What is How to Check Your SQL Server Version

How to Check Your SQL Server Version

Common SQL Errors

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To check which version of SQL Server you're running, use a built-in query or review details through SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or command-line tools.

SQL Server

Not an error—this is a commonly asked question to identify the SQL Server version, edition, and build number.

Explanation

Knowing your SQL Server version is crucial for troubleshooting, compatibility, and security patching. SQL Server has frequent releases with subtle differences across editions and service packs. To properly diagnose issues or install updates, it’s important to know the exact version, build number, and whether you’re on a supported release.

You can determine this information through a quick query or via GUI-based tools like SSMS. The version number also helps map to the internal name (e.g., SQL Server 2019 = version 15.x).

Microsoft maintains an official list of version/build mappings to help interpret your output.

Common Causes

Needing to check version compatibility with a tool, script, or app

Validating if service packs or updates are installed

Debugging errors that are version-specific

Preparing for an upgrade or migration

Related Errors

Version compatibility errors

Deprecated features in older versions

Service pack upgrade requirements

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between ProductVersion and @@VERSION?
A: @@VERSION returns a full string with build details and OS info, while SERVERPROPERTY('ProductVersion') is more structured and easier to parse in scripts.

Q: What does ProductLevel mean?
A: It tells you whether your SQL Server has a service pack or cumulative update applied—like RTM (original), SP1, SP2, etc.

Q: Where can I map version numbers to official SQL Server names?
A: Microsoft provides a full mapping of version/build numbers here.

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