SQL Optima guide
SQL Server 2016 to 2022 Migration Checklist
Phase-gated migration checklist from initiation and discovery through UAT, cutover, stabilization, and rollback.
Migrations fail less from tooling and more from skipped gates. Work the phases in order and keep rollback rehearsed.
Open interactive Migration Checklist
Phase map
| Phase | Focus |
|---|---|
| P0 Initiation | Scope, owners, success criteria, change window |
| P1 Discovery | Inventory, dependencies, deprecated features, sizing |
| P2 Target design | Hardware/VM, storage, HA/DR, compatibility strategy |
| P3 Build target | Install, configure, security, baseline monitoring |
| P4 UAT pilot | Restore rehearsals, app tests, Query Store baselines |
| P5 Prod prep | Freeze plan, communication, rollback authority |
| P6 Cutover | Execute migration, validate apps, watch waits |
| P7 Stabilization | Performance triage, forced plans, debt tickets |
| P8 Rollback | Documented reverse path if exit criteria fail |
The interactive guide also includes a dashboard and script library for the engagement.
After restore, before compat 160
Keep production at compatibility level 130 until Query Store has a baseline, then remediate regressions in UAT. See the Compat 160 post-migration playbook.
SELECT name, compatibility_level, is_query_store_on
FROM sys.databases
WHERE name = DB_NAME();