Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio is a product I use throughout the day, every day. I’ve tried using other environments to access and manage SQL Server, but SSMS is what I learned using and what I always go back to. The problem with SSMS was that you couldn’t download it individually. You always had to have a licensed copy of SQL Server or install SQL Server Express with Tools to get this…..until now!

Microsoft has finally released a standalone download of SSMS. This release supports SQL Server 2016 through SQL Server 2005. It also provides the greatest level of support when working with Azure.

Some enhancements include:

• New SSMS Installer – SSMS can now be installed with a light weight stand-alone web installer.
• SSMS Updates – Receive notification within SSMS when new updates are available, and choose to install them at your convenience.
• Enhanced SSMS support for Azure SQL Database – Several fixes and enhancements, including expanded SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) coverage, and an updated Import/Export wizard.

Let’s step through the install:

Download the SSMS-Web-Setup.exe from here.

Start the install, agree to the license terms, and click Install.

It should take a few minutes, but once this completes restart your computer and that’s it! Easy install.