How to install SQL Server Management Studio 2012 (SSMS) Express?

You can download the 32bit or 64bit version of "Express With Tools" or "SQL Server Management Studio Express" (SSMSE tools only) from:

https://web.archive.org/web/20170507040411/https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/pd/SQLEXPNOCTAV2/enus/default.aspx

This link is for SQL Server 2012 Express Service Pack 1 released 11/09/2012 (11.0.3000.00) The original RTM release was 11.0.2100.60 from March or May of 2012.

enter image description here


You need to install ENU\x64\SQLEXPRWT_x64_ENU.exe which is Express with Tools (RTM release. SP1 release can be found here).

As the page states

Express with Tools (with LocalDB) Includes the database engine and SQL Server Management Studio Express) This package contains everything needed to install and configure SQL Server as a database server. Choose either LocalDB or Express depending on your needs above.

So install this and use the management studio included with it.


When I installed: ENU\x64\SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU.exe

I had to choose the following options to get the management Tools:

  1. "New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation."
  2. "Add features to an existing instance of SQL Server 2012"
  3. Accept the license.
  4. Check the box for "Management Tools - Basic".
  5. Wait a long time as it installs.

When I was done I had an option "SQL Server Management Studio" within my Start Menu.

Searching for "Management" pulled it up faster within the Start Menu.