Q & A: Where do I find SQL Server Management Studio for SQL Server 2016?

Q: I just installed the SQL Server 2016 RC0 release and noticed that there was no option in the regular SQL Server New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation option to install SQL Server management tools like there was in previous versions. After I finished the installation I saw there was a separate option to install SQL Server Management Tools. Where is the right place to find SQL Server Management Studio with SQL Server 2016?

A: With the SQL Server 2016 RC0 release Microsoft split out the installation of SQL Server Management Studio from the main installation of SQL Server. I can’t say I’m a fan of this move but part of the logic behind this is that you typically should manage your servers remotely and splitting out the tools enables Microsoft to update the tools on a faster cadence. The new version of SSMS 2016 works with all supported versions of SQL Server from 2008 and higher as well as Azure SQL Database. You can install the new version side-by-side with older versions of SSMS. You can see the new option to install SQL Server Management Tools on the SQL Server 2016 Installation Center in Figure 1.

Figure 1 – Installing the SQL Server 2016 Management Tools

The option on the SQL Server 2016 Installation Center takes you to a web download. You can also download the SQL Server at Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). After the download has completed you can run the installation standalone without a connection to the Internet. You can see the new SSMS 2016 RC0 installer in Figure 2.

Figure 2 – Installing SQL Server Management Studio 2016

The installation process will install the .NET Framework 4.6.1 as well as the Visual Studio 2015 Shell (Isolated) components. After the installation you will be prompted to reboot the system.