You can download the for free from the Microsoft Evaluation Center to start building your next-gen applications.
– If building GenAI apps, migrate from storing embeddings as VARBINARY(MAX) to the native VECTOR type. sql server 2025 developer edition
SQL Server 2025 Developer Edition represents a significant evolution from a traditional relational database to a complete AI-ready data platform for developers. The introduction of native vector support, T-SQL AI functions, and container-first design makes it an indispensable tool for building next-generation intelligent applications. While legally restricted from production use, its functional parity with Enterprise Edition ensures that any code, schema, or query optimized on Developer Edition will perform identically in production—provided proper hardware and licensing are in place. You can download the for free from the
is a free, full-featured version of the SQL Server 2025 database engine, licensed specifically for development and testing in non-production environments. It includes all the advanced capabilities of the Enterprise Edition , allowing developers to build and test applications using high-end features like In-Memory OLTP, advanced security, and AI-driven analytics without the cost of a production license . Key Feature: Built-in AI & Natural Language Querying The introduction of native vector support, T-SQL AI
The system requirements for SQL Server 2025 Developer Edition are expected to be similar to those of previous versions. However, the exact requirements are not yet known. Here are some general guidelines:
: Improved integration with Azure Arc and Azure SQL , providing a seamless experience for managing data across on-premises and cloud environments.