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.

Syntax

DROP MASTER KEY

This statement takes no arguments.

The drop will fail if any private key in the database is protected by the master key.

Requires CONTROL permission on the database.

The following example removes the master key for the AdventureWorks2022 database.

USE AdventureWorks2022;  
DROP MASTER KEY;  
GO

The following example removes the master key.

USE master;  
DROP MASTER KEY;  
GO