SQL Server 2025 Express
vSQL Server 2025 (17.x) ExpressFree
Microsoft's free SQL Server edition for learning, desktop apps and small production use. By Microsoft Corporation
- Windows
By the ToolsBharat teamLink checked 30 Oct 2026How we check
Quick answer
SQL Server 2025 Express is free software for Windows from Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft's free SQL Server edition for learning, desktop apps and small production use. Download it only from microsoft.com. The latest version we track is SQL Server 2025 (17.x) Express. ToolsBharat links straight to the publisher's own download page, with no bundled offers.
- Latest version:
- SQL Server 2025 (17.x) Express
- Publisher:
- Microsoft Corporation
- Official site:
- microsoft.com
- Licence:
- Free — Free (Express edition; Developer edition free for non-production)
- Requirements:
- Windows 10 / 11, Windows Server (see SQL Server 2025 requirements)
Our verdict
The free SQL Server edition that students use for learning and that many small-business applications install. Express is licensed for production, with limits: 50 GB per database, about 1.4 GB of buffer-pool memory and the lesser of 1 socket or 4 cores. From SQL Server 2025, Express includes the former Advanced Services features such as Full-Text Search. For a full-featured database on a dev machine, take the free Developer edition from the same page instead.
Key features
- Free for production use within edition limits
- LocalDB option for zero-configuration development
- Full-Text Search and SSDT included from SQL Server 2025
- Upgrades in place to higher editions
Pros
- Pro: Free, official and production-capable
- Pro: Same engine as paid editions
- Pro: Works with SSMS and VS Code
Cons
- Con: 50 GB per database limit
- Con: No SQL Server Agent
- Con: Limited to 4 cores and about 1.4 GB buffer pool
What's new in SQL Server 2025 (17.x) Express
See what changed in SQL Server 2025 (17.x) Express in the official release notes
Version history
Version SQL Server 2025 (17.x) ExpressLatest
date not stated- SHA-256
- The developer does not publish one
- Source
- Release notes
Requirements
- OS
- Windows 10 / 11, Windows Server (see SQL Server 2025 requirements)
- Architecture
- 64-bit
Licence
- Type
- Free
- Licence
- Free (Express edition; Developer edition free for non-production)
- Publisher
- microsoft.com
Where these facts come from
Checked 30 Oct 2026
FAQ
What is the database size limit of SQL Server Express?
Microsoft lists a maximum relational database size of 50 GB for SQL Server 2025 Express, along with limits of 1,410 MB buffer pool memory and the lesser of 1 socket or 4 cores.
Express or Developer edition?
Express is free for production with limits. Developer (Standard or Enterprise Developer) has all features but is licensed only for development and testing, not production.
User reviews
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Alternatives
- MySQL Community Server26.10.0 (LTS 9.7.4 and 8.4.13 also offered) · Open sourceThe free edition of the world's most widely used open-source database. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Linux
- PostgreSQL18.6 · Open sourceAdvanced open-source relational database, with the EDB Windows installer. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Linux
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)22.11.3 · FreeMicrosoft's free GUI for managing and querying SQL Server and Azure SQL. Official No bundles
SQL Server 2025 Express
SQL Server 2025 (17.x) Express · Not stated