How to Find SQL Server Version – Quick and Easy Methods

Using SQL Server Management Studio

One of the easiest ways to find the version of SQL Server is by using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). SSMS is a graphical tool provided by Microsoft that allows you to manage and administer SQL Server databases.

To find the SQL Server version using SSMS, follow these steps:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Connect to the SQL Server instance you want to check the version for.
3. Once connected, right-click on the server name in the Object Explorer and select «Properties».
4. In the «General» tab of the «Server Properties» window, you will find the SQL Server version information.

This method is quick and easy, especially if you are already familiar with SSMS.

Using T-SQL Query

If you prefer using T-SQL queries to find the SQL Server version, you can do so by executing a simple query.

Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the SQL Server instance you want to check the version for. Then, open a new query window and execute the following query:

SELECT @@VERSION;

The result of this query will display the SQL Server version information.

This method is useful if you are comfortable writing and executing T-SQL queries.

Using Windows Registry

The SQL Server version information is also stored in the Windows Registry. You can access the Registry to find the SQL Server version by following these steps:

1. Open the «Run» dialog by pressing the Windows key + R.
2. Type «regedit» and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftMicrosoft SQL Server{InstanceName}Setup
4. In the right pane, look for the value named «Version». The value data will contain the SQL Server version information.

Using the Windows Registry is a bit more technical, but it can be useful if you don’t have access to SQL Server Management Studio or prefer working with the Registry.

Using Command Prompt

If you prefer using the Command Prompt to find the SQL Server version, you can do so by executing a simple command.

Open the Command Prompt and execute the following command:

sqlcmd -S <ServerName> -Q "SELECT @@VERSION;"

Replace <ServerName> with the name of the SQL Server instance you want to check the version for.

The result of this command will display the SQL Server version information.

This method is useful if you are comfortable working with the Command Prompt.

Using PowerShell

If you prefer using PowerShell to find the SQL Server version, you can do so by executing a simple command.

Open PowerShell and execute the following command:

(Invoke-Sqlcmd -ServerInstance <ServerName> -Query "SELECT @@VERSION;").Column1

Replace <ServerName> with the name of the SQL Server instance you want to check the version for.

The result of this command will display the SQL Server version information.

This method is useful if you are comfortable working with PowerShell.

These are some quick and easy methods to find the SQL Server version. Choose the method that suits your preference and access to tools, and you will be able to quickly determine the version of SQL Server you are working with.