[Feature Request]: Detect systems running on ARM systems (SQL Server 2025 “latest” image)

[croblesm]

Feature Description

When users attempt to create a local SQL Server container using the “latest” (RTM) SQL Server 2025 image on an ARM-based system, the container fails to start due to image incompatibility.

To prevent this, we’ll introduce logic that detects ARM architectures during the prerequisites step and adjusts the flow accordingly:

• Users can proceed with container creation for any SQL Server version except 2025.
• If the selected image is SQL Server 2025 (“latest” / RTM) and the system is ARM-based, the extension will display a modal dialog explaining that this version is not currently supported on ARM and that compatibility will return with SQL Server 2025 CU1.
• When this condition occurs, the container creation process will be blocked to prevent setup failures.
• The modal should appear every time the 2025 image is selected on an ARM system, ensuring users are clearly informed before proceeding.

SQL-Container-RTM-ARM.mov

Proposed message:

Warning

The SQL Server 2025 RTM container image isn’t compatible with ARM-based systems (including Windows on ARM and Apple Silicon).

This specific container image isn’t supported on your system. ARM support will be restored starting with the SQL Server 2025 CU1 image. To continue, please select another supported version such as SQL Server 2022, 2019, or 2017.

See https://aka.ms/sql-container-arm for more details.

Problem and Motivation

The latest SQL Server 2025 container image does not support ARM architectures, including macOS on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Windows on ARM.

Without this safeguard, users experience confusing errors or failed provisioning when trying to start the container. By detecting the platform early and blocking the flow with a clear message, we improve the user experience and prevent unnecessary troubleshooting.

ARM compatibility will return with SQL Server 2025 CU1, so this is a temporary measure to ensure clarity and prevent failure.

Related Area

• Connection dialog (SQL Server | Azure browse/Fabric browse)
• Query results panel
• Query editor
• Object Explorer
• Table Designer
• Schema Compare
• Schema Designer
• Local SQL Server Container provisioning
• SQL database in Fabric provisioning
• GitHub Copilot integration
• Query Plan Visualizer
• Other (please describe below)

If you selected "Other", please describe the area

No response

Confirmation

• I have searched existing feature requests and couldn't find a match
• I want to help implement this feature