How Can I Retrieve My SQL Server Query History?

Recovering Past SQL Queries in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Unlike some database systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL), SQL Server doesn't automatically log query history. Therefore, retrieving past queries requires different approaches.

Checking for Cached Execution Plans

If the SQL Server instance hasn't been restarted, the query's execution plan might remain cached. Use this query to search for it:

<code class="language-sql">SELECT t.[text]
FROM sys.dm_exec_cached_plans AS p
CROSS APPLY sys.dm_exec_sql_text(p.plan_handle) AS t
WHERE t.[text] LIKE N'%something unique about your query%';</code>

Remember to replace '%something unique about your query%' with a distinctive part of your query.

Examining SSMS Recovery Files

After an unexpected SSMS crash, you might find recovery files in this directory:

<code>C:\Users\<your_username>\Documents\SQL Server Management Studio\Backup Files\</code>

Third-Party Tools and Server-Side Tracing

If the above methods are unsuccessful, consider these options:

• SSMS Tools Pack: This add-in offers advanced features, including query history logging (note: this feature may not be free in SQL Server 2012 and later versions).
• Server-side tracing: Enables detailed event tracking, including query execution data. This is a more robust method for comprehensive query logging.

Improved Query Statistics

To display cached queries sorted by their last execution time, use this enhanced query:

<code class="language-sql">SELECT t.[text], s.last_execution_time
FROM sys.dm_exec_cached_plans AS p
INNER JOIN sys.dm_exec_query_stats AS s
   ON p.plan_handle = s.plan_handle
CROSS APPLY sys.dm_exec_sql_text(p.plan_handle) AS t
WHERE t.[text] LIKE N'%something unique about your query%'
ORDER BY s.last_execution_time DESC;</code>

This provides a more organized view of recent query activity.

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