Amazon EC2 · Finder + guided fix
Ec2 Migrate Sql Server Windows To Linux
Sql Server WindowsLinux
Migrate SQL Server from Windows to Linux EC2 to cut licensing costs up to 50%. CloudFix identifies eligible instances and automates the OS migration.
What happens, in order.
Finder · read-only
Finds the opportunity
Scans your connected accounts with a read-only role. It can see resource metadata and usage; it can’t change anything.
You
Review in Recommendations
It appears in your Recommendations view with what it would save.
Guided fix
You make the change
You apply it yourself, following the fix’s step-by-step instructions; the write-up below explains it.
Finder role
Read-only. It can see resource metadata and usage. It can’t change anything.
Fixer role
Not used here: this one is a guided fix, so the change is yours to make.
Saves by
This Finder identifies opportunities to migrate Microsoft SQL Server workloads running on Windows EC2 instances to more cost-effective Linux-based alternatives. Since Windows licensing costs significantly increase total EC2 spend, migrating to Linux reduces both operating system and SQL Server licensing expenses while maintaining performance and manageability.
Running Microsoft SQL Server on Windows EC2 instances can result in significant licensing costs. This CloudFix Finder identifies opportunities to migrate SQL Server workloads from Windows to Linux EC2 instances, helping you reduce both operating system and database licensing expenses while maintaining performance and functionality.
Overview
Problem Statement
Windows licensing costs significantly increase the total cost of running EC2 instances. When these instances are used to host Microsoft SQL Server, you’re paying premium prices for both the operating system and the database software. Since Microsoft began supporting SQL Server on Linux with SQL Server 2017, many workloads can be migrated to Linux-based EC2 instances, reducing costs by approximately 30% while maintaining full functionality.
Solution
CloudFix identifies SQL Server installations on Windows EC2 instances that are suitable candidates for migration to Linux. While the migration itself must be performed manually due to its complexity, CloudFix provides guidance and support to help teams plan and execute this cost-saving transformation.
AWS Services Affected
How It Works
The Finder works read-only from your cost and usage data and instance details to find Windows EC2 instances running a version of Microsoft SQL Server that can move to Linux. Each opportunity appears in your CloudFix Recommendations with the potential savings from reduced Windows licensing (approximately 30% of EC2 instance cost) and from SQL Server licensing options on Linux.
There is no automatic Fixer, because database migrations are complex and specific to each customer. Your team performs the migration, which typically involves:
- Provisioning a new Linux-based EC2 instance
- Installing and configuring SQL Server on Linux
- Migrating databases and associated applications
- Validating functionality and performance
- Decommissioning the original Windows instance
CloudFix provides guidance and support materials to help plan and execute this migration, but the implementation must be done manually or through engagement with professional services.
FAQ
Is it possible to roll back once the migration is complete?
Yes, rollback is possible but complex. It requires maintaining snapshots or AMIs of the original Windows environment to restore if needed. A dual-run migration strategy (running both Windows and Linux systems in parallel during the transition) is recommended to minimize risk.
Can CloudFix implement the fix automatically once I accept the recommendation?
No. Due to the complexity and business-specific nature of the migration, the fix must be implemented manually. CloudFix identifies the opportunity and provides guidance, but the migration itself requires careful planning and execution by your team.
Does this migration require downtime?
Yes, application and database migration typically require planned downtime or a controlled cutover process. Testing in a staging environment is strongly advised before attempting the full migration to production systems.
What versions of SQL Server can be migrated to Linux?
Microsoft began supporting SQL Server on Linux with SQL Server 2017. SQL Server 2017 and later versions (2019, 2022) can be migrated to Linux platforms. Older versions would require an upgrade as part of the migration process.
What are the typical cost savings from this migration?
Customers can typically save approximately 30% on EC2 instance costs by eliminating Windows licensing fees. Additional savings may be realized through optimized SQL Server licensing on Linux, particularly by leveraging options like BYOL (Bring Your Own License) or using open-source alternatives where feasible.
Related Resources
- Microsoft SQL Server on Amazon EC2 Overview
- Migrating your on-premises SQL Server Windows workloads to Amazon EC2 Linux
- Escape unfriendly licensing practices by migrating enterprise workloads to Linux
- Migrating an on-premises database to Amazon EC2
- CloudFix Support: EC2 SQL Server Windows to Linux Migration
Ready to start saving on AWS? See how much you could cut from your cloud bill with a free cost optimization assessment, or explore CloudFix automated Finder/Fixers that eliminate waste across 30+ AWS services.
Related Articles
- AWS Cost Optimization: The Complete Guide to Lowering Your Cloud Bill (2026)
- AWS Cost Optimization Tools: The Complete Comparison Guide (2026)
- RightSpend vs ProsperOps (Flexera): The Independent EC2 Discount Alternative
- Find Idle AWS Transfer Family Endpoints
- CloudFix Finder: SageMaker Rightsize Instances (Manual Fix)
See whether this one applies to your account.
A free savings assessment reports which fixers can be applied to your environment. Results typically within 24 hours.