SQL Server
Buy a genuine SQL Server Standard licence key for business databases, ERP and line-of-business applications: SQL Server 2025 Standard, SQL Server 2022 Standard and SQL Server 2019 Standard. Delivered by email within minutes.
Which SQL Server Version Should You Buy?
| Version | Released | Extended support until | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQL Server 2025 Standard | November 2025 | January 2036 | New projects, AI and vector search features |
| SQL Server 2022 Standard | November 2022 | January 2033 | Proven, widely supported by vendors |
| SQL Server 2019 Standard | November 2019 | January 2030 | Applications certified for 2019 |
SQL Server Standard vs Enterprise vs Express
| Express | Standard | Enterprise | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Paid licence | Highest |
| Database size limit | 10 GB per database | No practical limit | No limit |
| Compute and memory | Small | Mid-range limits on cores and memory | Operating system maximum |
| High availability | No | Basic availability groups | Full Always On availability groups |
| Best for | Tiny apps, learning | Most business workloads | Large mission-critical systems |
Standard is the right edition for most small and mid-sized businesses: it removes Express's 10 GB limit and adds the management, backup and security features production systems need.
What's New in SQL Server 2025?
- Native vector data type and vector search for AI applications
- Built-in JSON and regular-expression support
- Performance and query-processing improvements
- Resource Governor now available in Standard edition
- Stronger security defaults and Microsoft Entra authentication
Licensing Models: Per Core vs Server + CAL
SQL Server Standard can be licensed per core or with the Server + CAL model, where each user or device accessing the database needs a CAL. Check each product page for exactly what your licence covers. Running SQL Server on Windows also needs a Windows Server licence.
Why Buy From Microsoft Software Swap?
- Genuine licences that activate online through the publisher's own servers.
- Instant email delivery of your key, download link and invoice, usually within minutes.
- 30-day money-back guarantee if the licence doesn't work for you.
- Lifetime replacement warranty: if an activated key ever stops working, we replace it free.
- 24/7 email support for installation and activation, plus step-by-step installation guides.
SQL Server FAQ
What is the difference between SQL Server Standard and Enterprise?
Enterprise removes Standard's compute and memory limits and adds advanced high availability and performance features. Standard covers most business workloads at a much lower price.
Is SQL Server Express enough?
Express is free but limited to 10 GB per database and small hardware resources. Production business systems usually need Standard.
Which SQL Server version should I buy?
SQL Server 2025 for new projects; 2022 or 2019 if your application vendor certifies those versions.
Do I need a Windows Server licence too?
Yes, if you install SQL Server on Windows Server. SQL Server also runs on Windows 10/11 for development and small setups.
How do I install SQL Server Standard?
Run the installer from Microsoft, choose Standard, enter your product key when prompted, and follow the setup wizard.
Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| SQL Server 2025 | SQL Server 2025 Standard |
| SQL Server 2022 | SQL Server 2022 Standard |
| Server operating system | Windows Server keys |
| Edition features (Microsoft) | SQL Server editions and features |
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