Visual Studio Code SQL Server (mssql) Extension - Error

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Fix Guide for SQL Server Extension “No Data Provider” Error

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Force SQL Tools Service Install
   • Press Ctrl+Shift+P in VS Code
   • Type: Install SQL Tools Service
   • Select: mssql
   • Wait 2–3 minutes for silent download
   • Try clicking “Add Connection” again
2. Verify Service Exists
   • Open File Explorer
   • Paste:

      %USERPROFILE%\.vscode\extensions\ms-mssql.mssql-*\sqltoolsservice
   

   • Confirm these files exist:

      Microsoft.SqlTools.ServiceLayer.exe 
      Microsoft.SqlTools.ServiceLayer.pdb
   

   • If missing → go to Step 4
3. Update Requirements
   • Update VS Code: Help > Check for Updates
   • Install .NET 6.0+ Runtime: https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download
   • Ensure at least 500MB free disk space
4. Nuclear Reinstall
   • Uninstall mssql extension
   • Close VS Code
   • Delete folder:

      %USERPROFILE%\.vscode\extensions\ms-mssql.mssql-*
   

   • Reinstall from Marketplace
   • Immediately redo Step 1
5. Admin Mode + Antivirus Bypass
   • Run VS Code as administrator
   • Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall
   • Add exclusions for:

      %USERPROFILE%\.vscode\extensions %USERPROFILE%\.dotnet
   

6. Roll Back to Stable Version
   • In Extensions panel → Click gear icon next to mssql → Install Another Version
   • Select: 1.23.0
   • Right-click extension → Disable Auto Updates
7. Additional Checks
   • Install latest Visual C++ Redistributable (for Windows 7/8)
   • Make sure SQL Server instance is running
   • Check port 1433 is open (for remote connections)
   • Use full connection string in “Add Connection” dialog
   Let us know if the issue persists after following these steps. We’ll be happy to assist further if needed.