ssms.exe: which program is it?
ssms.exe is a program file that 4 Windows programs install, the best known being Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 22. The list below names each one with its publisher and install folder.
| App | Publisher | Latest version | Default install folder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 22 | Microsoft Corporation | 22.11.2 | — |
| Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 21 | Microsoft Corporation | 21.6.17 | — |
| Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 21 Preview | Microsoft Corporation | 21.0.0 | — |
| Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 22 Preview | Microsoft Corporation | 22.0.0 | — |
Frequently asked questions
Is ssms.exe safe?
ssms.exe is a normal part of Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 22 when it sits in the program's install folder and carries the publisher's digital signature. A file with the same name in another folder can be something else: check its signature and hash.
Where is ssms.exe located?
In the program's install folder, which the installer chooses; winget puts portable programs under %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\WinGet\Packages.
How do I remove ssms.exe?
Uninstall Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 22 through Settings → Apps or with winget; the uninstaller removes ssms.exe with it. Deleting the file alone leaves the rest of the program behind.