Azure Arc adds SQL Server migration without installing the Arc agent
SQL Server migration in Azure Arc now supports Arc-registered instances without installing the Arc agent on the source server.
The portal supports Azure SQL Managed Instance through Log Replay Service, SQL Server on Azure VMs through backup and restore, and Azure SQL Database, including Hyperscale, through Database Migration Service and a self-hosted integration runtime; the SQL Database target remains a public-preview path.
Portal readiness assessment still requires the agent, although SSMS 22 offers an agentless assessment option. Administrators can add databases manually when inventory is incomplete. Managed Instance link is not available for these Arc-registered instances.
Partner briefing
- What it is
Agentless migration for Arc-registered SQL Server instances.
- What’s changing
Migrations can proceed from registered instances without source-agent deployment.
- Why it matters
Supports migration where production agent installation is restricted.
- Who it affects
SQL administrators and partners delivering Azure database migrations.