Azure SQL tutorials
Azure SQL Tutorials: Run SQL Server in the Cloud
Azure SQL Database is Microsoft’s fully managed SQL Server in the cloud. These tutorials walk you from creating your first database to connecting, securing, migrating and backing it up.
- 26free Azure SQL tutorials
- 7topics
- Oct 2026last updated
New to Azure SQL? Start here
Read these in order. Each one builds on the one before it.
- What is Azure SQL?What Azure SQL is and which option fits you.
- How to Create a Single Database in Azure SQLCreate your first Azure SQL database.
- Azure SQL database configure firewallAllow your computer to connect.
- How to Connect to Azure SQL database (Multiple ways)Connect from SSMS, VS Code and more.
- Migrate SQL Server to Azure SQL databaseMove an on-premises database to the cloud.
The basics2
What it is, what it's good for, and the questions people ask before they commit to it.
Install, connect and tools4
Install it, connect to it, and get your tools working.
Databases, tables and columns4
Create and change databases, tables, columns, keys, indexes and views.
Stored procedures, variables and control flow1
Stored procedures, variables, IF/CASE logic, loops, error handling and transactions.
Users, logins and permissions2
Create users, reset passwords and grant the right permissions.
Backup, import/export and administration8
Back up, restore, import, export, migrate and monitor.
- Azure SQL database query history
- Backup and restore SQL Server to Azure Blob storage
- Backup Azure database to local SQL Server
- Bulk loading data to Azure SQL
- How to encrypt a column in Azure SQL
- How to setup Azure SQL email notifications
- Pause and resume Azure SQL database
- Migrate SQL Server to Azure SQL database
Errors and fixes5
The exact error message, what causes it and the steps that fix it.
- Azure sql password validation failed
- Cannot bulk load because the file could not be opened. operating system error code (null). azure
- Cannot drop schema because it is being referenced by object
- Cannot open backup device operating system error 50 azure
- Cannot open server requested by the login. client is not allowed to access the server
Other database tutorials
Looking for everything, newest first? See the full tutorial list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free version of Azure SQL Database?
Yes. The Azure SQL Database free tier gives each database 100,000 vCore seconds, 32 GB of data and 32 GB of backup storage per month, and you can create up to 10 free databases per Azure subscription. It has no SLA, so use it for development and proof of concepts.
Is Azure SQL the same as SQL Server?
It runs the same database engine, so most T-SQL works unchanged. The difference is that Microsoft manages the server, patching, backups and high availability for you.
Where should a beginner start?
Read What Is Azure SQL?, create a single database, open the firewall for your IP address, and connect from SSMS. That’s the five-step path at the top of this page.
Can I still use SSMS with Azure SQL?
Yes. SSMS, the MSSQL extension for VS Code and sqlcmd all connect to Azure SQL Database.