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Migrate SQL Server to Azure SQL using the migration component in SSMS

The Migrate SQL Server feature in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) assesses SQL Server instances and migrates them to Azure SQL.

Azure Arc enabled Details
Yes SSMS uses readiness assessments already collected through Azure Arc. These assessments include compatibility findings, target sizing, and recommended migration paths.
No SSMS runs a local, metadata-based readiness assessment and recommends an Azure SQL target (Azure SQL Managed Instance or SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines). From the assessment results, you can start a migration using

- The link feature for Azure SQL Managed Instance (near-zero downtime)
- Native backup and restore (lift-and-shift)
- Azure Database Migration Service (Azure DMS)

You can also provision Azure SQL targets and monitor migrations from SSMS or the Azure portal.

Prerequisites

  • SQL Server Management Studio 22 and later versions.
  • A SQL Server instance login with sysadmin permissions.

Installation and configuration

  1. Install the latest version of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Once the installation is complete, select Modify > Individual Components. SSMS is installed using Visual Studio Installer.

  2. Select the Migration component, choose Install while downloading from the dropdown list, and select Modify to complete the installation.

Migration process

This workflow is suitable for SQL Server instances not enabled by Azure Arc.

Screenshot of Migration tab showing migration options for standalone SQL Server instances.

Connect to SQL Server

  1. Open SSMS.
  2. Connect to your source SQL Server instance.
  3. Right-click on your SQL Server instance in Object Explorer, and select Migrate SQL Server.

This action opens the Migration landing page and opens other SSMS wizards for migrating data .

Assess readiness for migration

The migration landing page opens to the Database Assessment phase.

Azure Migration Readiness evaluates your database for compatibility with Azure SQL targets. The migration readiness check identifies any migration blockers for Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure SQL Database, or SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (Azure VM) targets.

To run an assessment:

  1. Select Run Assessment from the Migration landing page.
  2. The tool generates an HTML report with detailed findings.
  3. Review the target recommendations, which are determined by:
    • Migration path with the least blocking issues
    • Migration activities requiring minimal manual intervention

Tip

For performance-based sizing recommendations with detailed metrics, consider using the migration readiness assessment method described in SQL Server migration enabled by Azure Arc.

The assessment results provide insights into both instance readiness and database readiness. The readiness categories are described in the following table:

Category Description
Ready Databases can be migrated to the target without requiring any changes.
Ready with warnings Some non-blocking issues are present. Migration can proceed without breaking changes to the database or application.
Not ready Migration-blocking issues exist. These issues require remediation before migrating to the target environment. The report includes a list of identified issues that must be fixed before migration.

Select target

When the assessment finishes, set up your migration target:

  1. Select Provision Target to access the Azure SQL Hub.

  2. From the Azure SQL Hub, you can create any SQL target type from a single pane:

    • Azure SQL Database
    • Azure SQL Managed Instance
    • SQL Server on Azure VM

Migrate data

From the Migration landing page, choose Migrate data. You can then choose the appropriate migration method based on your target and requirements.

  • Use SQL Managed Instance link to set up a SQL Managed Instance link.
  • Enables near-real-time data replication with minimal downtime.

Backup and restore

  • Use the SSMS backup and restore functionality for SQL Server migration.
  • Suitable for smaller databases or when downtime is acceptable.

Azure Database Migration Service (Azure DMS)

  • Redirects to Azure DMS for enterprise-grade migrations.
  • Supports all target types (SQL Database, SQL Managed Instance, and Azure VM).
  • Provides both offline and online migration options.
  • Recommended for large-scale or complex migrations.

Monitor migration

Track your migration progress and perform cutover:

  1. For Azure DMS migrations: Use the Azure DMS monitoring dashboard.
  2. For Managed Instance link migrations: Monitor through the SQL Managed Instance link feature.

SQL Server upgrade

In addition to Azure migration, SSMS provides database compatibility upgrade capabilities. The upgrade assessment identifies compatibility issues related to breaking changes, behavior changes, and deprecated features. The report also provides a feature parity check for cross-platform database migration.

Upgrade assessment

  1. Select Upgrade Assessment from the Migrate to higher version of SQL Server section.
  2. The tool evaluates compatibility level upgrade readiness.
  3. Review breaking changes and deprecated features in the report.

Database upgrade

  1. Go to Upgrade SQL Server from the Migrate to higher version of SQL Server section.
  2. Follow the Upgrade Database steps.
  3. Perform compatibility level upgrade with minimal disruption.

Best practices

  • Always run assessments before planning migration to identify potential issues early.
  • Use Arc-enabled assessment when available for more accurate performance-based sizing.
  • Choose online migration (Managed Instance link or Azure DMS online) for production databases requiring minimal downtime.
  • Test thoroughly in nonproduction environments before production migration.
  • Monitor performance during and after migration to ensure optimal configuration.
  • Plan cutover windows during low-traffic periods to minimize effect on end users.

Migration options comparison

Migration method Target types Downtime Best for
SSMS Managed Instance link SQL Managed Instance Minimal (online) Production databases, continuous sync
Backup and restore All Moderate to high Scheduled downtime
Log shipping SQL Managed Instance Low to moderate Large databases, traditional approach
Azure DMS All Minimal to none Enterprise migrations, multiple databases

Known issues

The following common issues might occur during migration. Use the recommended resolutions to address them.

Assessment fails

  • Verify connectivity to source database.
  • Check user permissions for system catalog access.
  • Ensure SSMS is up to date.

Migration performance is slow

  • Check network bandwidth between source and Azure.
  • Review target tier sizing recommendations.
  • Consider using Azure ExpressRoute for large data transfers.

Cutover validation fails

  • Verify data integrity checks.
  • Review application compatibility with target platform.
  • Check for blocking issues in assessment report.

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