Updates in SQL Server Management Studio: SSMS 21 Preview 6 and Copilot Integration
Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of technology, offering tools and updates that significantly enhance database management, productivity, and security. This blog post will summarize three major updates: the release of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21 Preview 6, the general availability of Azure SQL Database capabilities for Microsoft Copilot, and a developer’s guide to using Copilot in SSMS.
Announcing the Release of SSMS 21 Preview 6
The SQL Tools team at Microsoft has announced the release of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21 Preview 6. This release has exciting new features and improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience and streamlining database management tasks.
Some highlights include:
- Migration Component (Preview): This new component helps with migrating SQL Server versions or cross-platform databases. It runs compatibility checks, identifies issues, and generates an assessment report to help understand potential impacts and remediation steps. It also supports physical migration of databases using backup-copy-restore technology.
- Modern Connection Dialog (Preview): The new connection dialog experience is designed based on user feedback. It improves the display of recent connections, moves frequently used fields to the main connection properties section, and allows users to pin up to 10 favorite connection profiles for easy access.
- Presenter Mode: The return of presenter mode enhances the presentation experience within SSMS.
- Bug Fixes: This release includes numerous bug fixes reported by the SSMS Developer Community.
- Install SSMS Preview: If you don’t have the preview yet, learn more about how to download and install SSMS 21 Preview.
General Availability of Azure SQL Database Capabilities for Microsoft Copilot
Also recently announced was the general availability of Azure SQL Database capabilities for Microsoft Copilot. This release aims to streamline database operations, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance, ultimately enhancing productivity and simplifying complex tasks.
Key capabilities include:
- Intelligent Troubleshooting: Copilot provides guidance for common SQL errors, helping users diagnose and resolve issues related to database scaling, replication, and login problems.
- Performance Optimization: Users can better understand and manage database performance, including storage capacity and IO limits, and receive recommendations to optimize connection settings.
- Configuration Assistance: Copilot simplifies configuration-related tasks by offering guidance on selecting the appropriate service tier and creating correct connection strings.
- Security and Data Management: Copilot assists with troubleshooting Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) issues and provides insights into replication problems, ensuring data protection and synchronization across geo secondaries.
- Copilot in Azure: Accessible via the Azure portal and Azure mobile app, allowing users to interact with it using natural language queries.
A Developer’s Guide to Using Copilot in SSMS
The Azure Developers – SQL Conf 2025 featured a session from Erin Stellato on using Copilot in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). This guide provides an end-to-end walkthrough of Copilot’s capabilities, demonstrating how it improves efficiency within the T-SQL coding workflow.
Highlights from the session include:
- Simplifying Database Management: Copilot assists with various database management tasks, making it easier for developers to navigate and optimize their SQL environments.
- Real-World Demos: The session showcases Copilot’s power in action through real-world demos, illustrating its practical applications and benefits.
- Architecture and Endpoint Model: Detailed explanations of Copilot’s architecture and endpoint model help developers understand its underlying principles and functionality.
- Roadmap and FAQs: The session concludes with insights into Copilot’s future developments and answers to frequently asked questions, providing a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities.
These updates from Microsoft highlight the company’s commitment to enhancing productivity, security, and efficiency for businesses and developers. By leveraging the latest features in SSMS 21 Preview 6, Azure SQL Database capabilities for Copilot, and Copilot in SSMS, users can streamline their operations, safeguard their data, and optimize their workflows.
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