Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 is the driver version associated with SQL Server 2008. It is considered obsolete and unsupported by Microsoft.
While download links still exist for legacy application support, Microsoft strongly recommends that users upgrade to the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server (currently version 18) or the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server for modern security and performance.
Document version: 1.0
Last reviewed: April 2026
Supports: SQL Server 2008 – 2016 (legacy systems only)
The Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 (also known as SQLNCLI or SNAC) is a legacy data access technology used primarily with SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2. While it is deprecated for new development, it remains essential for legacy applications that specifically require the sqlncli10.dll driver for ODBC or OLE DB connectivity. Official Download Methods
Because the driver is legacy software, finding the direct installer requires navigating specific Feature Packs or Service Packs:
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 SP3 Feature Pack: This is the primary official source for the standalone Native Client 10.0 installer. On the official download page , expand the Install Instructions section and look for sqlncli.msi under the "Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 Native Client" heading.
SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 4 Feature Pack: For the final serviced version of this driver, you can use the SP4 Feature Pack .
Manual Extraction: If the feature packs are unavailable, you can extract sqlncli.msi directly from a SQL Server update package by running the package with the /extract command-line switch. Technical Details & Usage
Connection String: To use this specific driver in an application, the connection string must include Driver=SQL Server Native Client 10.0. Architecture: Choose the correct .msi for your system:
x64: For 64-bit systems (usually installs both 32-bit and 64-bit drivers). x86: For 32-bit machines only.
Compatibility: This driver supports connections to SQL Server 7.0 and later versions up to SQL Server 2008 R2. Critical Legacy Advice
Microsoft no longer recommends the Native Client for new development. It has been removed from SQL Server 2022 and SSMS 19 onwards. For modern projects or to ensure support for newer features (like TLS 1.2 or Azure SQL), you should migrate to: Getting the latest SQL Server Native Client microsoft sql server native client 10.0 odbc driver download
Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 ODBC Driver Download Guide
The Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 (SNAC 10.0) is a critical data access technology that provides a single dynamic-link library (DLL) containing both the SQL ODBC driver and the SQL OLE DB provider. Released alongside SQL Server 2008, this driver was designed to bridge the gap between native-code applications (C/C++) and the advanced features of SQL Server.
While Microsoft now recommends modern ODBC drivers for new development, many legacy systems still require the specific 10.0 version to maintain compatibility with older software and database instances. Key Features of SQL Server Native Client 10.0
Native Client 10.0 was a significant evolution from the older MDAC components. It enabled several features that were then-new to SQL Server:
Backward Compatibility: Supports connections to SQL Server 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2008 R2.
Modern Data Types: Unlike older "generic" drivers, it correctly recognizes newer SQL types like date and time, which were introduced in SQL Server 2008.
Advanced Features: Provides support for Multiple Active Result Sets (MARS), query notifications, and XML data types.
High Performance: Uses a native COM API to access the SQL Server Tabular Data Stream (TDS) protocol directly. Where to Download the Driver
Microsoft no longer offers a standalone landing page for "Native Client 10.0." Instead, it is distributed as part of the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack.
Official Source: Visit the Microsoft Download Center or search for the "SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack".
File Name: Look for sqlncli.msi. Depending on your system architecture, you will need the x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version. Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10
Third-Party References: Websites like ConnectionStrings.com provide direct links to archived Microsoft installer files if the primary Feature Pack pages are difficult to navigate. Installation and Configuration
Once downloaded, the installation is straightforward. The MSI installer handles all registry settings for the ODBC driver automatically. How to Verify Installation To confirm the driver is active:
Support Policies - SQL Server Native Client - Microsoft Learn
The Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 (often referenced as SNAC 10.0 or the SQLNCLI10 driver) was first introduced with the SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack. It is a standalone data access technology that bundles both the ODBC driver and the OLE DB provider into a single dynamic-link library (sqlncli10.dll). Download and Official Availability
Microsoft has officially deprecated the SQL Server Native Client (SNAC) series. For legacy applications requiring version 10.0, it is primarily obtained through Feature Pack downloads for older SQL Server versions:
SQL Server 2008 R2 Feature Pack: This is the traditional source for the sqlncli.msi installer for version 10.0.
Redistributable Media: It is often found on the original SQL Server 2008 distribution media under the path %CD%\Setup\x64 or %CD%\Setup\x86.
Service Packs: The driver can be extracted from SQL Server 2008 Service Packs (e.g., SP4) by running the update package and locating the SQLNCLI.msi in the extracted folders. Technical Capabilities & Compatibility
Protocol Support: Implements the TDS (Tabular Data Stream) protocol to communicate with SQL Server 7.0 and later.
Connection String: To specifically target this driver, use Driver=SQL Server Native Client 10.0; in your connection string.
Modern Features (at time of release): It was the first version to fully support features like Database Mirroring, Multiple Active Result Sets (MARS), and the XML data type. Document version: 1
Backward Compatibility: Version 10.0 is typically compatible with SQL Server versions 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2008 R2. Installation Prerequisites Download ODBC Driver for SQL Server - Microsoft Learn
The Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 ODBC driver is a legacy data access technology originally released with SQL Server 2008. It is primarily used by older applications to connect to SQL Server versions ranging from 7.0 to 2008 R2. Download and Official Sources
Microsoft no longer provides a standalone "Native Client 10.0" landing page, as the driver is now distributed as part of legacy "Feature Packs".
SQL Server 2008 R2 SP3 Feature Pack: This is the most reliable official source for the version 10.0 (specifically 10.50.x) driver. You can find the installer, sqlncli.msi, on the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 SP3 Feature Pack page.
TLS 1.2 Support Update: If your application requires secure connections via TLS 1.2, you must download the specific security update for Native Client 10.0 from the Microsoft Download Center. Installation Instructions
Identify Architecture: Determine if you need the x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version. For 64-bit operating systems, the x64 package is recommended as it typically includes both 32-bit and 64-bit drivers.
Prerequisites: Ensure the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is installed, as it is a standard requirement for SQL ODBC drivers.
Run Installer: Execute sqlncli.msi and follow the setup wizard. This process automatically registers the ODBC driver and OLE DB provider in your system registry. Critical Lifecycle Warning Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 SP3 Feature Pack
A: Not reliably. Azure SQL Database requires TLS 1.2 and newer features. Use the latest ODBC Driver for SQL Server for Azure connections.
Even after downloading the correct Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 ODBC driver download, problems may arise. Here are the most frequent issues.