Experience with SQL2014 to SQL2022 where table column data has been encrypted.

Brian Chandler 0

Have a SQL2014 Express database (instance=COMP) where some columns in a table have been encrypted (using Master Key, Certificate, Symmetric etc).

Have created a SQL2022 database (instance=COMP2022) and Restored into SQL2022 a backup of SQL2014.

Queries that work in SQL2014 which decrypt using (using Master Key, Certificate, Symmetric etc) return no data in SQL2022.

ChatGPT has not been able to help.

I have DROPPED and CREATED keys and certificate, Backed them from SQL2014 and Restored into SQL2022. With no success.

Any suggestions welcomed.

Erland Sommarskog 127.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-10-21T21:25:54.66+00:00

How is the database master key protected? If it is only protected by the service master key, you must export the service master key from the old server.

If I remember correctly, some encryption algorithms are no longer supported in SQL 2022, because they are too weak. In that case, you may have decrypt an re-encrypt. Or at least stay at compatibility level 120.
Lakshmi Narayana Garikapati 470 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-24T10:30:55.6033333+00:00

Hi Brian Chandler

Thank you for reaching out to the SQL Forum.

@Erland Sommarskog Thanks for your prompt responses!

@Brian Chandler,

I’m following up to check if the response provided below was helpful.

Please let us know if your issue has been resolved. If you still have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch we’re happy to continue supporting you.

We appreciate your participation and thank you for being an active member of the community.

Best regards,

Lakshmi

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