If you need a specific username/password for an application:
If you are upgrading from SSMS 17 (for SQL 2016/2017), here is your checklist:
Right-click an index > "Script Index as > CREATE To..." now includes ONLINE = ON and MAXDOP suggestions if the edition supports it.
The built-in Performance Dashboard (right-click on a server -> Reports -> Standard Reports -> Performance Dashboard) saw major updates.
What’s new?
Why this matters: In older SSMS versions, troubleshooting performance required writing complex DMV queries. Now, a GUI-driven "top waits" report helps junior DBAs identify bottlenecks in seconds.
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SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 18.0 was the primary toolset released alongside SQL Server 2019. This release marked a significant evolution for the platform, shifting toward a lighter, faster standalone installer and introducing a host of "modern" features for both DBAs and developers.
If you are looking into what's new for this generation of the tool, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the major updates. 1. Modernized User Experience sql server management studio 2019 new
One of the most immediate changes in the SSMS 2019 era (starting with version 18.x) was the overhaul of the installation process and the interface.
Smaller, Standalone Installer: SSMS is no longer bundled with the SQL Server engine installer. It is now a much smaller, independent download, making it easier to update the management tools without affecting the database server.
High DPI Support: SSMS 18.x finally introduced native High DPI support. This means if you’re using a 4K monitor or a modern laptop, the UI and text no longer look blurry or tiny—they scale correctly by default.
Visual Studio 2017 Shell: This version was built on the Visual Studio 2017 isolated shell, providing a more stable and responsive environment compared to previous versions. 2. Powerful Querying & Performance Enhancements If you need a specific username/password for an application:
Managing performance became significantly easier with deep integration for SQL Server 2019's "Intelligent Query Processing".
2MB Query Output: In older versions, results-to-grid were capped at 64KB per cell, often truncating long strings. In SSMS 18, both "Results to Grid" and "Results to Text" support up to 2MB per tuple, making it much easier to inspect large XML or JSON strings.
Query Tuning Assistant (QTA): This tool was introduced to help with database migrations. It guides you through upgrading your database's compatibility level, collecting performance data before and after to detect any regressions.
Vulnerability Assessment: A new UI-driven tool that scans your database for security risks and provides actionable recommendations for hardening. 3. Expanded Cloud & Hybrid Support If you are upgrading from SSMS 17 (for
As Microsoft pushed toward Azure, SSMS 18.x became the bridge between on-premises and the cloud. Microsofthttps://www.microsoft.com
Note: There is no official "SSMS 2019" version number; the major version released alongside SQL Server 2019 was SSMS 18.0 (later updated to 18.12.1). Below are the major features introduced in the SSMS 18.x generation.