1.      Review SQL Server vNext CTP system requirements
   
2.      Review SQL Server vNext CTP release notes
   
3.      Register, then download and install full-featured software for a 180-day trial
4.      Receive emails with resources to guide you through your evaluation

Installation Guidelines

Note: You must have administrative rights on the computer to install SQL Server vNext CTP.

SQL Server vNext DVD Image: You can use this ISO image to burn or mount your own DVD.

• Download the following .ISO file from the Evaluation Center:
• SQLServervnext-<architecture>-<language>.iso
• Using your DVD-burning software, select the options to burn a DVD from an .ISO image. When you are prompted for a file to use, select the image file that you downloaded. After burning the DVD, locate and double-click Setup.exe on the DVD to begin the installation.

SQL Server vNext CAB file:

• Download the following files from the Evaluation Center to a temporary directory on your device:
• SQLServervNext-<architecture>-<language>.box
• SQLServervNext-<architecture>-<language>.exe

Once the download has completed, extract the zip files then double click on the SQLServervNext-<architecture>-<language>.exe to begin the installation process.

Note: If downloading using Microsoft Edge in Windows 10, you will not have a “Save” option, just a “Run” option.  Exit the dialog by clicking the ‘X’ and proceed.  Alternatively, if you do select “Run”, you may be presented with the “Choose Directory for Extracted Files” dialog with a default/proposed path that includes \System32\.  If this occurs, please change this path to another location on your system before clicking ‘OK’.

SQL Server vNext on Linux:

For instructions on how to obtain and install SQL Server on Linux, please go to the SQL Server on Linux page.

SQL Server vNext on Microsoft Azure:

For instructions on how to install SQL Server on Microsoft Azure, please go to the Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Services Page.

Key Notes About SQL Server vNext CTP1:

• The Microsoft SQL Server vNext CTP1 release is NOT supported by Microsoft Customer Services and Support (CSS).
• The Microsoft SQL Server vNext CTP1 release is available for testing purposes only and should NOT be installed and used in production environments.
• Side-by-Side installation with down-level production SQL Server instances as well as in-place upgrades of down-level production SQL Server instances, is not supported.
• If you have questions or concerns that come up during your testing and evaluation, we encourage you to use the MSDN forum for SQL Server Preview to search for answers or ask new questions.