SQL Server Version Number List: From SQL Server 7.0 to SQL Server 2022
When working with SQL Server, understanding the version number of the instance you’re using is essential for troubleshooting, compatibility, and feature support. SQL Server has evolved significantly over the years, introducing new features and improvements with each version. Each version of SQL Server is identified by a specific version number, often referred to as the “build number,” which can be used to identify the exact version and service pack (or cumulative update) installed.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the major versions of SQL Server, from SQL Server 7.0 to the latest release, SQL Server 2022, and their associated version numbers.
SQL Server Version Number List
SQL Server 7.0 (1998)
- Version Number: 7.00.623
- Release Date: November 1998
SQL Server 7.0 marked a significant departure from earlier versions, introducing a completely new engine that was more reliable and scalable. This version was the first to introduce the GUI-based SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) predecessor, Enterprise Manager.
SQL Server 2000 (8.0)
- Version Number: 8.00.194
- Release Date: November 2000
SQL Server 2000 brought the T-SQL language improvements, indexed views, user-defined functions, and better support for XML. It was also the first version to include the 64-bit edition, designed to handle larger memory and CPU workloads.
SQL Server 2005 (9.0)
- Version Number: 9.00.1399
- Release Date: November 2005
A major upgrade, SQL Server 2005 introduced SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Dynamic Management Views (DMVs), and Service Broker. This release also added Common Language Runtime (CLR) integration, allowing developers to write stored procedures in .NET languages.
SQL Server 2008 (10.0)
- Version Number: 10.00.1600
- Release Date: August 2008
SQL Server 2008 introduced Backup Compression, Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Resource Governor, and the FILESTREAM feature, making it easier to store large binary data outside of the database. It also improved data warehousing features with enhancements to partitioning and indexing.
SQL Server 2008 R2 (10.5)
- Version Number: 10.50.1600
- Release Date: April 2010
Although not a major release, SQL Server 2008 R2 brought notable enhancements such as PowerPivot and improved support for BI tools like SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). It also introduced Master Data Services (MDS).
SQL Server 2012 (11.0)
- Version Number: 11.00.2100
- Release Date: March 2012
SQL Server 2012 introduced AlwaysOn Availability Groups, improving high availability and Disaster Recovery. It also included Columnstore Indexes, SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), and Contained Databases, which made migration and portability easier.
SQL Server 2014 (12.0)
- Version Number: 12.00.2000
- Release Date: April 2014
With SQL Server 2014, In-Memory OLTP (Hekaton) was introduced, allowing dramatically faster transaction processing. This version also added Buffer Pool Extension, which allowed disk-based solid-state drives (SSD) to extend the buffer pool, improving performance for large workloads.
SQL Server 2016 (13.0)
- Version Number: 13.00.1601
- Release Date: June 2016
SQL Server 2016 brought many innovations, including Query Store for tracking query performance over time, Always Encrypted for protecting sensitive data, and native support for JSON. It also expanded In-Memory OLTP and Columnstore Indexes features and introduced R Services for advanced analytics.
SQL Server 2017 (14.0)
- Version Number: 14.00.1000
- Release Date: October 2017
A landmark release, SQL Server 2017 was the first version to support Linux, in addition to Windows. This version further enhanced Performance Tuning with Adaptive Query Processing and Automatic Plan Correction, while also adding support for Python through Machine Learning Services.
SQL Server 2019 (15.0)
- Version Number: 15.00.2000
- Release Date: November 2019
SQL Server 2019 expanded support for Big Data Clusters, allowing integration with Apache Spark and HDFS. This version also enhanced intelligent query processing and introduced Data Virtualization through PolyBase, enabling querying of data across multiple sources without movement.
SQL Server 2022 (16.0)
- Version Number: 16.00.1000
- Release Date: November 2022
The latest release, SQL Server 2022, continues the trend of integration with the cloud. It includes Azure Synapse Link, allowing seamless connection between on-premise data and Azure Synapse for real-time analytics. SQL Server 2022 also introduces SQL Ledger, a blockchain-based solution to guarantee the integrity of data, and further enhances Query Intelligence for automatic Performance Tuning.
How to Check Your SQL Server Version Number
To find the version number of your SQL Server instance, you can run the following T-SQL query:
SELECT @@VERSION;This will return information about the SQL Server version, edition, and the exact build number currently installed.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your SQL Server version is critical for managing your databases, especially when applying patches, updates, or when planning a migration. Each SQL Server release brings new features, optimizations, and deprecations, so knowing what version you’re working with helps ensure you’re getting the most out of your SQL Server environment.
If you’re ever unsure about your SQL Server version or need help upgrading or maintaining your environment, Stedman Solutions offers SQL Server Managed Services, where Our Team of SQL Server specialists can assist with everything from performance tuning to version upgrades.
Additionally, for monitoring your SQL Server environment, don’t forget to try Database Health Monitor, our free tool for SQL Server Performance monitoring and diagnostics.
Need further assistance? Feel free to Contact Us for personalized support!