This guide shows three easy ways to migrate database from one server to another, using a backup file, the built-in copy tool, or custom scripts. It also shows how AnyViewer can help you do it all remotely, saving time and effort.
When a source server becomes overloaded or under-resourced, it's often necessary to migrate databases to a new server to improve performance, ensure better resource management, or prepare for scaling. If you're wondering how to move database from one server to another in SQL Server, the good news is that SQL Server makes this process relatively straightforward, offering multiple methods depending on your goals, environment, and technical comfort level.
In this guide, we'll walk through how to migrate database from one server to another using three reliable methods. Whether you're a DBA, developer, or IT admin, this SQL Server migration step by step process will help you transfer data securely and efficiently.
Whether you're upgrading infrastructure or balancing server loads, there are several reliable methods to migrate your SQL Server database, let's explore the most effective ones below.
One of the most common and effective methods for transferring a SQL Server database is to create a backup (.bak) file on the source server and then restore it on the target server using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Steps to back up and restore a SQL Server database:
Step 1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on the source server. Connect to the database instance, right-click the database you want to back up, and then select Tasks > Back Up.
Step 2. In the backup window, choose Full as the backup type. Click REMOVE to delete the default location or ADD to choose a new location to save the ".bak" file. Click OK to create the backup.
Step 3. Copy the generated ".bak" file to the destination server.
Step 4. Launch SSMS on the target machine. Connect to the destination instance, right-click Databases, and choose Restore Database.
Step 5. In the restore dialog box, choose Device > click the ellipsis (…) > locate and select the ".bak" file from your local drive > click OK.
Step 6. Verify the restore settings. When everything looks correct, click OK to begin the restoration.
This method is ideal for those who want a clean and secure transfer when learning how to migrate database from one server to another using backups.
If you prefer not to create a backup file manually, the Copy Database Wizard in SSMS provides a user-friendly way to transfer databases and associated server objects directly between SQL Server instances.
Steps to copy a SQL Server database:
Step 1. Open SSMS and go to Object Explorer.
Step 2. Right-click the database you wish to copy and select Tasks > Copy Database.
Step 3. When the wizard launches, click Next.
Step 4. Enter the source server name and login credentials, then click Next.
Step 5. Enter the destination server name and credentials, then click Next.
Step 6. Choose Use SQL Management Object (SMO) Method for the copy method, and click Next.
Step 7. Select the database(s) you want to copy, then click Next.
Step 8. Configure the destination path and file names for each database.
Step9. Choose whether to execute the transfer immediately or schedule it for later.
Step 10. Review your selections, then click Finish.
Once the wizard completes, simply refresh the target server, and you'll see the newly copied database. This tool is helpful if you're still figuring out how to move database from one server to another in SQL Server without manually handling backup files.
Note: The Copy Database Wizard might not work properly if your source or destination server has certain restrictions or is using SQL Server Express edition.
For more granular control, especially when migrating between environments with different configurations, you can generate SQL scripts to recreate both the schema and data on the new server.
Steps to generate and run SQL scripts:
Step 1. Open SSMS and connect to the source instance.
Step 2. Right-click on the database you want to migrate.
Step 3. Go to Tasks > Generate Scripts, then click Next.
Step 4. Under Choose Objects, select specific database objects to include tables, stored procedures, views, etc., or choose the entire database.
Step 5. In Set Scripting Options, choose how to output the scripts:
Step 6. Click on Advanced, and under Types of data to script, select Schema and Data.
Step 7. Click OK, then proceed to generate the scripts.
After the script is generated, copy it to the target server and execute it in SSMS. This will recreate the database structure and import the data into the destination SQL instance.
This method is ideal for developers and DBAs who want precise control over what gets transferred, and is also useful when migrating across different SQL Server versions.
AnyViewer is a powerful remote access tool designed for professionals who need secure, fast, and reliable remote connections. It's particularly useful during SQL Server database migrations, offering seamless control and robust file transfer capabilities between servers, whether they're on-premise, in the cloud, or part of a hybrid setup.
With AnyViewer, you can remotely access both the source and target servers to perform essential tasks like transferring ".bak" files, executing SQL operations, monitoring progress, and resolving migration issues, all from your local PC or mobile device. This is a huge advantage when physical access to the machines is restricted or unavailable.
Thanks to its multi-session support and real-time responsiveness, AnyViewer is ideal for IT teams and database administrators managing complex or time-critical migrations. Integrating it into your workflow ensures greater flexibility, efficiency, and control throughout the entire SQL Server migration step by step process.
Knowing how to migrate database from one server to another is essential for maintaining performance, managing resources efficiently, and supporting business growth. Whether you choose to restore a backup, use the Copy Database Wizard, or generate SQL scripts, each method offers distinct advantages based on your specific needs and technical expertise. And with tools like AnyViewer, you can simplify the process even further by securely managing migrations remotely. No matter your environment, with the right approach and tools in hand, database migration can be smooth, efficient, and hassle-free.
