Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2025

Microsoft SQL Server IoT

Get directly to what’s new in SQL Server 2025:

What’s New in SQL Server 2025 – SQL Server | Microsoft Learn

Full power of SQL for dedicated use scenarios
Microsoft SQL Server has been available for embedded use for many years. Licensed through the OEM channel specifically for dedicated-use, server class edge devices running purpose-built software applications, Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2025 is the binary equivalent to SQL Server 2025. Combined with Windows Server IoT 2025 and a specific purpose application, Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2025 provides a comprehensive database platform for mission-critical data analytics and offers industry-leading performance, availability, and security. New functionality includes intelligent query processing, accelerated database recovery, and In-Memory Database optimization, all of which improve performance and scale over prior versions.
For clarity, Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2025 has the same features and functionality as Microsoft SQL Server 2025, but different licensing and distribution.  Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2025 is only licensed through the OEM channel under special dedicated use rights. It must be installed on the device with an integrated (embedded) software application (or suite of applications) dedicated and designed for a specific use. Licensing terms do not permit use as a general-purpose enterprise database. 
Many customers license embedded SQL Servers together with Windows Server embedded/IoT. Together, these two products provide a powerful platform that enables competitive solutions.

Which SKU should i use in my solution?
Microsoft offers two SQL Server IoT editions – Standard and Enterprise. The table below provides some general information regarding which version may be right for the solution you are building.