While newer drivers exist, version 18.5.0.0 offers a proven balance of features and stability. Always test in a non-production environment before mass deployment, and document your connection strings to leverage the full potential of OLE DB, including Azure AD authentication and Always Encrypted.
You can find both current and previous versions on the Microsoft OLE DB Driver Download page .
msiexec /i msoledbsql.msi /qn IACCEPTMSOLEDBSQLLICENSETERMS=YES microsoft ole db driver for sql server 18.5.0.0 download
Finding the exact older version on Microsoft’s website can be tricky because the main download page typically offers the latest stable version. However, official redistributable packages are archived. Below are the safe and official methods to obtain version 18.5.0.0.
SELECT * FROM sys.dm_exec_connections
You might be wondering why you are specifically looking for version 18.5.0.0. In the world of SQL connectivity, version numbers matter immensely.
'MSOLEDBSQL' is not a registered provider. While newer drivers exist, version 18
is a stand-alone data access application programming interface (API) used for connecting OLE DB-compliant applications to Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. This report provides essential information on obtaining, installing, and validating this specific version.
| Source | URL / Path | Notes | |--------|------------|-------| | | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=104434 | Redirects to latest v18.x (currently 18.7+). For exact 18.5.0.0, use the direct package link below. | | Direct Package (v18.5.0.0) | https://download.microsoft.com/download/4/7/2/472c9e0b-eb6a-4241-a9ce-66b1c85a4f18/msoledbsql.msi | SHA256: F0C66EAE6AF28CFDFD6E2490AEFF9B8316DC0D78B19D00AAACD75393C0F7D792 | | Microsoft SQL Server Feature Pack | Search for "SQL Server 2019 Feature Pack" | Contains older driver versions; 18.5 is not typically listed there. | msiexec /i msoledbsql