows 10.

How to use this article:

Find out the minimum requirements for the SQL Server version you are trying to install for the corresponding OS.
Windows Version/SQL VersionSQL Server 2022SQL Server 2019SQL Server 2017SQL Server 2016SQL Server 2014SQL Server 2012SQL Server 2008 R2SQL Server 2008More Information/LimitationsWindows Server 2022Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Not supportedNot supportedNot supportedNot supportedNot supportedAdditional information for Windows Server 2022 environmentsWindows 11Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Not supportedNot supportedNot supportedNot supportedNot supportedAdditional information for Windows 11 environmentsWindows 10Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Yes (SP2)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Not supportedNot supportedAdditional information for Windows 10 environmentsWindows Server 2019Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Yes (SP2)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Not supportedNot supportedAdditional information for Windows Server 2019 environmentsWindows Server 2016Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Yes (RTM)Yes (SP2)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Not supportedNot supportedAdditional information for Windows Server 2016 environmentsWindows 8.1NoNoYes (RTM)Yes (SP2)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Additional information for Windows 8.1 environmentsWindows Server 2012 R2NoNoYes (RTM)Yes (SP2)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Additional information for Windows Server 2012 R2 environmentsWindows 8NoNoYes (RTM)Yes (SP2)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Additional information for Windows 8 environmentsWindows Server 2012NoNoYes (RTM)Yes (SP2)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Yes (SP3)Yes (SP4)Additional information for Windows Server 2012 environmentsHardware and Software Requirements pageSQL Server 2022SQL Server 2019SQL Server 2017SQL Server 2016SQL Server 2014SQL Server 2012SQL Server 2008 R2SQL Server 2008
To find answers to the following questions, review the corresponding link under Hardware and Software Requirements page.
Which editions of SQL Server are compatible with which versions of Windows?
What are the .NET Framework requirements for my SQL version?
Use the More Information/Limitations column in the above table to find additional information about running SQL server on the specific operating system.
For example, if you want to install SQL Server 2016 Developer Edition on Windows 10 Professional:
Check if SQL Server 2016 is supported on Windows 10. The corresponding value in the above table is Yes (SP2).
Yes indicates that SQL Server 2016 on Windows 10 is supported.

(SP2) indicates that SQL Server 2016 should be updated to at least SP2 for it to be supported on Windows 10.
The Hardware and Software Requirements page for SQL 2016 confirms that SQL Server 2016 Developer edition is supported on Windows 10 Professional.

The More Information/Limitations column for Windows Server 2016 do not call out any additional known issues for this configuration.
Minimum SQL Server version requirements for Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11
This section describes the minimum version requirements to install SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows Server 2022 or Windows 11.

Before you install SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows Server 2022 or Windows 11, you must make sure that you fulfill the following minimum requirements, as appropriate for your situation.

For SQL Server 2022 on Windows The release is supported at the SQL Server 2022 on Windows RTM Release version.

For SQL Server 2019 on Windows The release is supported at the SQL Server 2019 on Windows RTM Release version.

For SQL Server 2017 on Windows
The release is supported at the SQL Server 2017 on Windows RTM Release version.
For SQL Server 2016 and older versions
SQL Server 2016 and older versions are not supported on Windows Server 2022 or Windows 11.
Minimum SQL Server version requirements for Windows Server 2019
This section describes the minimum version requirements to install SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows Server 2019.

Before you install SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows Server 2019 you must make sure that you fulfill the following minimum requirements, as appropriate for your situation.

For SQL Server 2022 on Windows
The release is supported at the SQL Server 2022 on Windows RTM Release version.
For SQL Server 2019 on Windows The release is supported at the SQL Server 2019 on Windows RTM Release version.

For SQL Server 2017 on Windows
The release is supported at the SQL Server 2017 on Windows RTM Release version.
For SQL Server 2016
You must apply SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 2 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2016.
For SQL Server 2014
You must apply SQL Server 2014 Service Pack 3 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2014.
For SQL Server 2012
You must apply SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 4 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2012.
Note
Make sure that you check known setup issues when you install SQL Server 2012 on Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016.
The Books Online topic Hardware and Software Requirements for Installing SQL Server 2012 has not yet been updated to reflect the support for Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019.
For SQL Server 2008 R2
SQL Server 2008 R2 is not supported on Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016.
For SQL Server 2008
SQL Server 2008 is not supported on Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016.
Minimum SQL Server version requirements for Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016
This section describes the minimum version requirements to install SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016.

Before you install SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016, you must make sure that you fulfill the following minimum requirements, as appropriate for your situation.

For SQL Server 2022 on Windows
The release is supported at the SQL Server 2019 on Windows Server 2016 RTM Release version and Windows 10 TH1 1507 or greater versions.
For SQL Server 2019 on Windows

The release is supported at the SQL Server 2019 on Window Server 2016 RTM Release version and Windows 10 TH1 1507 or greater versions.

For SQL Server 2017 on Windows
The release is supported at the SQL Server 2017 on Windows RTM Release version.
For SQL Server 2016
You must apply SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 2 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2016.
For SQL Server 2014
You must apply SQL Server 2014 Service Pack 1 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2014.
For SQL Server 2012
You must apply SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 2 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2012.
Note

Make sure that you check known setup issues when you install SQL Server 2012 on Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016.

The Books Online topic Hardware and Software Requirements for Installing SQL Server 2012 has not yet been updated to reflect the support for Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019.
For SQL Server 2008 R2
SQL Server 2008 R2 is not supported on Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016.
For SQL Server 2008
SQL Server 2008 is not supported on Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016.
Minimum SQL Server version requirements for Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows 8.1
This section describes the minimum version requirements for installing SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows 8.1.

Before you install SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows 8.1, you must make sure that you fulfill the following minimum requirements, as appropriate for your situation:

For SQL Server 2022 on Windows
SQL Server 2022 is not supported on Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2.
For SQL Server 2019 on Windows SQL Server 2019 is not supported on Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2.

For SQL Server 2017 on Windows
You can install the release version of SQL Server 2017 on Windows or a later version. For more information, see the SQL Server 2014 main page.
For SQL Server 2016
You must apply SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 2 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2016.
For SQL Server 2014
You must apply SQL Server 2014 Service Pack 3 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2014.
For SQL Server 2012
You must apply SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2012.
Note

Please check known setup issues when you install SQL Server 2012 on Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012.
For SQL Server 2008 R2
You must apply SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 3 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2008 R2.
For SQL Server 2008
You must apply SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 4 or a later update.
Note

The RTM installation of the product is supported. However, you have to install the respective service packs after the initial setup is complete. Your SQL Server 2008 installation is not supported unless you apply Service Pack 4 after you install the RTM edition. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2008.
Also check known setup issues when you install SQL Server 2008 R2 and SQL Server 2008 on a computer that is running Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8.

Minimum SQL Server version requirements for Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8
Note



Windows 8 has reach end of support, which means Windows 8 devices no longer receive important security updates. We recommend making the free upgrade to Windows 8.1 to continue receiving security updates and support. For additional information review Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8.

This section describes the minimum version requirements to install SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8.

Before you install SQL Server on a computer that is running Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8, you must make sure that you fulfill the following minimum requirements, as appropriate for your situation:

For SQL Server 2022 on Windows SQL Server 2022 is not supported on Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2

For SQL Server 2019 on Windows SQL Server 2019 is not supported on Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2.

For SQL Server 2017 on Windows
The release is supported at the SQL Server 2017 on Windows RTM Release version.
For SQL Server 2016
You must apply SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 2 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2016.
For SQL Server 2014
You must apply SQL Server 2014 Service Pack 3 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2014.
For SQL Server 2012
You must apply SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 4 or a later update. For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2012.
Note

Please check known setup issues when you install SQL Server 2012 on Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012.
For SQL Server 2008 R2
You must apply Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 3 or a later update.
Note

The RTM installation of the product is supported. However, you have to install the respective service packs after the initial setup is complete. You will see the following message on the Solution Center page:
Screenshot of the setup problem details for SQL Server 2008 R2: Microsoft SQL Server (2008 and 2008 R2) has known compatibility issues.
For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2008 R2.
For SQL Server 2008
You must apply SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 4 or a later update.
Note

The RTM installation of the product is supported. However, you have to install the respective service packs after the initial setup is complete. Your SQL server 2008 installation is not supported unless you apply Service Pack 4 after you install the RTM edition. You will see the following message on the Solution Center page.
Screenshot of the setup problem details for SQL Server 2008: Microsoft SQL Server (2008 and 2008 R2) has known compatibility issues.
For more information, see How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2008.
Important

The following dialog box appears in SQL Server 2008 R2 and SQL Server 2008 when you run the Setup program.
Screenshot of the Program Compatibility Assistant dialog box, which shows This program has compatibility problems.
After the SQL Server Setup program is finished, you have to install service packs before you run SQL Server on this version of Windows.
For SQL Server 2008, you have to install Service Pack 4 (SP4) or a later version.

For SQL Server 2008 R2, you have to install Service Pack 3 (SP3) or a later version.
Note

Please also check known setup issues when you install SQL Server 2008 R2 and SQL Server 2008 on a computer that is running Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8.
For SQL Server Compact editions
The following versions are supported in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2 environments:
SQL Server Compact 3.5 Service Pack 2 and later versions
SQL Server Compact 4.0 and later versions
Note

No support is planned for Windows RT devices.
Support for switching modes in Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows Server 2012
This section discusses the support policy when you switch Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows Server 2012 operating modes while SQL Server is installed.

Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012 have the following feature states, or modes:

Full Server
Minimal Server Interface
Server CoreYou can switch between these feature states at any time.
You can switch from Server Core or Minimal Server Interface to Full Server when one or more instances of SQL Server 2014 or SQL Server 2012 are installed. However, be aware that you cannot switch from Full Server to Minimal Server Interface or Server Core when one or more instances of SQL Server 2014 or SQL Server 2012 are installed.

To switch from Full Server to Minimal Server Interface or Server Core when one or more instances of SQL Server 2014 or SQL Server 2012 are installed, you must uninstall SQL Server 2014 or SQL Server 2012, switch modes, and then reinstall SQL Server 2014 or SQL Server 2012. However, you can turn on SQL Server 2014 or SQL Server 2012 installation prerequisites in Full Server mode, switch to Server Core mode, and then install SQL Server 2014 or SQL Server 2012.

Note



Minimal Server is a Server Core installation that has Server Manager and other server tools installed. Therefore, the SQL Server Setup program performs the same installation steps in Windows Server 2012 R2 Minimal Server Interface mode and Windows Server 2012 Minimal Server Interface mode and Server Core mode. Additionally, you can switch between Server Core and Minimal Server when one or more instances of SQL Server 2014 or SQL Server 2012 are installed. This is a supported scenario.

SQL Server Reporting Services 2012 is not supported on Windows Server 2012 R2 Server Core, Windows Server 2012 Server Core, Windows Server 2012 R2 Minimal Server Interface mode, or Windows 2012 Minimal Server Interface mode. You can install SQL Server Reporting Services 2012 on a server that is running Windows Server 2012 in Full Server mode and then switch to Windows Server 2012 Server Core mode. However, this configuration is not supported.

We recommend that you uninstall all the SQL Server 2012 features that are not supported on a server that is running Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows Server 2012 in Server Core mode. For information about how to do this, see Install SQL Server 2012 on Server Core).

This issue does not apply to SQL Server 2008 or SQL Server 2008 R2. SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 are not supported in Minimal Server Interface mode or Server Core mode.
For more information about the installation options that are available when you install Windows Server 2012, see Windows Server Installation Options.

SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server 2008 R2 support for new features in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2012
This section summarizes how versions of SQL Server work with some new features in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2012.

The following table summarizes how versions of SQL Server work with some new features in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

Note



Unless noted in the following table, all features of Windows Server 2012 are supported in all the supported versions of SQL server.

FeatureSQL feature or component that interacts with this new featureSQL feature that is affected or supportedMinimum version and service pack requirements for SQLExceptions or support limitationsMore informationStorage SpacesSQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 or later version, SQL Server 2012 (RTM and later versions)



NOTE

SQL Server 2008 R2 requires Service Pack 2 on Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2.This feature is supported with the service packs that are specified for the respective versions.Resilient File System (ReFS)ReFS is not supported in SQL 2012 and all other down-level versions. SQL Server 2014 supports ReFS.Mitigation of RAM Hardware ErrorsLazyWriterChecksum page snifferSQL Server 2012When SQL Server 2012 is installed on a Windows 2012 operating system with hardware that supports bad memory diagnostics, you will notice new error messages like 854, 855, and 856 instead of the 832 errors that LazyWriter usually generates.Number of instances per clusterHigh availabilityFailover ClusteringSQL Server 201225 per failover cluster when you use drive letters and up to 50 if you are using SMB file share storageCluster Share Volumes (CSV's)Beginning in SQL Server 2014, Always On Failover Cluster Instances supports Clustered Shared Volumes (CSV) in both Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012. For more information on CSV, see Understanding Cluster Shared Volumes in a Failover Cluster. CSVs are not supported in versions prior to SQL Server 2014.

SQL Server 2005 information
This section provides support information about instances of SQL Server 2005 in Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 environments. It also describes the options that are available for customers who are using SQL Server 2005. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (the release version and service packs) and earlier versions of SQL Server are not supported on Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8. You will receive a warning in the Action Center if Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8 detects an instance of SQL Server 2005.

To resolve this issue, upgrade or remove the existing instance of SQL Server 2005. For information about how to upgrade SQL Server, see Upgrade to SQL Server.

Note



This link points to SQL Server 2014. You can use the version picker tool at the top of the MSDN link (Other Versions) for information about other versions.

For information about the Express editions of SQL Server, go to the following Microsoft websites:

SQL Server 2014 Service Pack 2 Express Edition

SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 3 (SP3) Express Edition

SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 3 (SP3) Express Edition
For more information about how to uninstall an existing instance of SQL Server 2005, see How to manually uninstall an instance of SQL Server 2005 or How to: Uninstall an Existing Instance of SQL Server 2005 (Setup).

Applies to
SQL Server 2005 Enterprise X64 Edition
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition
SQL Server 2005 Standard X64 Edition
SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition
SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition
SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition
SQL Server 2008 Developer
SQL Server 2008 Enterprise
SQL Server 2008 Express
SQL Server 2008 R2 Datacenter
SQL Server 2008 R2 Developer
SQL Server 2008 R2 Enterprise
SQL Server 2008 R2 Express
SQL Server 2008 R2 Express with Advanced Services
SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard
SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition for Small Business
SQL Server 2008 R2 Web
SQL Server 2008 R2 Workgroup
SQL Server 2008 Standard
SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition for Small Business
SQL Server 2008 Web
SQL Server 2008 Workgroup
SQL Server 2012 Developer
SQL Server 2012 Enterprise
SQL Server 2012 Express
SQL Server 2012 Standard
SQL Server 2012 Web
SQL Server 2012 Enterprise Core
SQL Server 2014 Business Intelligence
SQL Server 2014 Developer
SQL Server 2014 Enterprise
SQL Server 2014 Enterprise Core
SQL Server 2014 Express
SQL Server 2014 Standard
SQL Server 2014 Web
SQL Server 2016 Developer
SQL Server 2016 Enterprise
SQL Server 2016 Enterprise Core
SQL Server 2016 Express
SQL Server 2016 Standard
SQL Server 2016 Web
SQL Server 2017 on Windows (all editions)
SQL Server 2019 on Windows