Query Store is off when you need it most
Without a flight recorder for plans, every regression becomes folklore. Why enabling Query Store is a standard health-check recommendation.
When performance regresses after a release, stats update, or night-time maintenance, teams without Query Store argue from memory. Teams with it compare plans.
Health-check recommendation
For supported versions and editions, enabling Query Store on critical databases is one of the highest ROI operational changes available.
Configure it deliberately
- Size storage for the workload
- Avoid silent read-only mode when full
- Capture settings that match how volatile the app is
- Train the team to use it during incidents
What it unlocks later
- Plan regression detection
- Forcing known-good plans when needed
- Evidence for application teams
- Cleaner performance engagements (less time hunting, more time fixing)
Free check positioning
We often recommend Query Store during the free health check so the next incident — and any paid tuning work — starts with evidence instead of guesswork.
Need hands-on SQL Server help?
Allay Data Solutions offers maintenance, tuning, and assessments from Port Elizabeth, South Africa.