By restoring an SQL database, you can recover from data loss, damage, or malicious attacks. Knowing how to back up and restore SQL databases is therefore important to reduce downtime.

You can use SQL Server Management Studio to back up or restore databases with minimal effort.

How to Back Up a Database Using SSMS

The SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) lets you back up a database using its UI. To get started follow the steps outlined below.

  1. Locate the database you want to back up under the Databases section and right-click on it.
  2. In the database menu select Tasks > Back Up.
    backup database menu
  3. In the Backup Database dialog box, add the destination folder of the backup file. It should have a .bak file extension.
    backup database dialog box
  4. Click OK to start the backup process.

Instead of using the UI, you can also run the SQL query below to perform a full backup of the database.

        BACKUP DATABASE WideWorldImporters TO DISK = 'C:\...\Backup\WideWorldImporters.bak'

Restore an SQL Database Using SSMS

Follow the steps below to restore a backup database.

  1. Launch SSMS and connect to the server.
  2. In the left pane, right-click on the Databases node and select Restore Database.
    Restore database menu
  3. Under Source, select Devices and click on the three dots button (...) to open the Select backup devices dialog box.
    Select backup devices
  4. Click the Add button to choose the backup file then click OK.

Your database should now be restored.

Alternatively, you can use a SQL command to restore the database. Simply run the following query in the query window and specify the file location.

        RESTORE DATABASE WideWorldImporters FROM DISK = 'C:\...\Backup\WideWorldImporters.bak'
    

The Importance of Database Backup and Recovery

Database backups and recovery are crucial in database maintenance. With recent backups, a DBA can restore a database to the last good copy if data is corrupted or attacked. This allows businesses or applications to continue running smoothly.

If you are going to maintain a database, you should ensure you can back up and restore an SQL database using SSMS.