Original Post: http://downloadsqlserverexpress.com

Downloading SQL Server Express is unnecessarily hard, and it’s made harder by the new Microsoft Download Center “download multiple files” interface that doesn’t include descriptions or primary file recommendations. It should be a list of links, and you should be able to right click and Save As.

So, I’ve done the HTTP sniffing and work, and written this blog post in the hopes that it helps you (and I’m bookmarking it for myself, for the future).

*This release of SQL Server no longer bundles tools with SQL Server. Tools are a separate install.

*The installer works for both 32-bit and 64-bit machines and installs Management studio as well as command-line tools needed to manage SQL Server.

• You likely just want SQL Server 2014 Express with Tools. This download includes SQL Management Studio.
• Here’s just SQL Server 2014 Management Studio
• SQL Server 2014 Express with Advanced Services

• You likely just want SQL Server 2012 Express with Tools. This download includes SQL Management Studio.
• Here’s just SQL Server 2012 Management Studio

• You likely just want SQL Server 2008 Express with Tools. This download includes SQL Management Studio.
• Here’s just SQL Server 2008 Management Studio