Backup SQL Server Database with Compression to Reduce File Size

A SQL Server backup is a page-by-page physical copy of the primary database. So, the backup size is generally the same as the main database. Larger databases mean larger backups. However, a 50 GB SQL Server database doesn’t always need a 50 GB backup file; the size can be reduced. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the size of the backup file to save storage space, aka compression.

Backup SQL Server database with compression so that the server doesn’t eat up more space is a smart choice.

But is compression beneficial? Or how to enable it in SQL Server? Can a SQL Server backup tool be a reliable way to compress backup files?

Let’s dig into it one by one.

Is It Helpful to Backup SQL Server Database with Compression?

Yes, reducing the backup file size can be beneficial in many ways, such as:

1. More Restore Points: The smaller the SQL Server backup file size, the more you can save in a given storage. As a result, you can make more restore points whenever needed in case of server crashes, ransomware attacks, or other accidental damage.
2. Less Strain on Network Bandwidth: It is suggested to keep a separate copy of your SQL Server database as a backup away from the primary database. So, the smaller the backup file, the lower the bandwidth required on the network connection while moving it to remote or cloud storage.
3. Accelerating the Backup and Restore Jobs: The smaller or more compressed SQL Server backup file is, the faster it can be transferred to the desired destination. And eventually, the restoration process takes less time than usual.
4. Backup Frequency Increases: Compressing the backup files means you will be able to back up more often and more quickly. Also, you will be able to retain more backups in the same storage space.

Method 1. How To Take a Backup in SQL Server With Compression Using SSMS?

Follow these steps for compressing the backup file using SQL Server Management Studio:

1. Open SSMS on your PC and connect to your SQL Server. Make sure you connect to the instance where the database you want to back up is located.
2. Then just look out for your database. In Object Explorer, expand Databases and locate the required database for backup.
3. Open the backup settings. Right-click the database and select “Tasks”, then “Back Up” to open the Backup Database window.
4. Now, select the backup type, under Backup type settings, choose the type you need, such as Full, Incremental backup in SQL Server, or Transaction Log.
5. Then, for the location, under Destination, specify where you want SQL Server to save the backup file.
6. Once done, just open the media settings. Go to Media Options and look for the backup compression setting, then enable compression.
7. Now, just review your settings. Check the backup type, destination, and compression option before proceeding to the next step.
8. Eventually, start the backup by clicking the OK button.

SQL Server will then create the backup at the selected location and compress the data during the backup process.

Method 2. Compress SQL Server Database Backup Using T-SQL

If you prefer working directly with SQL commands or want to backup SQL Server with Management Studio, then T-SQL is a way to create a compressed SQL Server backup from a query window.

Use the following command to create a compressed backup:

BACKUP DATABASE [saleDB] TO DISK = N’D:\SQLBackups\saleDB.bak’ WITH COMPRESSION, STATS = 10;.

Now, replace saleDB with the name of the database you want to back up, and update the file path to a location that is available to your SQL Server instance.

Remember, the important part of this command is “WITH COMPRESSION”. It instructs SQL Server to compress the backup data while creating it.

Method 3. Backup SQL Server Database with Compression Automatically

If you don’t want to manage backup commands and compression settings separately, or if you don’t wish to configure the compression settings for recurring backups manually. Then, a dedicated backup tool can help you to automate database backups and compress the file.

You can simply set up the settings in a backup job once to create compressed files at required points rather than doing the compression configuration manually.

The Prapl SQL Backup Tool for Windows desktop supports SQL Server backups with scheduling, compression, encryption, retention, backup history, and multiple storage destinations. Download it for free and try its fully functional features today.

Backups can be saved to cloud and remote destinations, as well as local machine, Amazon S3 bucket, or NAS storage. More importantly, you can easily add your own storage to backup and compress unlimited SQL Server databases, unlike other tools that need you to rely on someone else’s. Also, depending on the type of database, you can create full, incremental, differential, and transaction log backups.

Simple Steps for SQL Server Backup Compression

Launch and run the Prapl SQL Backup Tool on your PC and select New Backup. Choose SQL Server as the database engine to process further.

Now, enter the necessary login details. Test the connection before continuing to the next step.

Then, select where you want to store the compressed backup file.

Select the compression option in the backup configuration, and the tool will list compression as part of its SQL Server backup settings. Configure other settings and hit the Save and Run button to initiate the backup job.

Once completed, check the backup history to confirm that the job finished successfully.

Major Benefits that Prapl Utility Offers

1. Support Unlimited Servers: Prapl allows you to manage backups from unlimited servers and create backups for unlimited SQL Server databases. This can be useful for businesses or teams managing multiple database servers, as you don’t have to purchase a separate backup setup for each server.
2. Store Backups on Your Own Storage: Instead of storing your database backups on a storage system controlled by the backup software provider, Prapl lets you choose where your backup files are stored. So, you can use your own local storage, NAS, or supported cloud storage as needed.
3. Keep Your Database and Storage Under Your Control: Your database can contain sensitive information, so where the backup file goes matters. Therefore, this tool writes backups directly to the storage destination you configure. In short, no middle server where Prapl stores a copy of your database backup.
4. Support Different Windows Versions: Prapl is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.
5. Automate Backups From 10+ Database Engines: Additionally, this backup tool supports 10+ database engines, allowing you to manage backups from multiple database platforms through the same application.
6. Supports Different Backup Types: With the help of this tool, you can simply create full, differential, incremental, and transaction log backups, depending on the database type. Hence, more flexibility in backups.
7. Free Lifetime Updates and Support: It gives you free lifetime updates and support, so you don’t have to buy a new licence every time a software update is released.
8. Check Backup Status from Web: This application also allows you web portal access, allowing you to check the status of your database backups remotely. So, you won’t need to sit at the machine every time to check the backup history.
9. Automatically Run on Startup: This application starts automatically when Windows starts. Hence, your scheduled compressed backup jobs can run at their configured times without requiring you to open the software.
10. Get Email Alerts: A missed backup can go unnoticed if nobody checks the backup history regularly. Therefore, this advanced tool sends you email alerts when a scheduled backup isn’t completed at the expected time.

Conclusion

If your .BAK file is taking too much storage space and managing them all is getting more costly. Then, enabling compression can solve your problem. Compression is a more convenient way to reduce the file size without compromising the data quality or deleting the database.

For businesses that want to backup SQL Server database with compression while also managing schedules, storage, retention, encryption, and backup history, Prapl SQL Backup Tool provides all these functions from a Windows application.