SQL Server 2019 SKU Upgrade for Entra

Question

I am looking to upgrade our 2019 instance to 2022 with in place upgrade.   The database and server was created using a template in Azure for "SQL Server Standard 2019 on Windows Server 2022". We would like to enable Entra Authentication.   Currently in the SQL Server Virtual Machine, Security Blade in Azure says:

"Microsoft Entra authentication is not available for SQL virtual machine offer SQL2019 and sku Standard. Microsoft Entra authentication is available starting SQL Server 2022."

Does anyone know if I upgrade in place will the option be available or will I have to build a new machine?

Answer 1

Hi @Robin Halabicki,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A and thank you for posting your questions here.

Does anyone know if I upgrade in place will the option be available or will I have to build a new machine?

You can perform an in-place upgrade from SQL Server Standard 2019 to SQL Server Standard 2022. This process will upgrade your existing instance without the need to build a new machine.

However, it’s important to note that you cannot add new features during the upgrade process itself. Once the upgrade is complete, you should be able to enable Microsoft Entra authentication, as it is supported starting with SQL Server 2022.

Here are some key steps to follow for the in-place upgrade:

Backup: Ensure you have full backups of all databases.

Pre-upgrade Checklist: Verify that your system meets the hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2022.

Run Setup: Launch the SQL Server 2022 installation media and select the upgrade option.

Post-upgrade: After the upgrade, you can enable Microsoft Entra authentication through the SQL Server Virtual Machine Security Blade in Azure.

Please refer to the related thread link, it might be helpful: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1462269/upgrade-sql-server-2019-%28standard-edition%29-to-sql

For more information, please refer the documents:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/supported-version-and-edition-upgrades-2022?view=sql-server-ver16

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/upgrade-sql-server-using-the-installation-wizard-setup?view=sql-server-ver16https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/virtual-machines/windows/configure-azure-ad-authentication-for-sql-vm?view=azuresql&source=recommendations&tabs=azure-portal

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