was the first standalone, actively maintained driver released under this new policy. It replaced the aging SQL Server Native Client (SNAC) , which had been deprecated since 2011. Microsoft Learn Why Version 17 was Critical Modern Security : It introduced support for
with Version 18 (and often 17), meaning you can test new drivers without breaking existing legacy connections. Default Encryption download microsoft ole db driver 17 for sql server -x64-
The Essential Download: Microsoft OLE DB Driver 17 for SQL Server (x64) was the first standalone
: Version 19 changed the default encryption setting to "Mandatory," whereas version 17 allowed for more flexible, though less secure, "Optional" connections. : Version 17 is now in a different stage of the Modern Lifecycle Policy , typically receiving only critical security updates. Microsoft Learn though less secure