Dear Azure Data Studio Users,

We are writing to inform you that Microsoft will be consolidating its SQL development tools to provide a more robust and feature-rich environment, and will be retiring Azure Data Studio on February 28, 2026. To ensure continued support, security and access to this environment, we recommend that current Azure Data Studio users transition to Visual Studio Code by October 14, 2025. We also recommend that new users follow these instructions to onboard to Visual Studio Code and visit the Power BI Toolbox for more support.

What do you need to know?

• Visual Studio Code is very similar to Azure Data Studio, offering a similar interface, functionality and support for the same on-premises and cloud data platforms on Windows, macOS and Linux.
• There will be no changes to your SQL queries and all existing queries will continue to connect to the same databases. This transition represents minimal change impact, unlike the previous shift from Rocket Shuttle to Azure Data Studio.
• Current Azure Data Studio users may contact their divisional IT administrators for help with installing the tool by October 14, 2025.
• New users may contact their divisional IT administrators for help with installing this tool.
  • New users requiring access to the ROSI Replica will continue to submit requests via the Student Information System SharePoint site.

What’s changing?

• Current and new users will need to install an extension and then set up the connection to Visual Studio Code.
• There are some minor changes to the interface, that can be tailored to individual preferences, which will not affect functionality of the tool.
• Watch this video to learn more about the upcoming transition and key similarities and differences between Azure Data Studio and Visual Studio Code.

What’s Next?

• Join us for a Connect+Learn session on March 25, 2025, at 11 a.m., where you can gain a deeper understanding of the upcoming change.

If you have any questions, please visit the Power BI Toolbox and submit a support ticket.

Sincerely,
Reporting and Analytics Technology Team
Enterprise Applications & Solutions Integration