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MS SQL Server – Azure Data Studio

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Azure Data Studio Retirement

Azure Data Studio was a cross-platform database tool for database administrators, developers, and data professionals. Microsoft retired Azure Data Studio on February 28, 2026. It no longer receives product updates, security fixes, or maintenance.

Recommended Replacement for SQL Server Work

For continued SQL development, Microsoft recommends Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension. Existing SQL queries, scripts, and SQL database projects can be opened in Visual Studio Code without conversion.

  • Visual Studio Code: Use it as the editor and development environment.
  • MSSQL extension: Connect to SQL Server and Azure SQL, browse database objects, execute T-SQL, work with schemas, and view query results and execution information.
  • Source control: Visual Studio Code integrates with Git and CI/CD workflows.
  • SQL database projects: Existing projects can be opened directly in Visual Studio Code or Visual Studio with SSDT.
Connecting to SQL Server
  1. Install Visual Studio Code.
  2. Open the Extensions view.
  3. Search for mssql and install the SQL Server (mssql) extension.
  4. Open the MSSQL connection interface and enter the required server and authentication details.
  5. Connect to the SQL Server instance and open a SQL editor.
Running T-SQL Queries

After connecting, you can execute Transact-SQL statements from a SQL editor. For example:

SELECT FirstName, LastName
FROM Employees;

The MSSQL extension provides query execution and a results view inside Visual Studio Code.

Database Management Features

The MSSQL extension provides tools for common SQL Server database operations, including creating, renaming, and dropping databases, searching database objects, backing up and restoring databases, and importing flat files.

Schema and Development Features

The current MSSQL extension supports database schema work, Object Explorer, IntelliSense, query execution, Schema Compare, SQL notebooks, and source-control workflows. Additional capabilities are available through related Visual Studio Code extensions.

What About SQL Server Management Studio?

Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension does not replace every SSMS scenario. Microsoft continues to position SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for SQL Server Agent and broader classic administration tasks.

Important Migration Note

If you are following an older tutorial that tells you to install or use Azure Data Studio for current SQL Server development, use Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension instead. Existing queries, scripts, and SQL database projects do not need to be converted for this migration.

Conclusion

Azure Data Studio should now be treated as a retired tool rather than a current SQL Server development environment. For current SQL development, use Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension, while keeping SSMS for scenarios that continue to depend on its administration features.

Last reviewed: September 2026