How can i install SQL server 2025 on AppVolume/Appstack VM

Hi @Michael39 ,

In practice, installing Microsoft SQL Server 2025 inside an AppStack is not recommended. SQL Server is a heavy, service-based application and doesn’t work well in read-only layered setups like AppStacks (you’ll likely hit service/startup or stability issues).

What usually works in real environments,

• Install SQL Server on a separate VM/server
• Package only SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) in AppStack (this is lightweight and works fine)
• Let users connect to the central SQL Server from their VDI

If you really need SQL Server inside VDI, better install it in the base image, not AppStack.

Thanks,
Akhil.

Installing SQL Server 2025 and SSMS inside an App Volumes/AppStack base image is not covered in the provided material. The context only covers:

• How to install and deploy App-V server components and databases.
• How to install SQL Server (including Express/2025) and SQL Server Management Studio on regular Windows systems.

There is no guidance here on packaging SQL Server or SSMS into an AppStack/App Volumes layer, nor on whether this is supported or recommended for multi-user VDI scenarios.

References:

• How to deploy the App-V Server (new installation)
• How to install the management and reporting databases on separate computers from the management and reporting services for App-V in Windows
• How to Deploy the App-V Databases by Using SQL Scripts
• How to deploy the App-V server using a script
• Install, configure, or uninstall SQL Server on Windows from the command prompt
• I've installed SQL Server management studio 22, but I do not know how to set up or specify a server name - Microsoft Q&A
• How to install my SQL Server Express 2025 - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to download SQQL 2025 standard and enterprise - Microsoft Q&A
• SQL problem, not finding server type, need some guidance. - Microsoft Q&A
• sql server database engine service how can i resolve this in windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A