How to Migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2022 Version – Best Upgrade So Far

Synopsis: This article is going to mention the solution to migrate SQL 2012 to 2022 server using the best possible ways. Also, it enables users to know the pre & post-migration checks as well as the reasons why users execute such a project.

Microsoft announced that it will end the support of the SQL Server 2012 version on July 12, 2022. Therefore, now active users obviously want to upgrade their servers & the best they can get is the latest 2022 server. It comes with plenty of new features that can make database management even easier.

However, it’s quite tough for users to upgrade SQL 2012 to the 2022 version without knowing the technicalities. Therefore, this blog is all they need to get the desired results. Let’s begin with the pre-migration needs followed by the solution.

Pre Requisites to Migrate SQL 2012 to 2022 Server

Now, as we are already aware of the fact that this migration task is a bit technical, users should follow the proper procedure & checks. Therefore, going through this checklist can help them eliminate all sorts of errors.

Analyze Files & Clear Clutter

Make a list of all the data files & clear the unwanted files that aren’t required anymore. Deleting duplicate files is another major key point here. This will speed up the migration as no additional files need to be migrated to the new destination.

Keep the Latest Backup Files

Before you start, always keep a backup of the database. This ensures that all the files are safe in case any unwanted situation occurs. Also, if the migration fails, users can easily get back their database files without any data loss.

Train Your Staff

Always train your staff before performing any major changes in the working environment. Also, make sure that no doubt is left in users’ minds regarding the change. It’s important to train them technically & mentally for upcoming changes to boost productivity.

Schedule Migration

Make sure to schedule migration properly if you want to migrate SQL server 2012 to 2022 version. This initiates error-free as well as a quick migration process. Selecting an ideal migration solution or tool is also an important aspect here.

Also Read: SQL Copy Table from One Database to Another with Ease

Also Read: Copy SQL Server Database from One Server to Another Smartly

Upgrade SQL 2012 to 2022 Using the Best Method

To execute the entire migration task of SQL Server, download the SQL Migration Tool from SysTools software. This automated solution consists of several advanced features. Online & offline migration modes, filters, scanning modes, easy-to-understand interface, etc are some of the highlights. In total, the software allows users to execute four migration modes.

The software makes sure that users migrate SQL 2012 to 2022 smoothly without any hassles. Users can execute the migration manually through commands but that does not work in every situation & requires technical proficiency. Also, it is full of risks & this is why the automated solution is way better.

Migrate SQL 2012 to 2022 Step by Step Easily

Download the automated tool from the above links at a discounted price & follow the below-mentioned 5 easy steps to get the desired results. This software is capable enough to solve all issues of users upgrading their SQL Server to the latest 2022 one.

Step-1. Launch the Software in your system & Click on the Open button.

Step-2. Select the Online or Offline mode for SQL database migration.

Step-3. Now, Select the Destination Server & Database as required. 

Step-4. Enable Check-Box all the data objects required for migration. 

Step-5. Hit the Export button to complete upgrade SQL 2012 to 2022.

Learn to Migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2022 Visually

Nowadays, visual learning is more appreciated by users. In case, watch this video to learn the entire process step by step with each & every detail mentioned. Moreover, this way, users can see the interface & features of the tool to upgrade SQL 2012 to 2022 version.

Upgrade SQL Server 2012 to 2022 with SSMS

There are a few users that must be looking for the manual solution for thisupgrade operation. Therefore, we are mentioning the SSMS solution. As we know that a direct manual solution is not available for this task, we’re going to complete this migration in two stages.

The first stage includes creating the backup of all the database files from the lower version. Furthermore, the second stage is all about restoring the data in the latest 2022 server. Therefore we are going to backup and restore database in SQL Server here. The application we are going to use for this is the SQL Server Management Studio or SSMS.

Stage:1: Backup SQL 2012 Database Files

1. Open SSMS >> Connect to Instance >> Click Object Explorer
2. Expand Databases >> Right-Click on the Desired Database
3. Go to Tasks to see further actions >> Click Backup button
4. Select Full Backup type & Disk as the Destination here
5. Hit the Add button & Enter Destination path >> Hit Ok

Stage-2: Restore the Data in 2022 SQL Server

1. Launch SSMS & Connect to Database Instance in 2022 server
2. Expand Databases >> Right-Click on the Desired Database
3. Go to Tasks >> Click Restore >> Click the Database button
4. Now, under the Source option, Select the Device option
5. Hit the Browse (…) option & Add the Backup file
6. In specify backup wizard, Set backup media as File
7. Hit Add button, Choose Backup File & Click Ok
8. Go to Select a Page panel in restore database wizard
9. Configure Restore Settings and Click Ok to finish.

Drawbacks of SQL Server 2022 Upgrade Using Manual Method

There are plenty of drawbacks present in the manual solution due to which users should avoid this method. Even some of the experts recommend users to rely on advanced methods for migration-related operations.

• This migration might fail as well in many scenarios. This is because the properties of the table might differ from 2012 to 2022 version. Users have to make the data compatible with 2022 first. Manual solutions do not offer any solution to this problem.
• There is no direct solution. Therefore, users need to execute two different tasks in order to upgrade to the SQL Server 2022 version. This makes the entire operation more complicated for the new users.
• Apart from compatibility & ease, there are several other issues present here like time. This manual solution is as slow as a snail. It might slow down the speed of users resulting in less productivity.
• There are no ways users can customize their results as manual solutions do not offer any filters or advanced features. Moreover, users must take care of the folder hierarchy as it may be disturbed.
• Just like above, there are plenty of other drawbacks as well. Risk of data loss, inaccurate results, etc, are some more that users must be aware of already.

Crucial Post Migration Checks

Once users learn how to migrate SQL server 2012 to 2022 successfully, there are some post-migration checks that you need to go through. It helps users to ensure that the entire procedure is completed as planned. Also, it helps in comparing the end results with the expected target.

• Configure your domain’s DNS point to the new server that you just migrated.
• Follow the same for your GPO Policy as well as Login Scripts.
• Launch & test every application to cross-check if they work correctly or not.
• Make sure, all the database objects are at their right place & users can access them without any issues.

That’s it. The procedure to migrate SQL 2012 to 2022 is now officially completed.

Also Read: Not just this but the tool can also upgrade SQL Server 2008 to 2016 step by step.

In a Nutshell

Finally, we are here at the end of this article after discussing all the major aspects regarding this topic. We learned how to migrate SQL 2012 to 2022 safely using the best way possible. In addition, now we know the effective tool as well.

By following the guidelines of this article, any SQL user can easily upgrade SQL 2012 to 2022 despite the challenges that scare users without much technical knowledge.