SQL Server 2016 is released at 6/1.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/products/sql-server/
SQL Server 2014/2016 Developer edition are free after joining Visual Studio Dev Essentials.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/products/sql-server/
Before install Please read release note. They ask VC runtime update before installation.
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn876712.aspx
Install Patch Requirement (GA)
Issue and customer impact: Microsoft has identified a problem that affects the Microsoft VC++ 2013 Runtime binaries that are installed as a prerequisite by SQL Server 2016. An update is available to fix this problem. If this update to the VC runtime binaries is not installed, SQL Server 2016 may experience stability issues in certain scenarios. Before you install SQL Server 2016, check to see if the server needs the patch described in KB 3138367 – Update for Visual C++ 2013 and Visual C++ Redistributable Package.
KB 3138367 is required if the build version of msvcr120.dll is not 12.0.40649.5 or higher. To check the file build version:
- Open Windows Explorer.
- Navigate to %SystemRoot%\system32\msvcr120.dll.
- Right-click the file and then click Properties.
- Click the Details tab.
- Verify the file version is 12.0.40649.5 or higher.
If the build version of msvcr120.dll is not 12.0.40649.5 or higher you need to install KB 3138367.
Resolution: To install this required update, download and run the appropriate vcredist_*.exe based on your system language and architecture from KB 3138367.
If you have SQL Server 2016 installed on a computer that needs KB 3138367, do the following steps in order:
- Download the appropriate vcredist_*exe.
- Stop the SQL Server service for all instances of the database engine.
- Install KB 3138367.
- Reboot the computer.