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How to Move SQL Server Database to Azure SQL – Best Solution

Jason Clark ~ Modified: August 10th, 2026 ~ SQL, SQL Server Migration ~ 5 Minutes Reading

When it comes to migrating a SQL Server database to Azure, there are limited methods available. And to carry out a successful database migration, users must follow the steps precisely. With the help of this article, we will learn the steps for migrating the SQL database to Azure with complete precision and in a hassle-free way. Now, to ensure there are no errors during the process, we will understand the situations that require this migration and the optimal methods for a safe process. 

Common Situations to Migrate SQL Database to Azure

  • One of the common situations that requires this migration is when users are upgrading their SQL environments. 
  • When migrating SQL Server to Azure, users can benefit from the services provided by Azure SQL to manage and organize SQL data. 
  • To manage the infrastructure cost of physical servers, database administrators often prefer migrating to Azure cloud servers. 
  • Database migration from on-premises to a cloud database can also help improve database performance altogether. 

These are a few situations where it becomes worthwhile to migrate a SQL database to a cloud server. 

Best Methods to Migrate SQL Database to Azure 

As we said, there are limited methods for this migration; it is important to be aware of the available methods as well. Below are the migration methods: 

  • Use Database Migration Agent (DMA)
  • Generate SQL Scripts and Deploy to Azure
  • With the help of SQL Database Migration Wizard
  • Use SQL Server Integration Services

These are a few methods that can help with the SQL Server to Azure migration. These methods are reliable for the migration; however, with these methods, users often face challenges like partial migration or data loss. In such cases, it is trusted that a dedicated SQL Database Migration Tool can help with seamless migration without compromising database integrity or structure. These tools help database administrators move their databases to the destination server more efficiently.

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Move SQL Server Database to Azure SQL – Method Explained

User can perform Data-Tier Application (DAC) export to move SQL Server database to Azure. The explanation of objects in a database and the data from user tables are moved into a DAC export file, named as BACPAC. This BACPAC file can then be copied into Azure blob storage. In the next step, the DAC file should be imported into a new database, which comprises all the data and objects.

Steps you need to know before proceeding:

  • Before start working with the Import/Export Service, create an account of Azure storage for saving BACPAC files.
  • This storage account will be used as a container for BACPAC files
  • The export operation performs an individual batch copy of the data from a single table present in the database. So, this does not guarantee the transaction consistency of the data. In order to get a transactionally consistent copy of the database, use the Azure SQL Database copy feature. Afterward, perform the export of the copy.

Import Database into Azure SQL Database – Steps

Users have to follow this set of instructions to import a SQL Server database to Azure SQL :

  1. Sign in to the Azure Platform Management Portal
  2. Click on New and then go to Data Services. Now, select the SQL Database and then click on the Import button. Doing this will open up the Import Database dialog window
  3. Go to the .bacpac file which you want to import. Hit on Storage account, then Container, followed by BACPAC. Then, hit on Open
  4. Give a name to the new SQL database. This name should be unique on the Server.
  5. Mention Subscription, Edition, Host Server details, and the maximum size. To continue, hit on Arrow which is present at the bottom of the dialog window.
  6. Mention the login details of the host server.
  7. In order to commence the import procedure, click on the Check Mark present at the bottom of the page. The portal will show the status information.
  8. Click on SQL database present in the navigation pane to view your new database. Refresh the page.

Export Database from Azure SQL Database

Follow these steps to export a SQL Server database to SQL Azure:

  1. Sign in to the Azure Platform Management Portal
  2. From the navigation pane, click on the SQL database. Click on the database that you like to export in the list shown.
  3. On the taskbar, click on Export to launch the Export Database dialog window
  4. Validate that the name of the database, destination Container, Blog Storage Account, and information regarding the host server are correct. Then, provide the login details of the server. To continue with the procedure, click the check mark at the bottom of the page.
  5. Make sure that the server account is a server-level principal login, which is created by the provisioning procedure, or any member of the dbmanager database role
  6. A message will prompt on the screen saying that the export request is successful. Once the export operation is complete, the BACPAC file can be imported into the SQL database server.

The Bottom Line

Oftentimes, DBA or SQL users require migrating SQL Server database to Azure SQL. The blog discusses a number of methods to transfer a SQL Server database. The blog also includes an explanation of a professional method of migration as well. But this technique is quite lengthy and time-consuming. Hence, an automated solution has also been discussed to move the SQL Server database to an Azure database in the blog.