How to Download and Restore SQL Server 2025 AdventureWorks Database? If you are learning SQL Server or practising database administration, the AdventureWorks database is one of the best sample databases you can use. Many beginners struggle with downloading the correct file and restoring it properly, especially in newer versions like SQL Server 2025. In this guide, you will learn how to download and restore the SQL Server 2025 AdventureWorks database step by step using simple instructions.
This tutorial is written for SQL Server beginners, students, and non-technical users who seek a clear and practical explanation, free from confusing terms.
What Is the AdventureWorks Database?
AdventureWorks is a sample database provided by Microsoft. It represents a fictional company that sells bicycles and related products. The database contains realistic tables, data, and relationships that help you practice real-world SQL queries.
When learning SQL Server 2025, AdventureWorks helps you understand:
- Tables and relationships
- Primary and foreign keys
- Indexes and constraints
- Views, stored procedures, and functions
- Real business data scenarios
This makes it ideal for learning queries, backups, restores, performance tuning, and reporting.
Why Use AdventureWorks with SQL Server 2025?
SQL Server 2025 introduces performance improvements and modern features. Using AdventureWorks with SQL Server 2025 allows you to practice using the latest SQL Server version while working with a trusted sample database.
Some common reasons to restore AdventureWorks include:
- Learning SQL Server basics
- Practising SELECT, JOIN, and WHERE queries
- Testing backup and restore skills
- Preparing for SQL Server interviews
- Training in a lab or offline environment
What You Need Before Restoring AdventureWorks?
Before you download and restore the SQL Server 2025 AdventureWorks database, make sure the following requirements are met. (How to Download and Restore SQL Server 2025 AdventureWorks Database?)
System Requirements
- SQL Server 2025 is installed and running
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) installed
- Administrator or sysadmin access
- Enough free disk space (at least 1 GB)
Ensure SQL Server services are running before continuing.
Step 1: Download the AdventureWorks Database
The AdventureWorks database is available in multiple formats. For beginners, the backup file format (.bak) is the easiest to restore.
Recommended File Type
For SQL Server 2025, download the following:
- AdventureWorks2022.bak (compatible with SQL Server 2025)
Even though the name says 2022, it works perfectly with SQL Server 2025.
Download Steps:
- Open your web browser and search for “Download AdventureWorks SQL Server sample database”
Or click on the link: Download AdventureWorks Sample database
2. Download the .bak file
3. Save it to a known folder on your computer
After downloading, confirm the file extension is .bak.
Step 2: Copy the Backup File to the SQL Server Backup Folder
SQL Server restores databases more easily when the backup file is placed inside its default backup directory.
Common Backup Folder Location
On most systems, the default path is:
- C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQLXX.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\Backup
Paste the AdventureWorks.bak file into this folder.
If SQL Server is installed on a different drive, use the backup folder shown in SQL Server properties.
Step 3: Open SQL Server Management Studio
Now you are ready to restore the database.
- Open SQL Server Management Studio, connect to your SQL Server 2025 instance
Once connected, you will see the Object Explorer.
Step 4: Restore AdventureWorks Database Using SSMS
This is the most beginner-friendly way to restore the AdventureWorks database.
Restore Process
- Right-click on Databases and select Restore Database…
Choose Device and click Browse (…)
3. Click on Add button…
4. Select the AdventureWorks.bak file
5. Check backup file name and click on OK button…
SQL Server automatically reads the backup details. (How to Download and Restore SQL Server 2025 AdventureWorks Database?)
Set Database Name
You can keep the default database name or change it to something like:
- AdventureWorks2025
This helps differentiate it from older versions.
Step 5: Fix File Path Issues (Optional)
Sometimes SQL Server shows an error because the original file paths do not exist on your system.
How to Fix It?
- Go to the Files tab
- Check the data (.mdf) and log (.ldf) file paths
- Change them to valid directories on your system
Use SQL Server default data and log directories if unsure.
Step 6: Complete the Restore
After verifying all settings: click on OK, wait for the restore to complete
If successful, you will see a confirmation message.
Step 7: Verify the AdventureWorks Database
Once restored, make sure the database is usable.
Verification Steps
- Expand Databases, confirm AdventureWorks appears in the list…
2. Expand Tables, open any table and view data…
3. Query to one of the table and if tables load correctly, the restore was successful.
Restore AdventureWorks Using T-SQL (Optional)
Some DBAs prefer using scripts instead of the graphical interface.
Sample Restore Script
Adjust file paths before running:
RESTORE DATABASE AdventureWorks2025 FROM DISK = 'C:\Backup\AdventureWorks2022.bak' WITH MOVE 'AdventureWorks2022' TO 'C:\Data\AdventureWorks2025.mdf', MOVE 'AdventureWorks2022_log' TO 'C:\Data\AdventureWorks2025.ldf', REPLACE;
This method is useful for automation and practice.
Common Errors and Solutions
Restore Failed Due to File Path
Fix file paths in the restore window or script.
Access Denied Error
Run SSMS as an administrator and ensure the SQL Server service has folder access.
Database Already Exists
Rename the database or select the overwrite option.
Best Practices for Beginners
- Keep the backup file safe for reuse
- Practice restoring multiple times
- Use AdventureWorks for query practice
- Do not use it in production environments (How to Download and Restore SQL Server 2025 AdventureWorks Database?)
Why AdventureWorks Is Perfect for Learning SQL Server 2025?
AdventureWorks provides realistic data that helps you learn faster. You can practice joins, subqueries, indexing, and performance tuning in a safe environment.
Many SQL Server interview questions are based on concepts you can easily practice using AdventureWorks.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to download and restore the SQL Server 2025 AdventureWorks database is an essential skill for beginners. With the steps explained in this guide, you can confidently restore the database and start practising SQL Server features. Whether you are preparing for a job, learning database administration, or testing SQL queries, AdventureWorks is the best place to start.
Once restored, explore the tables, run queries, and build your SQL skills using real-world data.
Read More:
Offline Installation of SSMS 22 | Step-by-Step Guide for DBAs