Quick one today:

Every once in a while, there comes a need to install Sql Server Management Studio on a new laptop. There seems to be some confusion surrounding installation of Management Studio (SSMS) with or without installing the entire engine.

Yes, you can install SSMS without installing the entire database engine. Two options:

1. Usually SSMS comes with any Sql Server engine installation a.k.a. SQL Server Express Edition or some other edition. During the installation, you can check only those options that are relevant to you.
2. There is an easier option as well. Just download and install SSMS. See below:

Go to this link on Microsoft website for Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Service Pack 2 (SP2) Express. When you hit download, a pop up window appears with options. In that only choose SSMS (64 bit or 32 bit). Voilà!! download and install. All set.

Download and Install SSMS

_Sqltimes