Compatibility
Microsoft SQL Server compatibility explained
Learn what can move automatically, what needs review, and why a version-aware migration is safer than a direct restore.
A backup is not a time machine
A backup created by a newer SQL Server engine cannot normally be restored on an older engine. The safe path is to extract metadata and data, rebuild supported definitions, and create a native backup on the target engine.
- Identify source and target engine versions.
- Inventory tables, columns, constraints, indexes, and modules.
- Report blocking features before creating the target.
- Copy data and recreate accepted modules.
- Audit the target and restore-test the final backup.