In this article, we shall discuss how to Install SQL Server Management Studio 21 on Windows Server. SSMS 21 can be installed via the “Visual Studio Installer.” Microsoft’s shift to using the Visual Studio-style installer for tools like SSMS 21 as highlighted during Microsoft Build. This reflects a broader strategy on unified experience, and also for Cloud and Azure Integration. How to install SQL Server Management Studio 20 on Windows Server, and “how to install Endpoint Configuration Manager on HyperV VM“.

By aligning SSMS and other developer tools with the Visual Studio installer. Microsoft creates a consistent installation and update experience across its ecosystem. It’s easier for developers already familiar with Visual Studio.

This version of SSMS 21 works with SQL Server 2014 (12.x) and later versions. Interestingly, SSMS 21 can be installed alongside SSMS 20.x, SSMS 19.x, SSMS 18.x, SSMS 17.x, and SSMS 16.x.

Also, see How to verify whether the xp_cmdshell feature is enabled or disabled in MSSQL Server, How to enable an SA account that has been disabled, how to encrypt Microsoft SQL Server Traffic, and Install SQL Server 2022 Express and SQL Server Management Studio.

SQL Server Management Studio 21 Download

SQL Server Management Studio 21 is a powerful tool for managing SQL Server instances, Azure SQL databases, and Azure SQL managed instances. To install SSMS 21, you can navigate to the following URL to have it downloaded.

Since I recently installed SQL Server on this server. I also wanted to use the SQL Server Installation to initiate the SSMS download. When you click on Install SQL Server Management Tools. You will be redirected to the following URL to have it downloaded.

Upon redirection, click on download SSMS 21 as shown below.

Also, see how to use Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio to Export and Import your MsSQL database from Azure to local computer, and how to manually check and update SQL Server Management Studio.

Installation

Before proceeding with the installation, kindly apply the latest Windows updates. These updates ensure that your server has both the latest security updates and the required system components for SSMS.

Also, do not forget restart. Restarting ensures that any pending installs or updates don’t hinder your SSMS install.

Run the installer by double clicking on the downloaded the bootstrapper file as shown below. When prompted, click on Continue.

Run setup — Note: Administrative rights is needed to perform the initial installation.

The bootstrapper installs the latest version of the Visual Studio Installer. The installer is a separate program that provides everything you need to both install and customise SSMS

Shortly, the Visual Studio Installer opens up. Now, you can customise SSMS installation with the workload that we want to include in the installer. Note that this is optional

If you don’t want to use the workloads feature to customise your SSMS installation. You can add more individual components from the Individual components tab as shown below.

Now that you have selected the workloads that you want, select Install.

As you can see below, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21 is downloaded and installing.

In addition to SQL Server Management Studio. From the Available menu, you can also install any product that Visual Studio Installer offers.

When the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart the server.

Please, see how to encrypt Microsoft SQL Server Traffic, how to Change from SQL Server and Windows Authentication Mode to Windows authentication Mode, and how to install SSMS traditionally.

Launch SSMS

Upon restart, you can launch the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21 from the start menu.

You will be prompted to sign in or create an account. Alternatively, you can skip and add an account later. So, I will click on skip for now.

Not logging into SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21 doesn’t create any cloud dependencies by default. You can still use SSMS to connect to local or on-premises SQL Server instances without signing in.

On the prompt to use the new connection dialog experience, click on Yes. Else, you will continue to use the classic connection dialog experience.

Please, see How to uninstall Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, how to Install MSSQL 2019 Developer Edition and SSMS on Windows, and how to perform vulnerability scan on Microsoft SQL Server.

Connect to SQL Server

To connect to the SQL Server instance, kindly enter the server name in under the connection properties as shown below.

Note: If you prompted with the error “network-related or instance-specific error” when connecting to SQL Server. Ensure that the correct server name and database are specified in the connection string, and that SQL Server services are is running. Below are two related errors you can encounter.

If you run into the following error “‘Fix a network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server [Part 2]“. Here is another guide discussing “Windows could not start the SQL Server service on local computer 17051: A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server“

As you can see below, we have successfully connected to the SQL server instance.

Also, if you wish to use Copilot in SSMS, you will be required to provides the below details.

I hope you found this article very useful on how to install SQL Server Management Studio 21 on Windows Server. Please, feel free to leave a comment below.