[Step-by-Step Guide] Restore SQL Server 2016 Backup to 2019

Upgrading the SQL Server environment can allow you to take advantage of the latest features, improve performance, and enhance security. When migrating from SQL Server 2016 to SQL Server 2019, restoring backups is one of the easiest ways to migrate databases. This next article will detail how to restore SQL Server 2016 backups to SQL Server 2019.

How to Restore SQL Server 2016 Backup to 2019

You can follow the following steps to restore SQL Server 2016 backup to 2019.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure the following requirements are met:

★Installed SQL Server 2019: Install SQL Server 2019 on the target server, and ensure that it is properly configured and optional.

★Backup file: Have a valid backup file (*.bak) of SQL Server 2016.

★Adequate storage space: Ensure the target server has enough storage space to restore the backup.

★Compatibility check: Ensure the SQL Server 2019 supports any features or functionality used in the 2016 database.

Step 1. Prepare the Environment

1. Verify Backup File: Locate the SQL Server 2016 backup file and validate its integrity. You can do this in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) by using the RESTORE VERIFYONLY command:

2. Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): Use the latest version of SSMS for improved functionality and compatibility with SQL Server 2019.

Step 2. Restore the Backup in SQL Server 2019

▶Launch SSMS: Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to your SQL Server 2019 instance.

▶Start the Restore Process:

In the Object Explorer, right-click the Databases and select Restore Database.

Then in the Restore Database, choose Device under the Source section and click the … button.

▶Select the Backup File:

Click Add to locate and select the SQL Server 2016 backup file (*.bak). Once selected, click OK to confirm.

▶Configure Restore Options:

Under the Destination section, verify or specify the database name.

Confirm the file paths for the data and log files on the File page. If necessary, adjust the paths to suit the target server environment.

▶Execute the Restore:

Click OK to begin the restoration process. The progress will be displayed, and a confirmation message will appear upon completion.

Step 3. Post-Restoration Tasks

◆Update Database Compatibility Level: After restoring, the database compatibility level remains at SQL Server 2016. Update it to SQL Server 2019 for optimal performance and new feature support:

◆Rebuild Indexes and Update Statistics: To ensure optimal performance, rebuild indexes and update statistics:

◆Verify Database Functionality:Check if all database objects (tables, views, stored procedures) are accessible and functioning as expected.

Test queries and validate the results.

◆Backup the Restore Database: After verification, take a fresh backup of the restored database in SQL Server 2019:

Backup and Restore One or More SQL Databases the Easy Way

To ensure a smooth SQL 2016 backup to 2019 process while also establishing a dependable backup solution, you can use AOMEI Cyber Backup. This tool provides a powerful and swift method for creating and managing backups of SQL Server databases. With its versatile features, including full, incremental, and differential backup options, you can enjoy exceptional flexibility and data consistency tailored to your needs.

Centralized Management: You can manage all your backups from one place, which is convenient when you have multiple databases or servers. Automatic Scheduling: You can set automatic backups to reduce the risk of data loss. Flexible Restoration: You can restore a whole database or even a different SQL Server. This helps in various situations like testing or recovery. Operation Within LAN: Assist you in doing numerous backups of SQL database, including SQL Express within LAN.

Simple steps to backup and restore SQL Server database

1. Navigate to Source Device > Microsoft SQL > Add Microsoft SQL, and choose Download proxy program or Copy link to download the Agent program and install it on the device with SQL Server installed. Then, switch to the Already installed proxy to select the device.

2. Then click … > Authentication to validate the database instance. You can choose Windows Authentication or SQL Authentication. Enter the credentials and click Verify.

3. Click Backup Task > Create New Task, and select Microsoft SQL Backup as the Backup Type. Then set the Device Name, Backup Target, Schedule, Backup Cleanup, and Email Notification for your needs.

• Backup Target: You can specify a local path or network path as a backup target. To backup the SQL database to a remote location, you could click Add a new network storage. The added path will be saved in Add storage.

• Schedule: You can set up a schedule to run the SQL database backup daily/weekly/monthly, and set the backup method as Full/Incremental/Differential.

• Backup Cleanup: This can help you to delete older backup versions automatically and therefore save storage space.

4. Click Start Backup and choose Add the schedule and start backup now or Add the schedule only.

5. Click Backup Task locate the task you want to restore, and click … > Restore. You can specify the target location by choosing Restore to original location or Restore to new location.

Conclusion

Following the simple steps provided in this article, you can achieve SQL Server 2016 backup recovery to SQL Server 2019. After recovery, you need to ensure compatibility levels and test databases and other potential issues to fully take advantage of the enhanced features of SQL Server 2019 and keep the database running smoothly.