Microsoft SQL Server Version Reference
Download links, build numbers, and complete version information for Microsoft SQL Server
Important Note: All SQL Server service packs and Cumulative Updates are cumulative, meaning that each new
service pack and cumulative update contains all the fixes that are included with previous service packs and any new
fixes.
Table of Contents & Quick Navigation
Frequently used terms and acronyms
SQL Server Patching Shortcut
What are the most recent updates for SQL Server?
Microsoft SQL Server installation files info
SQL Server Developer Edition Info
SQL Server Express direct download links
Internal Database Version and Compatibility Level
Microsoft SQL Server Builds (2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005, 2000, 7.0, 6.5, 6.0)
Useful Links & Resources
KB321185: How to determine version, edition & update level — [Link]
KB822499: Naming schema for Microsoft SQL Server update packages —
[Link]
Microsoft SQL Server Support Lifecycle — [Link]
Microsoft Update Catalog — [Link]
SQL Server packages for Linux — [Link]
KB824684: Terminology used to describe Microsoft updates — [Link]
KB935897: Incremental Servicing Model for SQL Server — [Link]
SQL Server Updates by Brent Ozar team — [Link]
SQL Server Builds by SQLSentry / SQLPerformance — [Link]
Frequently Used Terms and Acronyms
Credits and special thanks to Aaron Bertrand for the comprehensive definitions.
COD (Critical On-Demand): A fix for an issue deemed 'critical' due to severity, number of affected customers, or lack
of workarounds. Released out-of-band and rolled into subsequent CUs.
CU (Cumulative Update): A roll-up of multiple fixes released on a regular cycle (usually 60 days). Contains bug fixes,
security patches, and occasionally new features.
CTP (Community Technology Preview): Pre-release preview build of upcoming major versions or service packs used
for testing and bug reporting.
GA (General Availability): Official commercial release point where software becomes broadly downloadable or
deployable.
GDR (General Distribution Release): Contains critical security fixes with wide impact, released independently of non-
critical CU updates.
QFE (Quick Fix Engineering / Hotfix): Targeted, specific fix issued to address specific customer issues.
RC (Release Candidate): Feature-complete build nearly ready for RTM/GA distribution.
RTM (Released To Manufacturing): Final gold master build ready for production deployment.
SP (Service Pack): Major cumulative roll-up package including security patches, fixes, and feature enhancements.
SU / CVE: Security Update addressing vulnerability advisories.
SQL Server Patching Shortcut
To save time and minimize downtime during patching windows, extract CU files prior to execution using the /extract
command:
[Link] /extract C:\SQL2017CU2
Key Advantages:
Pre-extraction eliminates extraction delay during tight maintenance windows.
Reduces disk space failure risks on system C: drives during execution.
Allows extraction of isolated MSI components (e.g., [Link]) when required.
Most Recent Updates Summary
Version Latest Update Build Number Release Date Mainstream Extended Support
Support
2019 RTM + CU12 15.0.4153.1 2021-08-04 2025-01-07 2030-01-08
(KB5004524)
2017 RTM + CU26 14.0.3411.3 2021-09-14 2022-11-10 2027-12-10
(KB5005226)
2016 SP2 + SP3 13.0.6300.2 2021-09-15 2021-07-13 2026-07-14
(5003279)
2014 SP3 + KB4583462 12.0.6433.1 2021-01-12 2019-07-09 2024-07-09
2012 SP4 + KB4583465 11.0.7507.2 2021-01-12 2017-07-11 2022-07-12
2008 R2 SP3 + SU 10.50.6220.0 2015-07-14 2014-07-08 2019-07-09
KB3045311
2008 SP4 + SU 10.00.6241.0 2015-07-14 2014-07-08 2019-07-09
KB3045316
Internal Database Version & Compatibility Level
Database compatibility levels dictate T-SQL language behavior and cardinality estimation rules relative to specific engine
releases:
SQL Server Version Engine Internal DB Version Compat Level
SQL Server 2019 15 895-904 150
SQL Server 2017 14 869-894 140
SQL Server 2016 13 852 130
Azure SQL Database 14 862 140 / 150
SQL Server 2014 12 782 120
SQL Server 2012 11 706 110
SQL Server 2008 R2 10.5 660 / 661 100
SQL Server 2008 10 655 100
SQL Server 2005 9 611 / 612 90
SQL Server 2000 8 539 80
Checking Version & Compatibility via T-SQL
-- Check Product Version
SELECT SERVERPROPERTY('ProductVersion') AS ProductVersion, SERVERPROPERTY('ProductLevel') AS
UpdateLevel;
-- Check Database Compatibility Level
SELECT name, compatibility_level FROM [Link];
-- Alter Compatibility Level
ALTER DATABASE [YourDatabase] SET COMPATIBILITY_LEVEL = 150;