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Version requirements for SQL Server in Windows operating system

Original product version:   SQL Server
Original KB number:   2681562

Summary

This article provides a compatibility matrix that shows which versions of SQL Server are supported on each version of the Windows operating system (OS). Use this reference to confirm the minimum SQL Server servicing level (RTM or Service Pack) required for the Windows OS you're targeting before you install, upgrade, or migrate SQL Server. This article covers both Windows client and Windows Server versions.

Note

Unless noted otherwise, when an OS is supported for a major SQL Server version, it remains supported for all subsequent servicing releases. For example, if SQL Server 2016 release to manufacturing (RTM) is supported on Windows 10, this implies that any cumulative updates (CUs) on top of SQL Server 2016 RTM or SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 1 (SP1) are also supported on Windows 10.

How to use this article

  • Use the SQL Server and Windows compatibility matrix table to find the minimum servicing level required for the SQL Server version you're installing on the corresponding Windows OS.

  • Use the links in the Hardware and Software Requirements page row to review the full hardware and software requirements for each version of SQL Server.

If a Windows version isn't in the compatibility matrix, that combination isn't covered by this article. This is common with older client and server operating systems that have reached the end of their support lifecycle. If you're running an out-of-support Windows or SQL Server version, plan an upgrade to a supported combination. For guidance on SQL Server versions that reach end of support, see SQL Server end of support options.

SQL Server and Windows compatibility matrix

Windows version/SQL version SQL Server 2025 SQL Server 2022 SQL Server 2019 SQL Server 2017 SQL Server 2016 SQL Server 2014 SQL Server 2012 SQL Server 2008 R2 SQL Server 2008
Windows Server 2025 Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Not supported Not supported Not supported Not supported Not supported Not supported
Windows Server 2022 Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Not supported Not supported Not supported Not supported Not supported
Windows 11 Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Not supported Not supported Not supported Not supported Not supported
Windows 10 Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4) Not supported Not supported
Windows Server 2019 Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4) Not supported Not supported
Windows Server 2016 No Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (RTM) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4) Not supported Not supported
Windows 8.1 No No No Yes (RTM) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4)
Windows Server 2012 R2 No No No Yes (RTM) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4)
Windows 8 No No No Yes (RTM) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4)
Windows Server 2012 No No No Yes (RTM) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4) Yes (SP3) Yes (SP4)
Hardware and Software Requirements page SQL Server 2025 SQL Server 2022 SQL Server 2019 SQL Server 2017 SQL Server 2016 SQL Server 2014 SQL Server 2012 SQL Server 2008 R2 SQL Server 2008