Note
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try signing in or changing directories.
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try changing directories.
Applies to: 
SQL Server
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure Synapse Analytics
Analytics Platform System (PDW)
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) provides many powerful tool windows for selected phases of development and administration. Some tools can be used on any SQL Server component, and others are only available for certain components. The following table identifies the tool windows in SSMS.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Object Explorer | Browse servers, create and locate objects, manage data sources, and view logs. This tool is accessed from the View menu. |
| Registered Servers | Store and organize server information for your local instance of SSMS, or connect to a Central Management Server to access a centralized list of servers in the environment. |
| Solution Explorer | Store and organize scripts and related connection information in projects called SQL Server Scripts. You can store several SQL Server Scripts as Solutions and use source control to manage scripts as they evolve over time. This tool is accessed from the View menu. |
| Template Explorer | Create queries based on existing templates. You can also create your custom queries or alter the existing templates to fit your scenarios. This tool is accessed from the View menu. |
| User Assistance | Show a list of related Help articles as you select a component or type code. |
The tools in SQL Server Management Studio work together.
For example, you can:
- Register a server from Object Explorer.
- Open a Query Editor window connected to a specific database from Object Explorer.