I recently took the plunge and installed the latest SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on my machine. I thought I’d share my experience, as I know many people still struggle with the setup process.
## Choosing the Right Version
Microsoft’s installation media offers multiple options – Developer, Express, and Standard editions. I opted for the Developer Edition, which has all the enterprise features for free (perfect for learning and testing).
## Smooth Installation, But a Few Gotchas
The installer is much more streamlined compared to older versions. However, there were a few tricky parts:
* Configuring Database Engine Services and ensuring Mixed Mode Authentication (for both SQL and Windows authentication).
* Setting up default directories for data/log files – always a good habit to avoid headaches later.
## Installing the Latest SSMS (2025)
The 2025 release felt faster and cleaner, with better IntelliSense and more query plan visualization features. It’s great to see Microsoft continuously improving the tool.
## My Favorite Improvements
* Dark mode that actually feels polished
* Better integration with Azure SQL
* More reliable backup/restore wizards
* Improved error highlighting
## Final Thoughts
The whole process took me less than 30 minutes. If you’re just getting started, don’t overcomplicate things – stick with Developer Edition + SSMS, and you’ll be up and running quickly.
For a more detailed walkthrough with screenshots, check out my blog post: Installing SQL Server and the Latest SSMS in 2025 – My Experience