SQL Server 2025 and SSMS 21 Updates:

Microsoft has unveiled a series of exciting updates across SQL Server 2025 and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Here’s a roundup of the most important announcements:

SQL Server 2025 Release Candidate 0:

SQL Server 2025 RC0 introduces a host of AI-powered features and performance improvements:

• Vector Search and Indexing for advanced semantic queries.
• Text Chunking via AI_GENERATE_CHUNKS.
• ONNX Model Integration for local AI model hosting.
• Improved Cardinality Estimation with persistent learning across restarts.
• PolyBase Enhancements for managed identity support with Azure Storage.

These features are opt-in via the new PREVIEW_FEATURES configuration, allowing users to experiment safely before full adoption. Read More: Announcing SQL Server 2025 Release Candidate 0 (RC0)

Support for Ubuntu 24.04 and TLS 1.3

SQL Server 2025 Release Candidate 0 (RC0) now supports Ubuntu 24.04, expanding deployment options for Linux users. While production workloads on Ubuntu 24.04 aren’t yet supported, developers can use the Enterprise Evaluation Edition for testing and development.

Additionally, TLS 1.3 is now enabled by default, offering stronger encryption and improved security for SQL Server instances. This marks a significant step forward in aligning SQL Server with modern security standards. Read More: SQL Server 2025 Preview: Now Supporting Ubuntu 24.04 and TLS 1.3

SQL Server Management Studio Updates

SSMS 21.5 Updates

• The upcoming SSMS 21.5 release focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements based on user feedback from the Developer Community.
• Key enhancements include:
  • Updates to the connection dialog
  • Improvements to the database properties view
  • Fixes and enhancements to the results grid
  • Additional fields and functionality added to the connection dialog

SSMS 22 Preview

• The first preview of SSMS 22 is coming soon, with a refreshed splash screen and a commitment to regular preview releases.
• Preview 1 features will include:
  • Support for SQL Server 2025 syntax
  • Ability to zoom the results grid
  • New visual themes
  • Initial support for unified settings

Read More: Coming Soon: More SSMS 21 Updates and SSMS 22 Preview!

Copilot in SSMS: Transitioning to GitHub Copilot

Microsoft is pivoting from Azure OpenAI-based Copilot in SSMS 21 to GitHub Copilot in SSMS 22. This shift is driven by user feedback, with 75% of survey respondents preferring GitHub Copilot integration.

Key points:

• The Azure OpenAI-based Copilot in SSMS 21 will remain available, but:
  • It will not receive updates.
  • It will not be included in future SSMS versions.
  • It’s now considered a feature-frozen preview.

• GitHub Copilot will debut in SSMS 22 after Preview 1.
• It will eventually match and exceed the capabilities of the original Copilot, including database context and sidecar chat.
• This move aligns SSMS with other Microsoft tools like Visual Studio and VS Code, creating a unified AI experience across platforms.

Read More: What’s next for Copilot in SSMS