License modification from SQL Server Standard to SQL Server Enterprise

Question

Hi

I am thinking about buying next licenses for MS SQL Server. First, I would like to try whether the Standard license will be sufficient for my solution, and if it turns out to be insufficient, I would like to upgrade this license to Enterprise and I have a few questions.

1. Is it possible to install SQL Server Standard in a trial version?

• If yes, can it be upgraded to a paid license later?
• If yes, can it be upgrade SQL Server to any edition (Standard or Enterprise)?

2. Is it possible to install SQL Server in the Standard version and then upgrade MS SQL Server to the enterprise version without reinstalling SQL Server?

• If yes, do I need to purchase a completely new SQL Server license or can you somehow upgrade existing license SQL Standard editions to Enterprise editions?

Answer 1

No, there is no evaluation edition of Standard Edition, only of Enterprise Edition.

To move from Standard to Enterprise, you don't need to reinstall, but you run an edition upgrade. Thus, there will be a bit of downtime, but everything is done in place.

For more details on the edition-change scenarios see this page: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/supported-version-and-edition-upgrades-2022?view=sql-server-ver16.

Answer 2

Hi @Adam-3295

For detailed information about the license issue, you can call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Or you can go to Volume Licensing Service Center support. Please choose region/language and choose to call or have web.

Best regards,

Cosmog Hong

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