SQL Server Release Notes
SQL Server 2022
Released: November 16, 2022
Key Highlights
- Azure Active Directory authentication enhancements for simplified and secure access.
- SQL Server Ledger for tamper-evident data tracking and auditing.
- Continued integration with Azure services, including Azure Synapse Link and Azure Purview.
- Performance improvements in query processing and memory management.
- Enhanced security features including Always Encrypted with secure enclaves.
For detailed information, see the full release notes for SQL Server 2022.
SQL Server 2019
Released: November 4, 2019
Key Highlights
- Big Data Clusters for integrating SQL Server with Spark and HDFS.
- Intelligent Query Processing (IQP) features for automatic performance tuning.
- Data Virtualization with PolyBase for querying data in external sources.
- Built-in machine learning services with Python and R integration.
- Enhanced security and compliance features.
For detailed information, see the full release notes for SQL Server 2019.
SQL Server 2017
Released: September 25, 2017
Key Highlights
- Cross-platform support: SQL Server on Linux and containers (Docker).
- Graph database capabilities for modeling and querying relationships.
- Adaptive Query Processing for dynamic optimization of query plans.
- Resumable online index rebuilds for reduced downtime.
- Improved string data handling and security features.
For detailed information, see the full release notes for SQL Server 2017.
SQL Server 2016 SP2
Released: March 22, 2017
Key Fixes and Improvements
- Resolved various bugs affecting performance and stability across different components.
- Addressed security vulnerabilities to enhance data protection.
- Included cumulative updates and minor enhancements based on customer feedback.
See the SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 2 release notes for a detailed list of fixes.
SQL Server 2016
Released: June 1, 2016
Key Highlights
- Always Encrypted for end-to-end data encryption.
- Row-Level Security for granular data access control.
- Dynamic Data Masking to obfuscate sensitive data.
- In-Memory OLTP and Columnstore improvements for significant performance gains.
- R and Python integration for advanced analytics.
For detailed information, see the full release notes for SQL Server 2016.
SQL Server 2014 SP1
Released: May 4, 2015
Key Fixes and Improvements
- Addressed critical issues impacting performance, security, and stability.
- Improvements to AlwaysOn Availability Groups and In-Memory OLTP.
- Resolved bugs reported by customers and internal testing.
Consult the SQL Server 2014 Service Pack 1 release notes for a comprehensive list.
SQL Server 2014
Released: May 1, 2014
Key Highlights
- In-Memory OLTP for significant transaction processing performance improvements.
- Buffer Pool Extension to utilize SSDs for extending the buffer pool.
- Enhancements to AlwaysOn Availability Groups.
- Data Quality Services and Master Data Services improvements.
Find complete details in the full release notes for SQL Server 2014.