Amazon RDS for SQL Server FAQs

Q: What database versions does Amazon RDS for SQL Server support?

Amazon RDS for SQL Server currently supports Microsoft SQL Server 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Information about the supported minor versions is available in the Amazon RDS User Guide.

 

Q: Which features are supported by RDS for SQL Server?
You can check the list of supported features in the Amazon RDS User Guide.

 

Q: How does Amazon RDS distinguish between “major” and “minor” versions of SQL Server?

In the context of RDS for SQL Server, version number is typically organized as follows:

SQL Server version = X.Y.Z.A.B

X = Major Database version, Z/A/B = Minor Version

For example, 13.00.2164.0.v1 to 13.00.4001.v1 would be a minor version upgrade while 12.00.5000.0.v1 -> 13.00.2164.0.v1 would be a major version upgrade

We follow Microsoft SQL Server conventions in our version names.

 

Q: Does Amazon RDS provide guidelines for upgrading engine versions or deprecation of engine versions that are currently supported?

Yes. Please refer to the Amazon RDS FAQs.

 

Q: Why can’t I scale my storage?

Your RDS for SQL Server instance may not be eligible for scaled storage. There are two main reasons why this may happen:
1. Magnetic Storage types aren't eligible.
2. Database instances launched before Jan 1, 2017 might be using an older storage configuration that isn't eligible.

 

Q: What can I do if my SQL Server instance isn't eligible for scaled storage?

You can migrate your existing instance to a new RDS for SQL Server instance, by taking a native backup or using a data migration tool. Make sure the storage type of the new instance is Provisioned IOPS or General Purpose (SSD). Please refer to the data import guide for SQL Server for more information.

 

Q: I just scaled my storage size. Can I do it again?

Yes. However, you will need to wait six hours from the previous scale.

 

Q: Can I use Windows integrated authentication with Amazon RDS for SQL Server?

Yes. To do so, you must install AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory and join Amazon RDS for SQL Server to that directory. By using a one-way trust from AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory to your existing Active Directory (AD), Amazon RDS for SQL Server can authenticate your existing AD users.  Learn more. You can also join your Amazon RDS DB instances across accounts to a single shared domain using within the same AWS Region.