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Applies to: 
SQL Server
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure Synapse Analytics
For reasons of security, you should run SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) as a typical user whenever possible.
Warning
Be sure not to launch or run any SSMS solution that doesn't come from a trusted person or a trusted location.
You can do nearly everything in the SSMS application as a typical user. You need administrator permissions to complete the following tasks:
| Area | Task | For more information |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Initial installation and configuration of SSMS | Install SQL Server Management Studio |
| Installation | Modify or update SSMS. Requires administrator permissions by default | Update SQL Server Management Studio, Modify SQL Server Management Studio workloads, components, and language packs |
| Help | Install, update, or remove local Help content. | Install local help documentation for SQL Server Management Studio |
Run SSMS as an administrator
If you need to run SSMS as an administrator, here's how.
Use the Start menu
Depending on the version of Windows you're using, perform one of the following steps:
- In Windows 10, open the Start menu, and then scroll to SQL Server Management Studio 21.
- In Windows 11, select the Start button, and then in the Search box, type SQL Server Management Studio 21.
Next, right-click SQL Server Management Studio 21, and then select Run as administrator.
When SSMS starts, (Administrator) appears after the product name in the title bar, and ADMIN appears near the top right of the SSMS window, in the same area where PREVIEW appears if you're using a preview build of SSMS. You can select this button to view the About dialog.
Modify the shortcut
You can also modify the application shortcut to always run with administrative permissions. Here's how.
Open the Start menu, scroll to SQL Server Management Studio 21, and then select More > Open file location.
In File Explorer, locate the SQL Server Management Studio 21 shortcut for the version that you're using. Then, right-click the shortcut and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
On the Windows 10 desktop, right-click the SQL Server Management Studio 21 shortcut, and then select Properties.
Select the Advanced button, and then select the Run as administrator check box.
Select OK, and then select OK again.
Support or troubleshooting
Sometimes, things can go wrong. If your SSMS installation fails, see Troubleshoot installation and upgrade issues for SQL Server Management Studio for step-by-step guidance.
You can reference the SSMS Developer Community site for other known issues (filter on Tooling under Groups) and to provide feedback to the product team.