Restore a SQL Server Backup to Another Server

Last updated: August 28, 2026.

Restoring to another server usually requires new physical file paths. Inspect the backup first, restore with MOVE, and then handle logins, jobs, and application configuration separately.

Inspect and restore

RESTORE FILELISTONLY FROM DISK = N'D:\Backup\Sales.bak';
GO
RESTORE DATABASE Sales
FROM DISK = N'D:\Backup\Sales.bak'
WITH MOVE N'Sales_Data' TO N'E:\SQLData\Sales.mdf',
     MOVE N'Sales_Log'  TO N'F:\SQLLog\Sales_log.ldf',
     RECOVERY, STATS = 5;

Post-restore checks

• Run DBCC CHECKDB according to your recovery procedure.
• Remap logins and review database ownership.
• Update connection strings and dependent jobs.
• Confirm encryption keys and certificates when used.
• Test backups on the new server.

Reference: Microsoft RESTORE documentation.