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Starting with SQL Server 2025, Microsoft is consolidating all on-premises reporting services under Power BI Report Server (PBIRS). No new versions of SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) will be released. PBIRS becomes the default on-premises reporting solution for SQL Server.
You can expect more information about specific editions when SQL Server 2025 is in General Availability (GA).
This article outlines the implications of these changes for you as a customer, and addresses any questions you might have.
General questions
What is SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)?
SSRS is a long-standing Microsoft reporting platform that enables the creation, deployment, and management of paginated reports using Report Definition Language (RDL). It was bundled with SQL Server since 2004, and is widely used for operational reporting.
What is Power BI Report Server (PBIRS)?
PBIRS is a modern on-premises reporting solution that supports both paginated (RDL) and interactive (PBIX) reports. It offers a bridge to the cloud with compatibility for Power BI, and is governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy. For more information about PBIRS, see What is Power BI Report Server?
You can install PBIRS through Install Power BI Report Server.
Why are we making this change?
SSRS represents a subset of PBIRS, offering only RDL capabilities. By transitioning to PBIRS, customers can access advanced functionalities, including rich and interactive PBIX reports, which aren't available in SSRS. Adopting PBIRS enables customers to seamlessly move their reporting capabilities to the cloud when they're ready.
How is PBIRS different and similar to SSRS?
PBIRS is a superset of SSRS, offering all SSRS capabilities plus support for interactive Power BI reports, and more.
| Feature | SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) | Power BI Report Server |
|---|---|---|
| Report authoring in RDL | Yes | Yes |
| Row-level security | Yes | Yes |
| Paginated reports | Yes | Yes |
| PBIX reports | No | Yes |
| Data modeling | No | Yes |
| Visual interactivity | No | Yes |
| Custom visuals | No | Yes |
| Lifecycle | Fixed | Modern |
Availability and purchase
What editions of SQL Server 2025 include PBIRS?
PBIRS will be available for all paid editions of SQL Server, including licenses with no Software Assurance (SA). You can expect more information about specific SQL Server editions when SQL Server 2025 is in General Availability (GA). In the meantime, you can explore PBIRS by installing one of the free Developer or Evaluation editions.
Why isn't there an SSRS equivalent for non-SA customers?
PBIRS will be available for all paid editions of SQL Server, including licenses with no Software Assurance (SA).
How long can customers use their existing SSRS installations?
SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) 2022 will continue to receive security updates and support through January 11, 2033. However, no new versions will be released beyond SSRS 2022. Customers can also continue to use SSRS 2022 with later versions of the SQL Server Database Engine to host the reporting catalog.
How can customers purchase PBIRS keys with SQL Server starting in 2025?
Once SQL Server 2025 is in General Availability (GA), customers who purchase a qualifying SQL Server 2025 license can use the same key to install and use PBIRS.
If customers already have a SQL Server license and key, can they use it to install PBIRS?
PBIRS installation requires keys from SQL Server 2025 and later versions. For SQL Server 2022 (16.x) and previous versions, access to PBIRS is limited to customers with SQL Server Enterprise edition and Software Assurance (SA), who can use a PBIRS key provided by Microsoft.
Migration
What do customers using SSRS need to do?
To take advantage of this change, customers can explore PBIRS by installing one of the free Developer or Evaluation editions, and planning their migration to PBIRS. Existing RDL reports are fully compatible with PBIRS, and customers can use the SSRS to PBIRS migration guide to support the transition. SSRS 2022 is supported until January 11, 2033, in alignment with the SQL Server 2022 (16.x) support lifecycle. Customers can also continue to use SSRS 2022 with later versions of the SQL Server Database Engine to host the reporting catalog.
What is the migration path for customers moving from SSRS to PBIRS?
Microsoft offers a detailed migration guide to help customers move from SSRS to PBIRS. For more information, see Migrate a report server installation.
What is the migration path for customers moving from SSRS/PBIRS to the cloud?
Customers can migrate to the Power BI service using available tools and guidance. While some custom implementations might require manual migration or consulting support, most standard RDL workloads can be transitioned smoothly by following the SSRS to PBIRS migration guide.
How long is SSRS 2022 supported?
SSRS 2022 is supported until January 11, 2033, in alignment with the SQL Server 2022 (16.x) support lifecycle.