Run Microsoft SQL Server on your Mac

Run Microsoft SQL Server on your Mac

Want to run Microsoft SQL Server, but use your beloved Mac? With Parallels Desktop Pro and its corresponding Docker Integration, you don’t have to use a PC to run an SQL server

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Trusted by over 7 million Mac users worldwide

“Parallels (Desktop Pro) is working, and I'm pretty happy about that. If you are considering getting a new Mac with an M1 chip you’ll have a path forward to run Parallels and a Windows virtualized environment in there.”

Developer

"I'm using Parallels Desktop to have multiple operating systems all on one device. I can set the CPU, RAM, and hard disk according to how many sources I need. This app is really stable and supports almost all operating systems. Also, it’s possible to sync files between the local device and virtual machine."

System Specialist

"Parallels has been my go-to virtual platform for testing new versions of macOS and for setting up my PC desktop engineer environment. It is so powerful that I can easily use the virtual PC and avoid needing a physical PC laptop in addition to my Mac laptop"

Systems Engineer

See what’s possible with Microsoft SQL Server and Parallels Desktop Pro

Love everything about your Mac — except that you can’t run necessary systems or databases built for Windows? With Parallels Desktop Pro, you can run Microsoft SQL on Mac easily.

Run Microsoft SQL Server on Linux on Mac

Run Microsoft SQL Server on Linux on Mac

Parallels Desktop Pro offers Ubuntu Linux virtual machines with Rosetta enabled. This feature allows running x86-64 binaries in Linux virtual machines on Mac computers with Apple silicon, or some of the x86-64 software binaries directly.

As a result, you can quickly install the aforementioned virtual machine and set up the Microsoft SQL Server. If needed, you can establish a connection to the VM.

Docker integration

Docker integration

The Parallels Desktop Docker integration allows you to set up and run Docker containers as if they were running directly on your Mac. This allows you to set up VMs with Docker Engine pre-installed and set up Microsoft SQL Server.

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code

Use the Parallels Desktop with Visual Studio Code to create a Microsoft SQL Server inside a Docker container.

Microsoft SQL Server Express LocalDB installation

Microsoft SQL Server Express LocalDB installation

If you need a local database running inside your Windows 11 VM, you can install Microsoft SQL Server Express LocalDB, a feature of SQL Server Express designed for developers.

Use SQL Server Management Studio

Use SQL Server Management Studio

You can run Microsoft SQL server on Mac by connecting via the SQL Server Management Studio, since SQL Server Management Studio can be easily installed and run in a Windows 11 VM with Parallels Desktop.

Database application testing

Database application testing

You can test database applications that support Microsoft SQL server using Parallels Desktop Pro to set up a virtual machine on your Mac.

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Parallels Desktop Pro Edition

Authorized by Microsoft icon Authorized by Microsoft

Optimized for Mac M-series icon Optimized for Mac M-series

/year
Billed annually
  • Use 200,000+ Windows apps
  • Access and run SQL Server on Mac
  • No need for a second PC
  • Switch between macOS, Linux, and Windows effortlessly
Get started Learn more

Start using your Mac to run SQL Server with a virtual machine in just minutes

Get started with Parallels Desktop and start maximizing the potential of your Mac to run SQL server and more.

Download Parallels Desktop icon

Download Parallels Desktop

Download and install Parallels Desktop on your Mac.

Install Windows or Linux icon

Install Windows or Linux

Once installed, set up a new virtual machine and install Windows or Linux.

*Windows license required

Launch SQL Server icon

Launch SQL Server

After installing Windows or Linux you can implement your solution or process choice to set up and run Microsoft SQL server on your Mac.

Why choose Parallels Desktop for running Microsoft SQL Server on Mac

Authorized by Microsoft
Authorized by Microsoft

The only solution authorized by Microsoft to run Windows 11 on Apple M-series Macs.

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Parallels Toolbox included
Parallels Toolbox included in the Pro Edition

Gain access to 50+ free productivity tools designed to simplify tasks.

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Live support
Live support

24/7 phone, chat and email support for subscribers. Get in touch anytime, anywhere.

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30-day money back guarantee
30-day money back guarantee

Request a refund any time during your initial month if you aren’t completely satisfied.

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Using Microsoft SQL and Parallels Desktop Pro FAQs

See what you are capable of — with Parallels

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200,000+ apps and integrations

Run all your favorite Windows and Linux apps on Mac.

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Visual Studio

Run Visual Studio Code on Mac to manage your virtual machines, development environments, and more.

Learn more about Visual Studio Code
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GitHub

Use GitHub desktop for both macOS and Windows development environments on your Mac.

Learn more about GitHub

Access the full power and capability of Microsoft SQL Server on your Mac starting at a year with Parallels Desktop Pro

Enjoy running SQL server on Mac, plus other key Windows and Linux applications without the need for a separate PC.

Buy now Try free

Free 14-day trial

30-day money back guarantee