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What is the "Microsoft SQL Server Extension Agent" and what does it do?

Peter Bishop 256 Reputation points
2024-04-11T02:36:40.71+00:00

Have a SQL Server 2019 Enterprise Edition instance and been seeing some strange items popping up in the Database Audit report again role member changes. They're being performed by the instance's service account and are occurring on the hour, every hour. I ran a trace capture to see what was happening and the relevant SPID related to the ApplicationName "Microsoft SQL Server Extension Agent".

Can anyone tell me what this is, how it's controlled/configured or what it's purpose is?

Thanks.

SQL Server | Other
SQL Server | Other

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  1. TP 156.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-04-11T12:31:02.6933333+00:00

    Hi Peter,

    The SQL Server extension agent is what facilitates automated management features. For example, it is what allows you to use the Azure portal to enable automated backup, updates, set/view Azure Hybrid Benefit Licensing option.

    The role member changes you are seeing are likely due to least privilege mode. The extension will grant minimum amount of permissions necessary for the features that are enabled via custom roles.

    Automate management with the Windows SQL Server IaaS Agent extension

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/virtual-machines/windows/sql-server-iaas-agent-extension-automate-management

    Please click Accept Answer and upvote if the above was helpful.

    Thanks.

    -TP

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  2. ZoeHui-MSFT 41,551 Reputation points
    2024-04-11T03:06:47.7466667+00:00

    Hi @Peter Bishop,

    As far as i know, there is preview version for SQL Server Agent extension.

    It is used to manage and troubleshooting SQL Agent jobs and configuration. This extension is currently in preview.

    See SQL Server Agent extension (Preview)

    Regards，

    Zoe Hui

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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