SQL Server Migration to Windows VPS

SQL Server migration to Windows VPS is not just copying database files. A safe migration needs a plan for backup and restore, recovery model, logins, users, SQL Agent jobs, maintenance plans, connection strings, firewall rules, application testing, final cutover, and rollback. Raff Technologies provides Windows VMs for teams that want a cloud-hosted Windows Server destination for SQL-backed business apps, ERP systems, inventory tools, Access applications, IIS/.NET workloads, and MSP client environments.

SQL Server is usually invisible until something breaks. Users see the business application, but SQL Server may be holding orders, inventory, invoices, reports, customer records, transactions, and application settings behind the scenes.

That is why SQL Server migration should be treated as a business continuity project. The database must restore correctly, applications must connect, logins must work, jobs must run, backups must be valid, and the rollback plan must be clear before production users move.

Quick verdict: when SQL Server migration to Windows VPS makes sense

Use this table before moving SQL Server to a Windows VPS.

The best fit is a small or mid-size SQL-backed Windows workload where the database, application, users, and backup strategy can be tested before cutover.

SQL Server migration is not file copy

A SQL Server database is more than .mdf and .ldf files.

A real migration may include:

Microsoft's SQL Server backup and restore documentation describes backup and restore strategies, security considerations, and core backup terms. That is the safest starting point for most SMB migrations: restore a known backup on the destination and prove the app works before cutover.

Backup/restore vs detach/attach vs copy wizard

There are several ways to move SQL Server databases. The right method depends on downtime tolerance, database size, recovery model, version compatibility, and operational risk.

Microsoft documents copying databases with backup and restore, and also describes the Copy Database Wizard as a way to move or copy databases and some server objects between SQL Server instances.

For Raff Windows VPS migrations, backup/restore and side-by-side testing are usually the cleaner model. The old SQL Server stays available while the new Windows VPS is built, restored, tested, and prepared for cutover.

Step 1: inventory SQL instances and databases

Start with discovery.

Document:

This inventory should answer: what must exist on the Windows VPS for the application to behave exactly as expected?

Step 2: check recovery model, backup chain, and restore goals

SQL Server recovery model affects your backup and restore plan.

Microsoft explains that SQL Server backup and restore operations happen in the context of the database recovery model. The recovery model controls how transactions are logged, whether transaction log backups are required or allowed, and what restore operations are available.

For migration planning:

Define two goals before cutover:

For small databases, a final full backup and restore during downtime may be fine. For larger or busier databases, you may need full backup, differential backup, and transaction log backups to reduce the final cutover window.

Step 3: plan SQL Server version and edition compatibility

Do not migrate blindly between SQL Server versions.

Check:

A Windows VPS provides the Windows environment. SQL Server licensing, installation media, edition selection, and application support still need to be handled correctly.

Step 4: migrate logins, users, roles, and permissions

A database restore does not automatically solve every login problem.

SQL Server has server-level logins and database-level users. If a database user is linked to a login that does not exist on the destination, the user can become orphaned. Microsoft documents this issue and provides guidance for finding and remapping orphaned users when a database is moved to another server.

Plan:

Microsoft also has guidance for transferring logins and passwords between SQL Server instances. This matters because login mismatches are one of the most common "database restored but app cannot log in" problems.

Step 5: migrate SQL Agent jobs, maintenance plans, and linked servers

Many SQL-backed apps depend on scheduled jobs.

Check:

Microsoft describes SQL Server Agent as a Windows service that executes scheduled administrative tasks called jobs. Microsoft also notes that maintenance plans create Integration Services packages that are run by SQL Server Agent jobs.

That means a SQL migration is incomplete if the database works but scheduled jobs silently stop.

Step 6: restore the database on the Windows VPS

For a backup/restore migration, restore the database to the destination Windows VPS and test before production cutover.

A common test restore process:

1. Install SQL Server on the Windows VPS.
2. Patch SQL Server to the required level.
3. Configure storage paths for data, logs, tempdb, and backups.
4. Copy the test backup to the destination.
5. Restore the database with the planned file locations.
6. Check database integrity where appropriate.
7. Recreate logins, jobs, linked servers, and maintenance plans.
8. Map users to logins and fix orphaned users if needed.
9. Update test app connection string.
10. Run real application workflow tests.

Do not wait until cutover day to discover that the backup does not restore, the app cannot log in, or the database needs a compatibility fix.

Step 7: update connection strings and firewall rules

After the database is restored, applications must connect to the new SQL Server.

Common connection locations:

Firewall planning matters too. Decide whether the app and SQL Server run on the same Windows VPS or separate servers.

Do not expose SQL Server broadly to the public internet. Restrict access to required app servers, admin IPs, VPN/private networking, or controlled management paths.

Step 8: test the business application

A SQL Server migration is only successful when the app works.

Test:

Use real business users for the test. The person who runs month-end reports, inventory exports, or accounting sync will catch problems an admin may miss.

Step 9: run final backup, restore, and cutover

When testing is complete, schedule a cutover window.

A typical SQL cutover sequence:

1. Announce downtime.
2. Confirm source backup is healthy.
3. Stop application writes.
4. Take final full, differential, or log backup according to plan.
5. Copy final backup to the Windows VPS.
6. Restore final backup and log backups if required.
7. Recover database.
8. Confirm logins, users, jobs, and permissions.
9. Update connection strings or DNS aliases.
10. Start application services.
11. Test app login and key workflows.
12. Confirm backup jobs are running on destination.
13. Keep source server available for rollback.
14. Monitor the first business day closely.

If the database uses the full recovery model and you are restoring log backups, follow a clear restore sequence. Microsoft's restore and recovery overview explains that restore scenarios depend on recovery model and SQL Server edition.

Step 10: validate backups after migration

After cutover, create a new backup plan on the Windows VPS.

A practical SQL backup model:

Do not rely only on a VM snapshot for SQL Server recovery. SQL Server needs database-aware backup planning, especially when the business cares about transaction-level data loss.

Common SQL Server migration mistakes

Restoring the database but not the logins

The database exists, but the application cannot authenticate because logins were not migrated or users are orphaned.

Forgetting SQL Agent jobs

Backups, imports, exports, reports, and maintenance jobs may stop after migration if SQL Agent jobs are not recreated and enabled.

Missing connection strings

Apps, scripts, and reports may still point to the old SQL Server name or IP.

Ignoring the recovery model

Backup and restore planning depends on whether the database uses simple, full, or bulk-logged recovery model.

Skipping application testing

A successful restore is not enough. The application must read, write, report, export, and complete normal workflows.

Exposing SQL Server too broadly

SQL Server should not be opened to the public internet without strict access controls. Prefer private access, app-server-only access, or controlled admin paths.

Not testing restore after migration

A backup plan is not proven until restore has been tested.

How Raff fits SQL Server migration

Raff fits this use case when a small business or MSP wants a cloud Windows Server destination for SQL-backed Windows workloads.

Raff Windows VMs can support SQL Server tools, business applications, ERP/inventory systems, Access and legacy apps, IIS/.NET applications, accounting software, and MSP client environments when the application and licensing requirements are compatible. Raff also provides Windows migration-focused content for local server migration, file server migration, backup planning, remote access, and Windows VPS sizing.

Raff is not a SQL Server licensing provider or a replacement for DBA review. The clean model is: use Raff for the Windows VM infrastructure, then migrate SQL Server with a clear plan for databases, logins, jobs, app connections, backups, testing, cutover, and rollback.

Final SQL Server migration checklist

Before production cutover, confirm:

If any line is unclear, pause before moving production users.

What's next

• Review Raff's Windows Server migration page if you are planning a migration.
• Read Windows Server Migration Checklist for Small Businesses before moving production workloads.
• Read Local Office Server to Cloud Windows VPS Migration if SQL Server is part of a larger office server move.
• Read File Server Migration to Windows VPS if shared folders are part of the migration.
• Read Windows VPS for ERP and Inventory Software if the SQL database supports operations or inventory.
• Read Windows VPS for Business Software if the database supports several SMB apps.
• Read Windows VPS Backup Strategy for Small Businesses before moving production databases.
• Review Raff Windows VM and pricing when planning the destination server.

Sources

• Microsoft Learn — SQL Server migration documentation
• Microsoft Learn — Back up and restore of SQL Server databases
• Microsoft Learn — Copy databases with backup and restore
• Microsoft Learn — Copy databases to other servers
• Microsoft Learn — Use the Copy Database Wizard
• Microsoft Learn — Recovery models in SQL Server
• Microsoft Learn — Restore and recovery overview for SQL Server
• Microsoft Learn — Transfer logins and passwords between SQL Server instances
• Microsoft Learn — Troubleshoot orphaned users
• Microsoft Learn — SQL Server Agent
• Microsoft Learn — Maintenance plans
• Raff — Windows Server migration page
• Raff — Windows VM product page
• Raff — Pricing