Nowadays, SQL Server users spend more time learning how to fix the recovery pending State in SQL Server database. It’s quite a critical error, as a lot of users are facing database inaccessibility and similar issues because of the same. This guide includes all the key aspects required for users to fix the issue. Learn the factors responsible for this state and find the optimal solutions available. In addition, understand the step-by-step instructions on how to bring the database online from the Recovery Pending State in SQL Server 2025/ 2022/ 2019/ 2017 / 2016 / 2014 / 2012 and older versions in the simplest way.

Topics to Fix SQL Database Recovery Pending

As we know, MS SQL Server is one of the amazing relational database management systems. Like other databases, it also has some issues, such as the Recovery Pending state. People who work with Microsoft SQL Server have faced this problem multiple times while working with the database. That is why we came up with this post. In this article, we are going to describe a suitable workaround for fixing the SQL Server database stuck in such a state.

So, Let’s Begin!

Fix SQL Database in Recovery Pending in 5 Steps

  1. Launch the automated software on your system.
  2. Select Quick or Advanced Scan mode for the MDF file.
  3. Set the Destination SQL Server database to proceed.
  4. Select Schema or schema with data option as needed.
  5. Click on Export to resolve the SQL recovery pending error.

Reasons to Fix Recovery Pending State in SQL Server Database

In simple terms, due to some factors, SQL becomes unable to access the database and enters a pending state. It simply means that the user cannot use the SQL database further and is unable to lock the files, too. Evidently, it seems like an offline database situation. Primarily, there are three reasons, but overall, users can find plenty of them. The three primary causes for recovery pending SQL Server are reboot or restart actions.

  • Users often try to solve SQL Server database recovery mode from log backups, full or differential backups, etc with the NORECOVERY option. However, not mentioning the RECOVERY during the last restore is what makes the issue worse.
  • During a database recovery, transaction logs tend to fill the database. Therefore, the database stops all running transactions until the transaction logs are freed.
  • When the space allocated for the desired database gets full.
  • If SQL Server crashes or shuts down unexpectedly, the server proceeds to perform the necessary actions to determine the cause of the issue. This might put the database in recovery pending state in SQL Server Database and take longer than anticipated.
  • Moving the database from a newer SQL version to an older version might result in compatibility issues and further cause failed recovery in the database.
  • Corruption in the database files is also one of the reasons that disrupts the database connection process and further makes the database unavailable for use.
  • Unexpected shutdown of SQL Server Management Studio.
  • Perform recovery operation from a corrupted backup file.

SQL Database Stuck in Recovery Pending State – Important Note

In such a situation, when the MDF file gets corrupted, causing the database to show Recovery Pending in SQL Server,  you can try SysTools SQL Recovery Tool. It is an advanced utility that fixes this state in SQL Server to a healthy one.

In addition, export the healthy file directly into the SQL Server environment without any fail count. So, provide your database MDF file that shows such a state in the software, and it will provide you with a healthy file in your database.

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Challenges Encountered While Repairing SQL Database in Recovery Pending

There are several reasons that result in the recovery pending state in SQL Server database. On one hand, where repairing this state is crucial for the users, it is also challenging for the users to understand the issue and further work on that matter. Here we will discuss some of these challenges and then find the appropriate solutions to resolve the issue effectively. 

  • When the server enters the SQL Server database in recovery state, users are not always provided with a precise error message. Hence, it becomes difficult for them to understand and further resolve the issue without knowing the actual cause. 
  • Missing database files or corruption in the respective files also leads to the SQL database recovery pending. Furthermore, the restoration of database files in such cases is complex and often risky. 
  • Lack of technical expertise while working on the SQL Server database can be difficult for non-expert users. However, in case the database enters the recovery pending state, it becomes much more challenging for them to deal with such situations. 
  • The biggest challenge during the recovery pending SQL Server is the risk of permanent data loss in the database. Any incorrect step or inappropriate method while fixing the issue can lead to the loss of crucial data stored in the database. 

Hence, to effectively resolve the issue and further access the database without any complications, it is suggested to find the appropriate methods and ways. Additionally, it is also required for the users to properly go through the methods and technicalities to avoid any disasters during the repair process. Moving on to the solutions, let’s now understand how the repair methods will work to resolve the issue and how to implement them.

How to Fix Recovery Pending State in SQL Server Database – Full Guide

To fix the SQL database recovery pending state, users need to simply download the automated tool. By adding the MDF file, they can scan it and remove the corruption from the files. Finally, after exporting the healthy data files to the server, users can be stress-free.

In the following section, we will describe three workarounds that are used to fix SQL Server Recovery Pending 2016 / 2014 or in other editions too. Two of these solutions are free & manual to fix recovery pending SQL Server. Thus, it does not require the assistance of any other applications. However, the most advanced method is the automated solution that requires software. Here, we are going to use the built-in command for fixing corruption in SSMS first. All you need to do is execute all the queries sequentially and carefully. Let’s learn both solutions quickly.

Features of the Automated Software to Fix SQL Database in Recovery Mode

  • Ability to scan MDF files in depth to rectify the damage.
  • Auto-detects the SQL Server version for the MDF data files.
  • Export options to SQL Server, CSV file, & SQL-compatible scripts.
  • Fixes and recovers the triggers, tables, views, indexes, rules, & other items.
  • Preview & recover the deleted data items as well without any hassles at all.
  • Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, etc., and Windows Server 2025, 2022, and older versions.

Also Read: How to Repair SQL Database with DBCC CHECKDB CMD Method?

How to Fix SQL Server Database in Recovery Mode Issue Technically

In case users’ database stuck in SQL database in recovery pending mode, they can try to troubleshoot this recovery pending state in SQL Server database issue using the following queries. Let’s have a look at the command below to bring back the database from SQL Server recovery pending.

The First Step: Restore SQL Database Using T-SQL Command

RESTORE DATABASE Database_Name WITH RECOVERY;

In case users have any uncommitted transactions, this command will roll back all of them for sure. Moreover, it will bring the database back online from recovery mode.

The Second Step: Apply Microsoft Troubleshooting

If there are plenty of VLFs or Virtual Log Files in the SQL database, users might face difficulties, as it makes the process slow. Therefore, using KB2455009 Microsoft Fixes, users can get better results in case of recovery pending SQL Server.

The Final Step: Running DBCC CHECKDB to Identify Corrupted Data

Now, if the SQL database in recovery problem still exists, users can simply run the commands to check if there are any corruption issues or not.

Let’s move further to know the available database states in SQL, to proceed further & learn the ways to remove corruption issues if any.

States of SQL Server & How to Check Recovery Pending State in SQL Server Database?

Basically, there are three states in SQL Server in total. When equal to or more than 1 core file comes under an inconsistent state, we can say that the database is corrupted or damaged. To understand the level of corruption, the database can be classified into three states such as:

  • Online State – The entire SQL database stays in the Online state if one of the files is damaged while executing a query. This stage is not critical but must be observed by the database engineer constantly.
  • Suspect State – The SQL database is stated as SUSPECT when it can’t be recovered during the startup of the SQL Server. This is one level up from the online state & requires more attention from the administrators.
  • Recovery Pending State – When the Server decides that it is necessary to restore database but some error is standing in between like a barrier, it states it as the recovery process is still pending. The recovery here has not even started.

Apart from these three, there are multiple other states as well. Understanding all of these states can provide users with deep insights.

  • Emergency State
  • Restoring State
  • Recovering State
  • Offline State
  • Copying State
  • OFFLINE_SECONDARY State

These are all of the states present in the SQL Server database that users can understand. Now, let’s move forward & learn how to check them & then fix recovery pending state in SQL Server database scenario.

How to Check the State of SQL Server Database?

Now, the question arises how can we check the status of our SQL database? It is very simple, as users just need to run the below-mentioned query:

SELECT name, state_desc from sys.databases 
GO

After running the query, users will get to see results as shown in the image below:

output

How to Fix SQL Server Database in Recovery Mode Using SSMS?

Here, we are going to use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to fix the SQL Server database Recovery Pending issue. Please keep in mind that users must have the latest backup of their database with them to use this method. It can help users to get rid of SQL Server recovery pending problem.

Step 1. Launch SSMS >> Right-click Databases >> Click the Restore Databases option.

launch SSMS

Step 2. Go to Source >> Select Device option >> Click on the Three Dots option.

three dots

Step 3. Click on the Add button in the pop-up window to proceed further with SQL Server database in recovery repair.

click add

Step 4. Browse & select the Backup (.bak) file you want to restore & press OK to repair recovery pending state in SQL Server database.

select .bak file

Step 5. Click the OK button once again to move ahead.

click on OK

Step 6. Under the Restore Database window, Enter Database Name & Hit Ok.

hit ok button

Step 7. The database will be back online from recovery mode here.

restored

Users must understand that this manual solution is not the best method available today; users might have to wait for larger databases. This is because SQL Server database recovery mode fixing can be slow in case of databases with large files.

Approach 1: Remove Recovery Pending State in SQL Server Database With Set Emergency Mode

Basically, this workaround is a multi-step process, and all of them are described below. Make sure you have enough amount of time to run these queries. Then only, users can solve SQL database in recovery pending state without errors.

Step 1: Set up the Database in Emergency Mode

First of all, you need to put the database in emergency mode. For this, just type the following query in SSMS and execute it.

ALTER DATABASE [db_name] SET EMERGENCY

Step 2: Set SQL database to Multi-User Mode to continue resolving Recovery Pending state in SQL Server database.

Run the below-mentioned SQL query in the console to set the database in multi-user mode.

ALTER DATABASE [db_name] SET MULTI_USER

Step 3: Time to Detach the Database

After successful execution of the above query, you need to run this command.

EXEC sp_detach_db ‘[db_name]’

Step 4: Connect MDF File to solve SQL Server database recovery pending issue.

At last, use this query to fix the Recovery Pending status database.

EXEC sp_attach_single_file_db @db_name = ‘[db_name]’,
@physname = N ‘[mdf_path]

Approach 2: Use DBCC CHECKDB to Resolve Recovery Pending in SQL Server Issue

In case the above solution cannot fix the recovery pending state in SQL Server Database, then you can try this workaround. In this method, we will use the inbuilt SQL Server DBCC CHECKDB query to fix the recovery pending state in SQL server.

Step 1: Put the database in Emergency mode to avoid interference during the repair process. Use the command given below:

ALTER DATABASE (db_name) SET EMERGENCY;
GO

Step 2: Now, set the database to single-user mode. This will prevent users from performing transactions during repair.

ALTER DATABASE (db_name) SET SINGLE_USER;
GO

Step 3: Use the REPAIR command offered with DBCC to fix the recovery pending state in SQL Server.

DBCC CHECKDB ([db_name], REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS;
GO

Step 4: Set the database back to Multi User mode. 

ALTER DATABASE(db_name) SET MULTI USER;
GO 

After the execution of the above queries, the database was marked as read-only status due to emergency mode. With this method, the database brings online from the SQL database recovery pending mode.

Approach 3: Fix Recovery Pending SQL Server State in SQL 2019, 2022, & Other Versions Automatically

Step 1. Download Advanced Tool & Click Open to add files.

add mdf files

Step 2. Select Quick or Advanced Scan for corrupted files in order to resolve SQL database in recovery pending state/mode.

select scan mode

Step 3. Preview Data Files after the completion of scanning.

preview records

Step 4. Now, simply Enter the Destination SQL Server details to fix recovery pending state in SQL Server Database.

select server version

Step 5. Click Export button to fix Recovery Pending SQL Server.

click export

For this final automated method, users need to download the automated tool mentioned above. Let’s understand the features that this automated tool offers to fix the SQL Server recovery pending error.

Here’s a Video to understand the Working of the Software

Tips to Prevent SQL Database Recovery Pending State

There are a few ways for users to prevent this SQL recovery pending issue in the first place. To do this, simply go through the tips below without any hassles.  It’s always better to fix the problem even before it starts. As they say, prevention is always better than cure. 

  • Frequent Backups – Regularly taking full database and transaction log backups with verification is a good initiative to prevent this state. Reliable backups are always helpful even in disastrous scenarios. Thus, users should  make it a habit to take backups
  • Disaster Recovery Plan – A disaster recovery plan is quite crucial for tackling unwanted server crashes. However, users who ignore this often face trouble later. Thus, investing some time, effort, & resources is proven to be helpful in the future. It includes failover clustering, mirroring, & replication.
  • SQL Database Maintenance – It’s crucial to maintain the SQL database without any hassles at all. Database maintenance includes index maintenance, statistics updates, hardware protection & monitoring, etc. Most important among all are the database consistency checks.
  • Monitor Disk I/O and Space – Closely monitoring sufficient disk space and disk performance is quite helpful in detecting any unusual activity in the starting phase. This can be easy for the administrators to eliminate the risks earlier and stop SSMS recovery pending state in SQL Server Database state from occurring.
  • Security & Access Control – Database integrity is quite crucial to prevent SQL Server recovery pending issues in the database. Using strong password policies and restricting unnecessary access always adds an extra layer of security.
  • Careful DB Operation – Proper shutdowns, monitoring suspicious events, & avoiding them lead to smooth SQL query optimization. Always make sure to obtain the maximum performance from your database.
  • Monitor SQL Logs – Monitoring logs is also quite significant. Error logs and Agent Job history play a vital role in getting back deleted or missing data files.
Conclusion

In this article, we have answered the most awaited query –How to Fix Recovery Pending State in SQL Server Database without any failure. Therefore, you can try any of the above-mentioned workarounds and resolve the recovery mode state mode in Microsoft SQL Server 2025/ 2022/ 2019 / 2017 / 2016 / 2014 / 2012 / 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2005.

The user can try the manual methods to fix SQL Server database in recovery mode that is stuck in a recovery pending state. If the problem is still there, then the user can take the help of an automated solution to resolve this issue. 

Frequently Asked Questions for SQL Server Database Recovery Pending
Q-1. How to remove the Recovery Pending SQL Server state?

Ans – This error occurs because of the missing MDF & LDF files. So, it is good to use automated software that uploads the MDF file and exports a healthy file in your existing SQL Server database.

Q-2. How to bring the database Online from Recovery mode in SQL Server?

Ans – You can try this SQL query: ALTER DATABASE MyDB SET ONLINE.

Q-3. How can I know that my database is in the database recovery pending state?

Ans – Under Object Explorer, the Recovery Pending mode corresponds to the database in brackets. After this, if the database is stuck in the recovery pending state, users can proceed to fix it.

Q-4. How do I remove a database from recovery mode?

Ans: Follow the simple steps mentioned below to remove the database from SQL recovery pending state.

  • Launch SSMS and expand the Databases folder here.
  • Preview the database in recovery mode state to continue.
  • Right-click the database & delete it to end task.