DROP MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
Applies to: 
SQL Server
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure Synapse Analytics
Analytics Platform System (PDW)
SQL database in Microsoft Fabric
Removes the master key from the current database.
Transact-SQL syntax conventions
Syntax
DROP MASTER KEY
Arguments
This statement takes no arguments.
Remarks
The drop will fail if any private key in the database is protected by the master key.
Permissions
Requires CONTROL permission on the database.
Examples
The following example removes the master key for the AdventureWorks2022 database.
USE AdventureWorks2022;
DROP MASTER KEY;
GO
Examples: Azure Synapse Analytics and Analytics Platform System (PDW)
The following example removes the master key.
USE master;
DROP MASTER KEY;
GO
See Also
CREATE MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
OPEN MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
CLOSE MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
BACKUP MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
RESTORE MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
ALTER MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
Encryption Hierarchy