How do I shrink a database data file?

How do I reduce the size of a DB file?

Shrink a database1In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine, and then expand that instance.2Expand Databases, and then right-click the database that you want to shrink.3Point to Tasks, point to Shrink, and then select Database. Database. ... 4Select OK.Shrink a Database - SQL Server | Microsoft Docs

What is the command you use to shrink a database?

To shrink all data and log files for a specific database, execute the DBCC SHRINKDATABASE command.

Is it safe to shrink database files?

This is true that shrinking a database is not recommended. You can understand it like this when you shrink the database then it leads to increase in fragmentation now to reduce the fragmentation you try to rebuilt the index which will eventually lead to increase in your database size.

How do I reduce the size of my database after deleting records?

Deleting rows in a database will not decrease the actual database file size. You need to compact the database after row deletion. Look for this After running this, you'll want to rebuild indexes. Shrinking typically causes index fragmentation, and that could be a significant performance cost.