How Do I Check For The Sql Server Version Using Powershell

When it comes to managing SQL Server instances, it’s crucial to know which version you are working with. Each SQL Server version may have different features, capabilities, and compatibility requirements. Fortunately, PowerShell provides a powerful and convenient way to check the SQL Server version installed on your system. In this article, we will guide you through the process of using PowerShell to determine your SQL Server version.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into checking the SQL Server version, make sure you have the following prerequisites in place:

1. PowerShell Installed

Ensure that you have PowerShell installed on your system. PowerShell is included by default in modern Windows operating systems, so you likely have it already. You can check by opening a PowerShell window and running the following command:

$PSVersionTable.PSVersion

This command will display the installed PowerShell version.

2. SQL Server Installed

Naturally, you must have SQL Server installed on your system. This method works for both SQL Server Express and other editions.

Using PowerShell to Check SQL Server Version

Follow these steps to check your SQL Server version using PowerShell:

Step 1: Launch PowerShell

Open a PowerShell window. You can do this by searching for “PowerShell” in the Start menu or pressing Win + X and selecting “Windows PowerShell” or “Windows Terminal.”

Step 2: Run the Command

To retrieve the SQL Server version, you’ll use a simple command. Here it is:

$SqlServerVersion = (Get-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server').InstalledInstances | ForEach-Object {
    Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\$_\MSSQLServer\CurrentVersion"
}
$SqlServerVersion | Format-Table -Property PSChildName, Edition, ProductVersion -AutoSize

Let’s break down what this command does:

• It accesses the Windows Registry to locate the SQL Server instances installed on your machine.
• For each instance, it retrieves the version information, including the edition and product version.
• Finally, it formats and displays the information in a table.

Step 3: Interpret the Results

After running the command, you’ll see a table that provides details about your SQL Server instances, including their names, editions, and product versions.

• PSChildName: This column contains the SQL Server instance names.
• Edition: Indicates the edition of SQL Server, such as “Express,” “Standard,” or “Enterprise.”
• ProductVersion: Shows the SQL Server version, which includes the major and minor version numbers.

Example Output

Here’s an example of what the output might look like:

PSChildName    Edition              ProductVersion
-----------    -------              --------------
MSSQLSERVER    Enterprise Edition   15.0.2070.41
SQLExpress     Express Edition      15.0.2000.5

In this example, there are two SQL Server instances installed: “MSSQLSERVER” (Enterprise Edition) and “SQLExpress” (Express Edition). You can see the product versions as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check the SQL Server version using PowerShell?

You can use PowerShell and the SQLPS module to check the SQL Server version. Here’s a sample command:

   Get-SqlInstance -ServerInstance YourServerName | Select-Object Name, Edition, ProductLevel

What does the SQL Server version number represent?

The SQL Server version number, often in the format “Maj.Min.Bld.Rls,” represents the major version, minor version, build number, and release level of SQL Server. For example, “15.0.2070.41” corresponds to SQL Server 2019.

Is there a PowerShell command to check only the SQL Server version number without additional information?

Yes, you can use PowerShell to get just the SQL Server version number like this:

   [System.Reflection.Assembly]::LoadWithPartialName('Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo') | Out-Null
   $sqlServer = New-Object Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server 'YourServerName'
   $sqlServer.Information.VersionString

How can I check the SQL Server version remotely using PowerShell?

You can use the Invoke-Sqlcmd cmdlet with the -Query parameter to execute a query that retrieves the SQL Server version remotely. Here’s an example:

   Invoke-Sqlcmd -ServerInstance YourServerName -Query "SELECT @@VERSION AS SQLVersion"

What are the different SQL Server editions, and how can I identify which edition I’m using with PowerShell?

SQL Server has various editions such as Express, Standard, and Enterprise. You can use PowerShell to check the edition along with the version like this:

   Get-SqlInstance -ServerInstance YourServerName | Select-Object Name, Edition, ProductLevel

The “Edition” column will display your SQL Server edition.

Checking the SQL Server version using PowerShell is a simple yet powerful way to ensure you are working with the correct edition and version. This information can be crucial for troubleshooting, compatibility, and planning purposes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and efficiently retrieve the SQL Server version information on your system.

Remember that staying informed about your SQL Server environment is essential for successful database management and application development. PowerShell is just one of the many tools at your disposal for maintaining your SQL Server infrastructure.

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