Microsoft OS and SQL Server Compatibility Matrix

Bluechip is distributed with the free Microsoft SQL Server 2014 SP3 Express Edition.

  • SQL Server 2014 SP3 Express Edition has a maximum database limit of 10GB. For larger databases, full Microsoft SQL Server is required. If you want to use a full Microsoft SQL Server product, consult the compatibility matrix below.
  • The SQL Server installation cannot be made on read-only, mapped, or compressed drives, and SQL Server setup via Terminal Services Client is not supported.
  • Ensure you have a minimum .NET3.5 installed in order to run the SQL Server 2014 installation.
  • The SQL Server 2014 installation will install .NET4.0 automatically if not already present. This requires an active internet connection for the .NET4.0 installation files to be downloaded.
  • If you have a Server Core installation of Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 or Windows Server 2012, you must install .NET 4.0 manually, before you install SQL Server Express.
  • Always install the latest Service Pack.
Table 1. Minimum Supported Microsoft SQL Server Products
OS-SQL Compatibility SQL 2005 SP3 SQL 2008 R2 SQL 2012 SQL 2014 SQL 2016 SQL 2017 SQL 20191 SQL 2022
Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (including SBS) (32-bit) ✓ ✓ - - - - - -
Server 2008 R1 ✓ ✓ ✓ - - - ✓ -
Small Business Server (SBS) 2008 (64-bit) ✓ ✓ ✓ - - - ✓ -
Server 2008 R22 ✓ ✓ ✓ - - - ✓ -
Server 20122 3 - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -
Server 2012 R22 3 - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -
Server 2016 - - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Server 2019 - - - - - - ✓ ✓
Server 2022 - - - - - - ✓ ✓
XP Home Service Pack 3, (32-bit) Standalone or peer-to-peer w/ other XP Home only - - - - - - - -
XP Pro Service Pack 2, (32-bit) ✓ ✓ - - - - - -
XP Pro Service Pack 3, (32-bit) ✓ ✓ - - - - - -
Windows Vista Business/Ultimate/Enterprise4 Service Pack 1

*Requires Service Pack 2

 ✓ ✓ - - - - - -
Windows 75 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - - - -
Windows 86

Excludes Windows RT

 - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - -
Windows 8.16

Excludes Windows RT

 - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -
Windows 106 - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Windows 11 - - - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
1 You will require a minimum 6GB hard drive space to install SQL Server 2019, plus a minimum 5GB space for the MedicalDirector database. SQL requires at least a 1.4 GHz processor, with 2.0GHz recommended.
2 Microsoft provides only a 64-bit version.
3 Scheduled Bluechip Backup Utility is initially not compatible. For assistance in enabling this functionality, contact MedicalDirector Customer Service.
4 Home Basic/Premium will install Bluechip but is not recommended. Do not use for a Standalone/Dedicated Server for Bluechip.
5 Home Premium has limited functionality, recommended only for Standalone Servers, or in a simple network with other Windows 7 Home Premium PCs.
6 Scheduled Bluechip Backup Utility is initially not compatible. For assistance in enabling this functionality, contact MedicalDirector Customer Service.