Background

As SQL Server now runs on Linux it is likely a good idea to be able to determine the underlying OS that a specific instance is sitting on.

 

Choices

Here are some choices for determining a targeted SQL Instance OS Version :-

1. @@version
2. sys.dm_os_host_info
   • SQL Server Versions
     • v2017 and above

 

System Function

@@version

Syntax

select @@version

Output

Tabulated

 

Dynamic Management View

sys.dm_os_host_info

Syntax

SELECT 
          host_platform
	, host_distribution
	, host_release
	, host_service_pack_level
	, host_sku
	, os_language_version  

FROM sys.dm_os_host_info

;

Output

 

Summary

If you happen to be running SQL Server v2017, you will have not do to all the parsing involved with getting accurate data from @@version.

 

Addendum

Did a similar post here.

This was back in 2010.  And, that post is titled “MS SQL Server – Read OS Version“.

Windows NT 6.3

Unfortunately “Windows NT 6.3” is returned for the following OSes:

1. Windows 2016
2. Windows 2012

Prove

Windows Server 2016

SQL Server

master.dbo.xp_MSver

Image

Explanation

1. Name :- WindowsVersion
2. Internal Value :- 364118016
3. Character Value :- 6.3 (14393)

 

WinOS

systeminfo

Image

Blogging

Blogging is an interesting option.

How much to reveal and how much to slay.

It all depends on what the original intent is.

Arguing for the sake of arguing is pointless.

 

References

1. Microsoft
   • SQL Server
     • Docs > SQL > Relational databases > System dynamic management views
       • sys.dm_os_host_info ( Transact SQL )
         Link
     • Docs > SQL > T-SQL > Functions
       • @@version ( Transact SQL )
         Link
     • Docs / SQL / Relational databases / System stored procedures
       • xp_msver
         Link