How can i install SQL server 2025 on AppVolume/Appstack VM

Question

How can i install SQL server 2025 on AppVolume/Appstack VM

Michael39 0

Hi EveryOne

How are you?

I like to install SQL Server 2025 + SSMS on AppVolume/Appstack(win 10) VM for all my users/VDIs in my organization.

How can I do that? Is it possible? I know SQL server it is heavy software

Thanks

Michael

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Answer recommended by moderator

Akhil Gajavelly 1,825 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @Michael39 ,

In practice, installing Microsoft SQL Server 2025 inside an AppStack is not recommended. SQL Server is a heavy, service-based application and doesn’t work well in read-only layered setups like AppStacks (you’ll likely hit service/startup or stability issues).

What usually works in real environments,

Install SQL Server on a separate VM/server
Package only SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) in AppStack (this is lightweight and works fine)
Let users connect to the central SQL Server from their VDI

If you really need SQL Server inside VDI, better install it in the base image, not AppStack.

Thanks,
Akhil.

Michael39 0 Reputation points

2026-04-07T11:26:52.01+00:00

Hi @Akhil Gajavelly

Thanks for your answer..

Do you have any official article that support it?
Akhil Gajavelly 1,825 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-22T09:33:22.5833333+00:00

Hi @Michael39

Yes, you can refer to the official Microsoft documentation for SQL Server installation guidance here,
SQL Server Installation Guide (Microsoft Docs)

This documentation provides the official steps, prerequisites, and considerations for installing SQL Server on Windows.

Additionally, you may also find the step-by-step installation process useful here.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/install-sql-server-from-the-installation-wizard-setup?view=sql-server-ver17&utm_

These official resources cover installation requirements, configuration, and common considerations that can help validate and troubleshoot setup-related issues.

If you’re still facing issues after following the documentation, feel free to share more details.

Thanks,
Akhil.
Akhil Gajavelly 1,825 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-05-07T06:19:28.1366667+00:00

Hi @Michael39 ,

Just checking in were you able to go through the documentation and see if it helped resolve the issue?

If you’re still facing any challenges, feel free to share the exact error or where things are getting stuck. Happy to take a closer look and assist further.

Thanks,
Akhil.

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Your answer

Michael39 0 Reputation points

2026-04-07T11:26:52.01+00:00

Hi @Akhil Gajavelly

Thanks for your answer..

Do you have any official article that support it?
Akhil Gajavelly 1,825 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-22T09:33:22.5833333+00:00

Hi @Michael39

Yes, you can refer to the official Microsoft documentation for SQL Server installation guidance here,
SQL Server Installation Guide (Microsoft Docs)

This documentation provides the official steps, prerequisites, and considerations for installing SQL Server on Windows.

Additionally, you may also find the step-by-step installation process useful here.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/install-sql-server-from-the-installation-wizard-setup?view=sql-server-ver17&utm_

These official resources cover installation requirements, configuration, and common considerations that can help validate and troubleshoot setup-related issues.

If you’re still facing issues after following the documentation, feel free to share more details.

Thanks,
Akhil.
Akhil Gajavelly 1,825 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-05-07T06:19:28.1366667+00:00

Hi @Michael39 ,

Just checking in were you able to go through the documentation and see if it helped resolve the issue?

If you’re still facing any challenges, feel free to share the exact error or where things are getting stuck. Happy to take a closer look and assist further.

Thanks,
Akhil.

Answer 1

Installing SQL Server 2025 and SSMS inside an App Volumes/AppStack base image is not covered in the provided material. The context only covers:

How to install and deploy App-V server components and databases.
How to install SQL Server (including Express/2025) and SQL Server Management Studio on regular Windows systems.

There is no guidance here on packaging SQL Server or SSMS into an AppStack/App Volumes layer, nor on whether this is supported or recommended for multi-user VDI scenarios.

References:

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How can i install SQL server 2025 on AppVolume/Appstack VM

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