How do I reduce the size of my SQL database log?

Question

To shrink a data or log file using SQL Management Studio: In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine and then expand that instance. Expand Databases and then right-click the database that you want to shrink. Point to Tasks, point to Shrink, and then click Files.

How do I reduce the size of SQL log file?

Transaction Log Shrinking Methods1we are referring to the option available in SSMS by Right Click DB Name -> Tasks -> Shrink -> Files -> File type -> Log.2does reduce the physical log file size by freeing up internal free space of the transaction log.Reduce Transaction Log File Size - Backup vs Shrink vs Truncate ...

Why is my database log file so large?

Large database transactions, such as importing large amounts of data, can lead to a large transaction log file. Transaction log backups not happening fast enough causes the SQL log file to become huge. SQL log files also enlarge due to incomplete replication or availability group synchronization.

How do you release unused space of a SQL server log file?

Select the file type and file name. Optionally, select the Release unused space check box. Selecting this option causes any unused space in the file to be released to the operating system and shrinks the file to the last allocated extent. This reduces the file size without moving any data.

Is it safe to shrink SQL log file?

It's safe, but do it at a quiet time when there's low transactional activity. It's recommended to shrink the log to its minimal size and then grow it to its normal size (this will ensure the correct number of VLFs (internal virtual log files) are created, which improves performance for logged commands).

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