How do I reduce the size of an MDF file?

Question

How to Shrink . Connect to the SQL Server Management Studio, Go to Databases. Select the desired database that needs to be shrunk. Right-click on the database, Select Tasks >> Shrink >> Files. Make sure that you choose Data File type for shrinking MDF File. The options of Shrink Option are as follows:

Why is MDF file too large?

Because the MDF was allocated with 154Gb, or has grown to 154Gb through various operations. A database file has at least the size of the data in it, but it can be larger than the used amount by any amount.

How do I reduce the file size of data?

Remove unnecessary images, formatting and macros. Save the file as a recent Word version. Reduce the file size of the images before they are added to the document. If it is still too large, save the file as a PDF.

What is the default size of MDF file?

The default initial size for both files are 8 MB. The initial size is not as important as Autogrowth.

Is it safe to shrink MDF file in SQL Server?

Try to avoid shrinking the data file. Shrinking data (mdf) file is a bad idea. It will dramatically increase the fragmentation in the data file.

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