This week I installed SQL Server Management Studio SSMS v21 for the first time, which is currently in preview release.
From the get-go, I noticed this is shaping up to be a major update to SSMS. The installation process now uses the Visual Studio Installer, which is a new experience. But beyond that, there are some significant enhancements in this release.
SSMS 21 has a fresh, modern design with updated icons, customizable layouts, and a revamped splash screen. Dark Mode is (finally?) here, bringing a new look to key areas like Object Explorer, Query Editor, and the Results pane. Another big change is that SSMS is now a full 64-bit application, improving performance and reducing memory-related issues.
One of the most exciting additions is Git integration, allowing DBAs and developers to track and manage SQL scripts more efficiently. This could be a game-changer for collaboration and version control in SQL Server environments.
In this post, I’m taking a quick look at SSMS v21 and its capabilities. Hope you find it all useful!
Installing SSMS v21
To download the SSMS 21 Preview, follow this link: SSMS 21 Preview Download
If you already have SQL Server Management Studio 21 installed, you can install another version alongside it.
To install SSMS 21:
1. Locate the installer file you just downloaded.
2. Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
Once installed, open SSMS 21. You’ll see the new but temporary SSMS splash load-up screen:
Here’s the new look for SSMS:
We can amend the theme by going to Tools > Themes.
🕵️ We now have SSMS dark mode available!
Uninstalling SSMS v21
As from SSMS 21, you can now uninstall SSMS using the Visual Studio Installer, as well as the traditional method via appwiz.cpl (Add/Remove Programs).
Uninstall SSMS using Visual Studio Installer:
1. Open Visual Studio Installer (search for “installer” in the Start menu or run C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\Installer\setup.exe).
2. Locate SSMS, click More > Uninstall, and confirm.
Uninstall SSMS via Add/Remove Programs:
1. Open Run (Win + R), type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Find SQL Server Management Studio 21, right-click, and select Uninstall.
SSMS v21 Git Integration
As mentioned earlier in this post, SSMS v21 now includes Git integration, enabling developers and DBAs to better track, manage, and collaborate on SQL scripts. This feature allows users to connect SSMS directly to Git repositories, making version control more seamless within the SQL development workflow.
With SSMS Git integration, you can:
– Collaborate more effectively by syncing with remote repositories.
– Commit and push changes directly from SSMS.
– Track modifications to SQL scripts over time.
For more information on SSMS v21 Git Integration, our friend Brent Ozar has this covered in his blog post:
How to use GitHub in SSMS v21
Copilot in SSMS: AI-Powered SQL Assistance
SSMS 21 introduces Copilot, an AI assistant built into the Query Editor. It can answer SQL-related questions, help write T-SQL using natural language, and even analyze your database structure to provide better query suggestions. Copilot also assists with fixing and explaining queries, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and improve efficiency.
This is just the beginning of us seeing AI integrations with our tools. I’m curious to see where all this goes and how much of an impact it could have to productivity.
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