I'm running Windows 11 ARM in a Parallels VM. I need MSSQL. What version will work?

Alan Halls 20 Reputation points
2023-11-28T08:58:02.7+00:00

Hi all

I'm running Windows 11 ARM in a Parallels VM on my new Mac M1 Studio.

Generally, Windows is running perfectly OK but for one application I need a version of MSSQL Express up to and including 2022. The actual version number does not matter, as long as it runs in this VM.

I have tried 2017 but it stalls and can't complete. A "Basic" installation will do, I believe. The application I use creates databases (dictionaries, glossaries) in SQL format.

I would be grateful for any help.

Alan

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
SQL Server | Other
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Accepted answer
  1. Olaf Helper 47,516 Reputation points
    2023-11-28T09:18:50.8133333+00:00

    None version will work under Windows ARM, it's not supported.

    See https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/install/hardware-and-software-requirements-for-installing-sql-server-2019?view=sql-server-ver16#pmosr

    => Processor Type: x64 Processor: AMD Opteron, AMD Athlon 64, Intel Xeon with Intel EM64T support, Intel Pentium IV with EM64T support

    No ARM


3 additional answers

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  1. Bruce (SqlWork.com) 78,161 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-11-28T16:21:06+00:00

    You have two options

    run Sqlserver intel image with docker on the Mac. Docker now supports intel images via Rosetta.

    find the old azure sql edge for arm image (this is what I use)


  2. Eric Nelson 0 Reputation points
    2024-01-12T21:39:58.1966667+00:00

    MS SQL 2014 works in Windows 11 ARM64. I have been using it for more than 3 years in a Windows 11 ARM64 VM. I have tried all versions from 2014 on and none of them work. If the version doesn't matter, SQL 2014 will install and work fine.


  3. Franco Neil Glovasa 1 Reputation point
    2024-03-05T11:08:08.0433333+00:00

    Sql server wont work on windows Arm. I think microsoft has no plans releasing sql server on windows arm, if they had, they would've released it by now. I just bought parallels and windows license because of this. huge disappointment.

    the best way to run sql server is through docker. no need to buy parallels or windows license.

    https://database.guide/how-to-install-sql-server-on-a-mac/

    Im thinking to shift to redshift or other database solution.


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