Azure Data Studio Retires February 28, 2026

Microsoft has announced the official retirement of Azure Data Studio on February 28, 2026. This decision marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s approach to database development tools, as users are encouraged to transition to Visual Studio Code (VS Code) with the appropriate extensions for database management and SQL development.

What is Azure Data Studio?

Azure Data Studio is a cross-platform database management tool designed for SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and other database platforms. It was introduced as a lightweight, modern alternative to SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) with built-in features like:

IntelliSense for SQL development
Integrated terminal for running scripts
Notebooks support (similar to Jupyter)
Customizable dashboards for monitoring database performance
Source control integration

Over time, Azure Data Studio has been widely adopted by data professionals, database administrators (DBAs), and developers who prefer a streamlined experience for database management.

Why is Azure Data Studio Being Retired?

Microsoft’s decision to retire Azure Data Studio aligns with their goal to consolidate SQL development tools and focus on a single, extensible, and community-driven platform: Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Key Reasons for the Retirement:

Unified Development Experience: Microsoft wants to reduce fragmentation by focusing SQL development within VS Code.
Active Community Support: VS Code is widely used, actively maintained, and has an extensive ecosystem of extensions.
Improved Performance & Features: VS Code offers better extension support, frequent updates, and modern development capabilities.

Recommended Visual Studio Code (VS Code) Extensions

Microsoft recommends transitioning to VS Code, which provides a powerful, lightweight, and extensible environment for SQL development. With the right extensions, users can achieve a similar or even better experience than Azure Data Studio.

To replace Azure Data Studio, developers and database professionals can leverage VS Code extensions to maintain and enhance their database workflows. The following table lists the recommended VS Code extension to replace specific Azure Data Studio extensions / features:

Azure Data Studio extension	VS Code Extension
Azure SQL	SQL Server (mssql) for VS Code
Azure SQL Database	SQL Server (mssql) for VS Code
SQL in Azure Fabric	SQL Server (mssql) for VS Code
Azure Cosmos DB	Azure Database for VS Code
Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB (RU)	Azure Database for VS Code
Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB (vCore)	Azure Database for VS Code
Azure Cosmos DB Migration for MongoDB	Pending Announcement
MongoDB	MongoDB for VS Code or Azure Database for VS Code
PostgreSQL	PostgreSQL for VS Code
MySQL	Pending Announcement

Recommended SQL Server Capability Alternatives

In addition to VS Code extensions, the following are some additional alternatives to Azure Data Studio for working with 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	SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Database administration	Tools for managing databases on Windows	SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Schema	Compare and synchroize database schemas	Visual Studio SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). In development for MSSQL extension for VS Code.
Flat-file import	Import `.txt` and `.csv` files into databases.	Bulk insert / PowerShell. In development for MSSQL extension for VS Code.
DACPAC import/export	Deploy and extract DACPAC files.	SqlPackage / MSSQL extension for VS Code.
Azure SQL migration	Migrate SQL Server to Azure SQL	Azure Portal (future updates planned)
Notebooks	SQL + Markdown interactive documents	Polyglot Notebooks in VS Code
SQL Database Projects	Create, manage, and deploy SQL database projects.	Fully supported in the MSSQL extension for VS Code and Visual Studio.

Conclusion

The retirement of Azure Data Studio marks a pivotal shift in Microsoft’s database development strategy, streamlining tools and enhancing the SQL development experience through Visual Studio Code. While this transition may require adjustments for existing users, the VS Code ecosystem—enhanced by powerful extensions—offers a modern, extensible, and actively supported alternative.

There is plenty of time before the February 28, 2026 retirement, developers, data professionals, and database administrators should begin transitioning to VS Code with the MSSQL and other database extensions to ensure a seamless migration. For specialized SQL Server functionalities like SQL Server Agent, Profiler, and database administration, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) remains the recommended alternative.

By embracing VS Code and its rich extension marketplace, users can not only replicate the capabilities of Azure Data Studio but also unlock new possibilities for database development and administration in a unified, future-proof environment.

For further details on the transition and recommended alternatives, visit Microsoft’s official announcement: Azure Data Studio Retirement Information.

Original Article Source: Azure Data Studio Retires February 28, 2026 written by Chris Pietschmann (If you're reading this somewhere other than Build5Nines.com, it was republished without permission.)