Does SQL server retain the setting for IDENTITY_INSERT after a session closes

Question

I have set IDENTITY_INSERT ON for a table, does that setting remain after the session ends?

Answer 1

Hi MichaelHorwell-4553,

Thank you for reaching out to the SQL Forum.- SET IDENTITY_INSERT TableName ON is session‑scoped. That means:

• It only applies to the current connection.
• SQL Server allows only one table per session to have IDENTITY_INSERT set to ON.
• As soon as the session ends (for example, you close the query window or disconnect), the setting is automatically reset to OFF.
• If you reconnect and want to insert explicit values into the identity column again, you’ll need to re‑run the SET IDENTITY_INSERT command.

Hope This Helps!!

Thanks,

Lakshmi.