> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/knowledge-base/how-to-articles/migrate-from-sql-server-to-devolutions-server.md).

# Migrate from SQL Server to Devolutions Server

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/JmoEOMkp-QY?si=sWqF3B-EZat2QxMd>" %}

Devolutions Server Console includes a ***Migrate SQL workspace*** wizard to ease transitions from Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL), including Azure, to Devolutions Server. When operating a Remote Desktop Manager SQL advanced workspace, the recommendation is to use a security provider for additional encryption of data. Devolutions Server does not support security providers, but has equivalent protection via [encryption keys](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/kb/how-to-articles/manage-encryption-keys/) stored on the IIS web host for Devolutions Server.

### Removing the security provider

You must remove the Remote Desktop Manager ***Security provider***, before running the migration wizard, or an error message will prompt you to do so.

{% hint style="warning" %}
When removing a ***Security provider***, it is important to complete these steps beforehand:

* Prior to removing an existing security provider, make sure that all users are disconnected from the workspace.
* Removing a security provider does process the whole database, therefore we advise you to create a backup prior to this operation.
  {% endhint %}

1. Go to the desired ***Microsoft SQL Server*** workspace.
2. Select the ***Administration*** tab in the ribbon.
3. Click on ***Security provider***.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/RDMW0009_2024_1.png)
4. Click on ***Change security settings***.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/RDMW0014_2024_1.png)
5. In the dropdown select the ***Default*** option and click ***Apply***.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/RDMW0015_2024_1.png)
6. Click ***Yes*** after the warning window appears (this may take some time with larger data bases).

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/RDMW0012_2024_1.png)
7. Click ***Close***.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/RDMW0013_2024_1.png)

### Migrating MSSQL to Devolutions Server

This operation assumes that you have [Devolutions Server Console installed](https://devolutions.net/server/home/download) on your target Devolutions Server Console host. You may migrate an MSSQL workspace prior to [fully installing](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/getting-started/installation/) an instance of Devolutions Server.

{% hint style="danger" %}
This procedure operates on the existing SQL database (not a copy), and transforms it irreversibly. To revert this process, you would need to restore from a backup, therefore it’s recommended to make a full backup.
{% endhint %}

1. Open the Devolutions Server Console.
2. Navigate to ***Server*** – ***New*** – ***IIS Web Server*** – ***Migrate SQL workspace***.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/DVLSCONSOLE0000_2024_1.png)
3. Enter the information in the ***Database*** and ***Credentials*** sections.
4. Enable ***Activate encryption at rest***. With this option enabled, a new `encryption.config` file is generated and data re-encrypted via the newly created key.
5. Click on ***Test connection***.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/DVLSCONSOLE0001_2024_1.png)
6. Click ***OK***.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/DVLSCONSOLE0002_2024_1.png)

{% hint style="info" %}
The “Database contains encrypted data” warning is specific to Devolutions Server encryption keys and not default Remote Desktop Manager data encryption.
{% endhint %}

7. Enter the ***Server name*** and click ***Next***.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/DVLSCONSOLE0003_2024_1.png)
8. Choose which version of Devolutions Server to download and click ***Next***.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/DVLSCONSOLE0004_2024_1.png)
9. Fill the information fields for the ***IIS settings*** of the new Devolutions Server installation.

   ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/DVLSCONSOLE0005_2024_1.png)
10. Enter the information for the new administrator user.

    ![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/DVLSCONSOLE0006_2024_1.png)

{% hint style="info" %}
[Install the Scheduler Service](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/kb/knowledge-base/scheduler-service-general-information/) if this is the first instance of Devolutions Server Console.
{% endhint %}

11. Configure the ***Recovery kit*** and click ***Next***.
12. Click ***Install***.

### Adding a Devolutions Server workspace

Once the process is completed, the new Devolutions Server installation will be immediately available for use. At this time, you will want to [add a new workspace](https://docs.devolutions.net/rdm/commands/file/workspaces/) for your Remote Desktop Manager clients to connect to the Devolutions Server workspace.

### Migrating database users

For security reasons, it is strongly advised to migrate workspace users to a new [Authentication](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/web-interface/administration/configuration/server-settings/general/authentication/) method using the [Authentication migration tool](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/kb/how-to-articles/authentication-migration/). The tool is only available if an authentication method is already configured in ***Administration*** – ***Server settings*** – ***Authentication***.

#### See also

* [Devolutions Blog - How to migrate a Remote Desktop Manager SQL Server workspace to Devolutions Server](https://blog.devolutions.net/2024/04/how-to-migrate-a-remote-desktop-manager-sql-server-data-source-to-devolutions-server/)


---

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