Link https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2216019 changed installer?

Jens Schumacher 0 Reputation points
2025-12-12T12:56:07.7066667+00:00

Hi,

For years whe have used a script to download and install SQL 2022 EXPRESS.

The link we used to download the SQL 2022 installer is

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2216019

But recently the link suddenly points to a SQL 2025 Express installer.

Is this intentional? And if it is what is the new official direct download link for SQL 2022 Express?

SQL Server | Other
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  1. Erland Sommarskog 128.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-12-12T19:02:31.6666667+00:00

    I would guess the link is intended for "latest version", so it makes sense that you get SQL 2025.

    If you want to stick to SQL 2022, you can use https://download.microsoft.com/download/5/1/4/5145fe04-4d30-4b85-b0d1-39533663a2f1/SQL2022-SSEI-Expr.exe + https://download.microsoft.com/download/a89001cb-9c99-48d3-9f14-ded054b35fe4/SQLServer2022-KB5068450-x64.exe. However, the latter link seems to be specifically for CU 22, so as new CU:s come out you need to update that link.

    Then again, there is all reason to consider SQL 2025 Express, since with SQL 2025 the maximum database size has been increased from 10 GB to 50 GB.

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