Our verdict: SSMS is the standard tool for anyone who administers SQL Server: Object Explorer, the T-SQL editor with IntelliSense, backup and restore, security and Always On management all live in one app. It is free for personal and business use. It is Windows-only, large to install, and only works with Microsoft's SQL platforms.
About SQL Server Management Studio
SQL Server Management Studio is Microsoft's integrated environment for SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Synapse Analytics and SQL database in Microsoft Fabric. You browse servers and objects in Object Explorer, write T-SQL with IntelliSense and snippets, view results as a grid, text or JSON, back up and restore databases, manage logins and roles, and configure Always On availability groups.
SSMS 22 is based on Visual Studio 2026 and is a 64-bit app. It installs through the Visual Studio Installer, which lets you add optional components such as Git integration and GitHub Copilot in SSMS; Copilot is not installed by default. Microsoft says SSMS is free for personal or enterprise use and is not open source. SSMS 22 manages SQL Server 2014 and newer.
What it does well
- Object Explorer. Browses servers, databases, tables, views, procedures and jobs in a tree.
- T-SQL editor. IntelliSense, code snippets, tabbed results and JSON output viewing.
- Backup and restore. Backs up and restores databases with guided dialogs.
- Security management. Manages logins, users, roles and Always Encrypted.
- Performance tools. Live query statistics, execution plans, dashboards and tuning advisors.
Who it is for
Good fit
Database administrators and developers who work with SQL Server or Azure SQL on Windows.
Look elsewhere
People using MySQL, PostgreSQL or SQLite, and macOS or Linux users.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free for personal and business use
- Complete administration of SQL Server and Azure SQL
- Powerful T-SQL editor with IntelliSense
- Dark theme and Git integration in SSMS 22
Cons
- Windows only
- Large install through the Visual Studio Installer
- Only works with Microsoft SQL platforms
How to install SQL Server Management Studio
The button downloads vs_SSMS.exe, a small bootstrapper that installs the Visual Studio Installer and then SSMS; you need administrator rights. Typical installations need 20 to 50 GB of free space, depending on components. Add Git integration or GitHub Copilot from the Visual Studio Installer if you want them. Signing in to a Microsoft account is optional.
Questions about SQL Server Management Studio
Is SQL Server Management Studio free?
Yes. Microsoft says SSMS is free for personal or enterprise use, and no Visual Studio subscription is needed.
Does SSMS run on Mac or Linux?
No. SSMS is available only for Windows, on x64 and Arm64 processors.
Do I need Visual Studio to use SSMS?
No. SSMS uses the Visual Studio Installer for setup and updates, but it is a separate product and does not require any Visual Studio edition.
