Microsoft Announces Public Preview of SQL Server 2025

Microsoft has officially announced the public preview of SQL Server 2025, the next-generation release of its flagship relational database platform. Packed with new features focused on performance, security, AI integration, and hybrid cloud readiness, SQL Server 2025 marks a major leap forward for both on-premises and hybrid data solutions.

🔍 What’s New in SQL Server 2025?

Microsoft’s engineering team has described SQL Server 2025 as a “cloud-smart, AI-ready” release — built to meet the modern demands of enterprise data management, advanced analytics, and global scalability. Here are some of the standout enhancements:

💡 1. Built-in AI Integration

SQL Server 2025 introduces native support for integrating machine learning models and AI-assisted query optimization. Organizations can now embed AI workflows directly within the database engine, reducing the need to move data between services.

⚡ 2. Adaptive Performance Engine

A new Adaptive Performance Engine uses intelligent tuning and workload pattern recognition to optimize query execution in real time. It builds on the automatic tuning capabilities introduced in previous versions but with smarter, self-correcting logic.

🛡️ 3. Enhanced Security and Compliance

SQL Server 2025 includes improved Always Encrypted capabilities with enhanced key management, native data masking, and compliance tracking tools — built for industries with strict regulatory requirements.

☁️ 4. Hybrid Cloud Flexibility

In line with Microsoft’s hybrid strategy, SQL Server 2025 is fully optimized for Azure Arc, enabling you to run, manage, and secure your databases seamlessly across on-premises, multi-cloud, and edge environments.

🧠 5. Smarter Indexing and Storage

New intelligent indexing and adaptive storage tiers allow the database engine to automatically optimize disk usage and storage performance based on historical access patterns — saving time and reducing cost.

🔧 6. Developer Experience and Language Support

SQL Server 2025 continues to embrace open source and cross-platform development with expanded support for Python, R, and .NET 8, and better tooling integration with Azure Data Studio and GitHub Copilot.

🌐 Public Preview Available Now

The public preview is now available for download via Microsoft’s Evaluation Center and Azure Marketplace. Organizations are encouraged to test SQL Server 2025 in development or sandbox environments and provide feedback directly through the Microsoft Insider Program.

You can download the public preview of Microsoft SQL Server 2025 directly from Microsoft's official site: