What's happening with Azure Data Studio

Azure Data Studio is retired as of February 28, 2026 and no longer receives updates or security fixes. Migrate to Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension for continued support. Your existing queries, scripts, and database projects work in Visual Studio Code without conversion.

The MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code includes schema management, query execution, AI-powered assistance, and integrations for source control and CI/CD workflows. For a complete list of features, see MSSQL extension features.

Replacement options

The following replacement options are available for Azure Data Studio.

App / SQL developer

Use Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code for daily work. Queries, scripts, and SQL database projects work without requiring conversion.

• Visual Studio Code includes schema design tools, IntelliSense, built-in Git integration, and CI/CD workflows.

• Continue storing SQL database projects in source control. Open them directly in Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension, or in Visual Studio with SSDT.

• Schema Compare, Schema Designer, and GitHub Copilot integration are available in the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code.

For a full list of features, see MSSQL extension features.

Database administrator (DBA)

The MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code includes:

• Database operations (Preview): Create, back up and restore databases, rename, and drop databases. Search database objects, and import flat files.

• Query Profiler (Preview): Capture real-time database activity using Extended Events.

• Data-tier Application (DACPAC and BACPAC) import and export: Deploy, extract, import, and export DACPAC and BACPAC files. Also available via SqlPackage CLI.

• Schema Compare: Compare and synchronize schemas between databases, DACPACs, or SQL projects.

• SQL Notebooks (Preview): Jupyter-based SQL notebooks for documenting runbooks, troubleshooting steps, and operational procedures.

Keep job scheduling and classic administration tasks in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which remains the supported home for SQL Server Agent and general administration.

For migration assessment, use SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc migration assessment.

For a full list of features, see MSSQL extension features.

Cross-database developer

Replace Azure Data Studio extensions with their Visual Studio Code equivalents:

• PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL extension for Visual Studio Code
• Azure Cosmos DB: Azure Databases for Visual Studio Code (Mongo API)
• MySQL: Watch Azure Marketplace for a forthcoming MySQL extension

Migration options

Use the dedicated migration tooling for your target: Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VMs, or Azure SQL Database. These tools replace the Azure SQL migration extension in Azure Data Studio.

Migrate to Visual Studio Code

Like Azure Data Studio, Visual Studio Code runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also supports real-time collaboration with Live Share and integrates with source control and CI/CD workflows.

Note

Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension primarily supports SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL database in Fabric.

1. Install Visual Studio Code and the MSSQL extension:

   • Download and install Visual Studio Code.
   • Install the MSSQL extension from the Visual Studio Code Marketplace.

2. Open your existing work:

   • Open SQL database projects directly in Visual Studio Code. No conversion is needed.
   • Use the same queries and scripts from Azure Data Studio.

3. Replace Azure Data Studio extensions: See the following tables for equivalent tools.

Recommended alternatives for SQL Server capabilities

Azure Data Studio extension	Description	Replacement
SQL Server Agent	Manage and automate SQL Server Agent jobs.	SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
SQL Server Profiler	Trace and monitor SQL Server activity.	Query Profiler (Preview) in the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code, and XEvent Profiler in SSMS.
Database administration	Tools for managing databases on Windows.	Database operations (Preview) in the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code (create, back up, restore, rename, drop, search, and scripting). SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for full administration.
Schema management	Compare and synchronize database schemas.	Schema Compare, Schema Designer, and GitHub Copilot integration in Schema Designer (Preview) in the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code. Also available in SQL Database Projects extension and SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT).
Flat-file import	Import .txt and .csv files into databases.	Import flat file (Preview) in the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code. Bulk insert and PowerShell are also available.
DACPAC import/export	Deploy and extract DACPAC files.	Data-tier Application (DACPAC and BACPAC) import and export in the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code, and SqlPackage CLI from the command line.
SQL Server assessment	Assess an existing SQL Server data estate to prepare for migration.	Assess migration readiness with SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc.
Azure SQL migration	Migrate SQL Server to Azure SQL.	Alternative migration tools for Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VMs, and Azure SQL Database.
SQL database projects	Create, manage, and deploy SQL database projects.	Fully supported in the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio.

Alternatives for non-SQL Server capabilities

Azure Data Studio extension	Description	Replacement
PostgreSQL	Manage PostgreSQL databases.	PostgreSQL extension for Visual Studio Code
MySQL	Manage MySQL databases.	Pending announcement
Azure Cosmos DB	Manage Azure Cosmos DB API for MongoDB.	Azure Databases for Visual Studio Code
Azure Cosmos DB Migration for MongoDB	Migrate MongoDB to Azure Cosmos DB.	Pending announcement

Why retire Azure Data Studio?

Retiring Azure Data Studio consolidates SQL development tools into Visual Studio Code and other supported tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). This allows the product team to focus investment on fewer, more capable tools.

Resources

Resource	Description
MSSQL extension documentation	Tutorials and guides for the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code.
Community support	Visual Studio Code community and Stack Overflow.
GitHub issues	Submit feature requests or report bugs for the MSSQL extension.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to questions about the Azure Data Studio deprecation and migration to Visual Studio Code.

What happens to Azure Data Studio after retirement?

Azure Data Studio retired on February 28, 2026 and is no longer supported. It no longer receives updates, security patches, or maintenance. Migrate to Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code for continued support.

Can my queries, scripts, and database projects work in Visual Studio Code?

Yes. Open SQL database projects, queries, and scripts in Visual Studio Code without conversion.

What about extensions not yet available in Visual Studio Code?

Refer to the alternatives table for replacements. For SQL Server Agent and full administration, use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

How do I install the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code?

Install it from the Visual Studio Code Marketplace. Detailed steps are available in the MSSQL extension documentation.

Related content

• What is the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code?
• Download Visual Studio Code
• Visual Studio Code extensions