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Clarify file extension conventions for backups #10380

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Clarify file extension conventions for backups #10380

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Clarify file extension conventions for backups
deepeshd87 Aug 24, 2026
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Potential fix for pull request finding
deepeshd87 Aug 24, 2026
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4 changes: 2 additions & 2 deletions ...ational-databases/backup-restore/back-up-and-restore-of-sql-server-databases.md
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Expand Up @@ -105,9 +105,9 @@ Designing an effective backup and restore strategy requires careful planning, im

The accounts that perform backup or restore operations shouldn't be granted more privileges than necessary. Review [backup](../../t-sql/statements/backup-transact-sql.md#permissions) and [restore](../../t-sql/statements/restore-statements-transact-sql.md#permissions) for specific permission details. It's recommended that backups are [encrypted](../security/encryption/transparent-data-encryption.md) and, if possible, [compressed](backup-compression-sql-server.md).

To ensure security, backup files should have extensions that follow proper conventions:
Use consistent file extensions to make backups easier to identify and manage. SQL Server doesn't require or enforce these extensions, but following a convention helps with operational tasks such as configuring antivirus exclusions for backup files. For more information, see [Configure antivirus software to work with SQL Server](/troubleshoot/sql/database-engine/security/antivirus-and-sql-server).

- Database backup files should have the `.BAK` extension
- Database backup files should have the `.BAK` extension.
- Log backup files should have the `.TRN` extension.

### Use Separate Storage
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