Microsoft SQL Server running on both Windows and Linux offers organizations and database administrators the benefit of flexibility. However, there are scenarios where organizations need to migrate SQL Server from Linux to Windows and proceed with their tasks on the specified operating system. Through this technical guide, we will learn more about how Linux SQL Server to Windows migration can be completed without compromising data and database structure. 

Let’s begin by getting an overview of the migration scenario and how it worries database administrators.

Is it Possible to Migrate SQL Server from Linux to Windows OS?

Yes. As SQL Server is supported on both Linux and Windows, it is easy to switch environments and migrate a server from one environment to another. Even though the operating systems are different, SQL Server still stores the data and records in the same generic database files:

  • MDF: Primary SQL Server Database File 
  • NDF: Secondary Database File in SQL Server
  • LDF: SQL Server Transaction Log File
  • BAK: SQL Server Backup File

This signifies that database administrators can easily use SQL Server’s native database backup file (BAK File) to migrate the database from Linux to Windows or other SQL Server-supported operating systems. Now that we know about environment compatibility, let’s take a look at some of the common reasons that require users to migrate SQL Server from Linux to Windows. 

Why Switch from Linux SQL Server to Windows SQL Server?

Below are some of the common reasons to move SQL Server from a Linux operating system to another operating system. 

  • When organizations standardize database servers on Windows OS, it is required to migrate servers from Linux to Windows. 
  • Another reason is that Windows simplifies the integration process with Microsoft; hence, migrating servers to Windows is a good idea. 
  • Most applications are compatible with Windows and don’t work well on Linux or other operating systems. This is why a server migration is needed.
  • Windows offers better authentication management for SQL Server logins and accessibility. 
  • Dedicated solutions for database repair or recovery aren’t well supported on OS like Linux, so it is beneficial to use SQL Server on Windows. This can help with database recovery and transfer easily. 

These are some of the common reasons that prompt users and database administrators to migrate SQL Server from Linux to Windows. We will now take a look at the methods that can help users with the transfer process without compromising data structure. But before jumping directly to the methods, let’s take a look at some of the pre-migration requirements to ensure no data loss throughout. 

Pre-Migration Check to Move SQL Server from Linux to Windows

Here are the prerequisites for a safe migration:

  • Check SQL Server versions to prevent version incompatibility issues. 
  • Run database integrity checks to detect any corruption in database files before migration. 
  • Verify whether the backup file is accessible or not before beginning with the process. 
  • Check the database logins and user mappings to avoid orphan database users after the migration process. 
  • Check the database authentication requirements to verify how database administrators and users can authenticate, and plan required changes for Windows OS. 
  • It is helpful if users plan the downtime before the process starts so it doesn’t affect the overall migration process. 

These are some crucial factors to be considered before beginning with the server transfer process. Let’s now move to the methods and steps to carry out the complete process easily. 

How to Migrate SQL Server from Linux to Windows Operating System?

Here we will learn several methods that will help users with the process. 

Method 1: Move Database Using Backup & Restore 

The first method we will be discussing is using backup and restore in SQL Server. In this method, users need the database backup files and use them to restore the database to the desired destination. Let’s take a look at the steps on how this method can be executed.

Step 1. To migrate Linux SQL Server to Windows or other supported operating systems, the first step is to create a backup of the required database.

BACKUP DATABASE [DatabaseName] 
TO DISK = N'/var/opt/mssql/backup/DatabaseName.bak'
WITH FORMAT, COMPRESSION, STATS = 10; 

Step 2. Next, verify the backup if it is readable and structurally usable for the restore process.

RESTORE VERIFYONLY 
FROM DISK = N'/var/opt/mssql/backup/DatabaseName.bak'; 

Step 3. Then, copy the backup from the Linux server to the Windows machine using a proper file transfer method. 

Step 4. Check the logical file names to ensure all the file names are correct and it can be restored to migrate SQL Server from Linux without any errors.

RESTORE FILELISTONLY 
FROM DISK = 'D:\SQLBackups\DatabaseName.bak'; 

Step 5. Now, it’s time to restore the database. Use the following command for the restore process:

RESTORE DATABASE [DatabaseName] 
FROM DISK = 'D:\SQLBackups\DatabaseName.bak' 
WITH MOVE 'DatabaseName' TO 'D:\SQLData\DatabaseName.mdf', 
MOVE 'DatabaseName_log' TO 'D:\SQLLogs\DatabaseName_log.ldf', 
RECOVERY, STATS = 10; 

Step 6. After the database is restored, validate the restored database. The command given below will help with the desired task:

SELECT name, state_desc
FROM sys.databases
WHERE name = 'DatabaseName';

Next, run:

DBCC CHECKDB ('DatabaseName');

These steps will allow users and database administrators to restore the database effectively. However, this method to migrate SQL Server from Linux requires users to have a healthy database backup file. 

What Happens if the BAK File is Corrupt? Know the Expert Solution

In case the backup file is corrupted or damaged, it becomes difficult for users and database administrators to restore the database. This is where a dedicated solution like SysTools SQL Backup Recovery Tool helps.

Download Now Purchase Now

It helps users to repair and recover healthy data from a corrupt backup file in SQL Server. With the help of this utility, users can easily recover backup files of SQL Server 2025 and all older versions. Let’s now move to the next method and understand how it can help users with migrating SQL Server from Linux to Windows. 

Method 2: Transfer MDF and LDF Database Files from Linux to Windows

In this method, we will learn how to migrate SQL Server from Linux by using the primary database file and transaction log file of SQL Server. Let’s now take a look at the steps of this method:

Step 1: The first step of this method is to identify the database files and determine the exact location of the files. 

Step 2: Next, detach the database files from SQL Server. For a secure migration, it is important for users to detach the database instead of only copying the database files. The command given below will help with the task:

USE master; 
GO 
ALTER DATABASE [DatabaseName] SET SINGLE_USER 
WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE;
GO 
EXEC sp_detach_db 'DatabaseName'; 
GO 

Step 3: The next step is to transfer the database files. Copy the .mdf, .ndf, and .ldf file to the Windows Server. 

Step 4: Then, attach the specified database to Windows to migrate SQL Server from Linux. The command for the same is mentioned below:

CREATE DATABASE [DatabaseName] 
ON
(FILENAME = 'D:\SQLData\DatabaseName.mdf'),
(FILENAME = 'D:\SQLData\DatabaseName_log.ldf')
FOR ATTACH; 

Step 5: After attaching the database, execute the following command to check the database consistency:

DBCC CHECKDB (‘DatabaseName’);

These steps will allow users to move SQL Server from Linux to Windows. It is important to understand the steps first and then proceed with the method, as any mistake during the execution of detach and attach database can lead to database corruption or the database getting stuck in Suspect or Recovery Pending state. This is why it is crucial to understand all the methods first and then carry out the process. 

Conclusion

Through this write-up, we have discussed the need to migrate SQL Server from Linux to Windows or any other supported Operating System. To understand the process better, we have learned the common reasons for this transfer and also why using SQL Server on Windows is better than Linux SQL Server. Lastly, we have suggested effective ways and steps to migrate the server easily and seamlessly.