Guide to Downloading and Installing Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server (x64)
The Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server (MSOLEDBSQL) is the modern, stand-alone data access API used to connect applications to SQL Server databases. While older versions like the SQL Server Native Client are deprecated, the OLE DB driver is actively maintained and required for many modern SQL features. Quick Download Links
Microsoft provides the driver as a redistributable MSI installer. For 64-bit systems, you must download the x64 version, though the x64 installer typically includes the 32-bit binaries as well for cross-compatibility.
Official Download Page: Download Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server Latest Major Versions:
Version 19 (MSOLEDBSQL19): The newest generation with support for TLS 1.3.
Version 18 (MSOLEDBSQL): Frequently used for legacy compatibility with recent SQL Server features. Prerequisites for x64 Installation
Before running the installer, ensure your system meets these requirements:
Visual C++ Redistributable: You must install both the x86 and x64 versions of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package to successfully install the x64 OLE DB driver. download microsoft ole db driver 17 for sql server -x64-
Permissions: You must have administrator privileges on the machine.
Operating System: Supported on Windows 10 (1607+) and Windows Server 2016 or greater. Installation Steps Download Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server
Looking to connect your applications to SQL Server? You likely need the Microsoft OLE DB Driver 18 for SQL Server, which is the current stand-alone OLE DB API for SQL Server.
While version 17 was a key release, Microsoft generally recommends using version 18 or 19 for the latest security fixes and features like Multi-Subnet Failover support. 📥 Download Links (Official Microsoft) Download OLE DB Driver 18 for SQL Server (Recommended) Download OLE DB Driver 19 for SQL Server (Latest) 🛠️ Quick Installation Guide
Select Architecture: Choose msoledbsql_18.x.x_x64.msi for 64-bit systems. Run the Installer: Follow the setup wizard prompts.
Connection String: Update your provider to MSOLEDBSQL (if moving from the older SQLOLEDB or SQLNCLI providers). 💡 Why use this over the old SQL Native Client?
Better Security: Supports TLS 1.2 and modern authentication. Guide to Downloading and Installing Microsoft OLE DB
Ongoing Support: Unlike SQL Native Client (SNAC), this driver is actively maintained.
Azure Ready: Fully compatible with Azure SQL Database and Managed Instance.
Are you upgrading from an older provider (like SQLNCLI), or is this for a fresh install of a specific application? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
The Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server (MSOLEDBSQL) was first released in 2018 as a replacement for the deprecated SQL Server Native Client (SNAC). While version numbering for this specific driver started at version 18, it is often sought alongside the Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server. Download Links
For the most secure and up-to-date performance, Microsoft recommends using the latest stable release (Version 19), which can be installed side-by-side with older versions.
Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server (Latest): Download the current x64 version from the official Microsoft Download Page.
Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server (x64): If you specifically need the version 17 driver (common for compatibility with SQL Server 2017/2019), it is available at Microsoft Learn. Key Features and Requirements Important Note: Microsoft has officially deprecated "OLE DB
Prerequisites: To install the x64 OLE DB driver, you must have both the x86 and x64 versions of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installed on your system.
Security: Recent hotfixes have been released to address critical security issues; always ensure you are running the latest minor version (e.g., OLE DB 18.7.x or 19.4.x).
Connectivity: The driver supports connections to SQL Server versions 2012 through 2022, as well as Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance. Ole DB (Ado) for MSSQL un-deprecated by Microsoft
Important Note: Microsoft has officially deprecated "OLE DB Driver 17" (MSOLEDBSQL17). The current recommended version is OLE DB Driver 18 (MSOLEDBSQL18). The instructions below cover how to get the correct driver, whether you specifically need version 17 (for legacy support) or the latest version 18.
OLE DB (Object Linking and Embedding, Database) is a COM-based data access API developed by Microsoft. The Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server is the modern, standalone data access provider that replaces legacy drivers such as SQLOLEDB (the original Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server) and SQLNCLI (SQL Server Native Client).
Driver 17 is part of the version 18 family line (often referred to as the v17.x releases). It offers:
This is the current standard driver.
...x64.msi (e.g., msoledbsql_18_x64.msi).Provider=MSOLEDBSQL17;Data Source=myServer\instance;Initial Catalog=myDatabase;User ID=myUser;Password=myPass;
Or using integrated security:
Provider=MSOLEDBSQL17;Data Source=myServer;Initial Catalog=myDatabase;Integrated Security=SSPI;
MSOLEDBSQL17 in the provider string.17.10.4.1), Microsoft no longer actively hosts older minors. You must have previously downloaded the MSI, or use a versioned URL from archives (not recommended for security reasons).While Microsoft OLE DB Driver 18 and 19 exist, version 17 is still critically important for organizations that: