SQL2016 Not able to create Column Master Key

Question

I just installed SQL 2016 Standard Edition because I wanted to use the 'Always Encrypted' feature. However, when I tried to created a Column Master Key under Security->Always Encrypted Keys->Column Master Key, I got the following error:

productversion: 13.0.160.5, productlevel:RTM, edition:Standard Edition 64bit Any ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

"Always Encrypted is available in SQL Server 2016 (13.x) and SQL Database. (Prior to SQL Server 2016 (13.x) SP1, Always Encrypted was limited to the Enterprise Edition.)"

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/security/encryption/always-encrypted-database-engine?view=sql-server-2017

Answer 2

I was having the same issue. I fixed it by updating to Sql Server 2016 SP1 from Sql Server 2016.

Previously @@version was:

• Microsoft SQL Server 2016 (RTM-GDR) (KB3194716) - 13.0.1722.0 (X64) Sep 26 2016 13:17:23 Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation Standard Edition (64-bit) on Windows 10 Pro 6.3 (Build 14393: )

Now @@version is:

• Microsoft SQL Server 2016 (SP1) (KB3182545) - 13.0.4001.0 (X64) Oct 28 2016 18:17:30 Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation Standard Edition (64-bit) on Windows 10 Pro 6.3 (Build 14393: )

Note also that my SSMS is totally up to date.

• Tools > Check for Updates > Details - 13.0.16100.1
• A coworker has a slightly older build of SSMS and does not even see the option to encrypt columns.

Answer 3

The issue was probably caused by restoring a SQL2014 database. I backed up a 2014 database and then restored it in 2016. SQL may have seen it as a 2014 schema and therefore complained Column Master Key not supported. How I resolved it: In SSMS 2016, generate .sql script for the imported database (in Advanced settings, choose SQL 2016 script) Install a new SQL 2016 instance (which may not be necessary will test) and run the .sql generated, rather than the restore option