SQL Server 2008 R2 intellisense not working

I just had the same issue and realized that is nothing about VS 2010 or whatever app.

All you have to do to enable IntelliSense on SQL 2008 is:

1) Run Windows Update and install 2 updates about SQL Server 2008 (SP1 and SP3); Link - http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=SQL%20Server

2) Restart and make sure Intellisense is enable on SQL Server: Tools>Options>Text Editor>Transact-SQL>IntelliSense

3) Refresh Local Cache by pressing Ctrl + Shift + R

4) Done.


First of all - intellisense in SQL Server Management Studio 2008 and newer only works against databases that are also 2008 or newer - it will not work against a 2005 database.

Next - have you made sure intellisense is enabled in SSMS ?

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Then - if it is enabled - sometimes it helps to refresh the local cache:

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Late answer but can be useful to other readers:

If you installed Visual Studio 2010 SP1 and you’re using SQL Server 2008 R2, it is likely that your IntelliSense may stop working. There is a fix for this and it was released in SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1.

For more information please read this KB article: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2531482

According this article http://www.sqlshack.com/using-and-troubleshooting-sql-server-intellisense-sql-server-2012-higher/, here are some of the common reasons why IntelliSense isn’t working:

  1. Firstly check if IntelliSense is enabled as explained earlier in the article. Also ensure that the Statement Completions settings are correct.

  2. Ensure that there is no syntax error anywhere on the page before your cursor, resolving the code error should re-activate IntelliSense.

  3. IntelliSense does not work inside comments, uncomment the section to be able to get the suggestions.

  4. IntelliSense does not work inside a quotes. Be sure to place your cursor outside of any quotes.

  5. Ensure that you are connected to a SQL Server Instance or a database project.

  6. IntelliSense is only supported on SQL Server 2008 and higher.

  7. IntelliSense does not work for encrypted objects.

  8. Not all syntax is supported.

  9. Are you running in SQLCMD mode? Unfortunately IntelliSense is not supported in command mode. Return to regular mode to get IntelliSense.

  10. IntelliSense is currently not supported for SQL Azure


Also if you have Query | SQLCMD turned On it will stop IntelliSense from working, even though you have it set up in all the places mentioned above and you are on the latest patch.

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Sql Server

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