You may have heard that SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is now available as a stand-alone installation package outside of the SQL Server setup (as a preview version). With the release of SQL Server 2016 RC0, Microsoft decided to cut the cords with SQL Server Management Studio as it has been removed from the SQL Server setup!

SQL Server 2016 RC0 Feature selection….no SSMS

Instead of offering the option to install SSMS true the Feature Selection page inside the SQL Server 2016 RC0 Setup, it received its own place on the Installation Center page:

Install SQL Server Management Tools is the new way to install Management Studio

Thankfully, on machines that do not require a SQL Server installation, we now have the option to download the SQL Server Management studio as lightweight, stand-alone, web installer! No more running the full SQL Server setup just to install SSMS!

You can download the latest SSMS Preview version using the link below:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt238290.aspx

If these advantages aren’t enough, the SSMS Preview comes with its own built-in “Check for updates” option to keep your version of Management Studio up-to-date.

Keep your Management Studio up-to-date with the latest updates

It is great to see that SSMS is getting some much deserved attention from Microsoft!