Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Download Free: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a developer looking to get started with Microsoft SQL Server 2016? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore the various ways you can obtain and install SQL Server 2016 for free.

One of the most popular options is to download the sample databases provided by Microsoft. These databases, including WideWorldImporters and AdventureWorks, are designed to help developers learn and test their skills with SQL Server 2016.

However, if you're looking for a more comprehensive version of the software, you can sign up at the Visual Studio My Benefits portal as a developer and download the SQL Server 2016 Developer edition free for non-production uses. This edition has all the features of the Enterprise Edition and does not have a limited period for usage like the Evaluation Edition.

The SQL Server 2016 Evaluation Edition is another option available from Microsoft TechNet Evaluation Center. While it's free to download, it comes with a limited period of use - just 180 days. On the other hand, you can choose to install the SQL Server 2016 Developer Edition which is free for development purposes and has all features introduced with Enterprise Edition.

Another great option for developers is to subscribe to Visual Studio Dev Essentials. This subscription provides access to the most recent SQL Server versions, including SQL Server 2016, via the Evaluation Center. The final release of SQL Server 2016, also known as RTM (Release To Manufacturing), can be downloaded from Microsoft TechNet Evaluation Center.

Before you download and install SQL Server 2016, make sure your operating system meets the requirements listed at the end of this page. Once you've downloaded the setup binaries, follow the step-by-step installation guide to get started with your new software.

In conclusion, there are several ways you can obtain and install SQL Server 2016 for free. Whether you're a developer looking to learn and test or a data professional seeking to evaluate the latest version, Microsoft has made it easy to access this powerful database management system.

Microsoft sql server 2016 download free