Express Versions

Which Express Version to Use

In most cases, the answer to 'Which SQL Server Express Version?' is simple: the latest version you can. Since Microsoft adds more features and decreases the limitations of SQL Server Express with every subsequent release, the more recent the version the more advanced capabilities it will offer.

Note

For now, this means SQL Express 2022open in new window.

Benefits of Newer Versions

The chart below covers a few of the important features and limitations that have had import changes across versions and highlights the benefits of pursuing the latest version possible when choosing which SQL Express to use. Versions below 2008 R2 are excluded due to their age and lack of support.

VersionMax. RAMTable/Index PartitioningData CompressionDatabase SnapshotsTransparent Data EncryptionUTF-8Polybase Compute Node
2008 R21024MBNoNoNoNoNoNo
20121024MBNoNoNoNoNoNo
20141410MBNoNoNoNoNoNo
20161410MBYes (SP1+)Yes (SP1+)NoNoNoNo
20171410MBYesYesYesNoNoNo
20191410MBYesYesYesYesYesYes
20221410MBYesYesYesYesYesYes

Compatibility Mode

Even if your application requires an older version of SQL Server, using the latest version and putting the database into compatibility mode may be a good option to get the best of both worlds. This mode allows the behaviors of the database to be compatible with older versions of SQL Server, but keeps server level benefits of newer versions, like higher RAM usage, available.

The options for which levels are available will depend on the version:

VersionEngine VersionCompatibility LevelSupported Compatibility Levels
200088080
200599090, 80
200810100100, 90, 80
2008 R210.5100100, 90, 80
201211110110, 100, 90
201412120120, 110, 100
201613130130, 120, 110, 100
201714140140, 130, 120, 110, 100
201915150150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100
202216160160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100

Support Lifecycle Policies

Features aside, an important part of choosing between SQL Server Express versions is the how long each will be support by Microsoft. Support entails Microsoft releasing security updates, patches (and sometimes new features) as well as them accepting bug and issue tickets for a given version. Once a version falls out of support, Microsoft won't help troubleshoot any issues and often times vulnerabilities may go unfixed when they are discovered at a later date. To take advantage of the mainstream support dates, be sure to have the latest cumulative updates and service packs applied.

It is highly advised to not provision any new instances that are already out of support. Any SQL Express versions not included below are already out of date.

VersionEnd of Mainstream Support
20087/8/2014
2008 R27/8/2014
20127/11/2017
20147/9/2019
20167/13/2021
201710/11/2022
20191/7/2025
20221/11/2028

Further Reading

Last Updated:
Contributors: John McCall