SQL SERVER – Fix: Error: Compatibility Level Drop Down is Empty

I currently have SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server 2014 both installed on the same machine. My job requires me to travel a lot and I like to travel light. Hence, I have only one computer with all the software installed in it. I can install Virtual Machines but as I was able to install SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server 2014 side by side, I just went ahead with that option.

Now one day when I opened up my SQL Server 2014 and went to the properties of the my database, I realized that the dropdown box for Compatibility level is empty. I just can’t select anything there or see what is the current Compatibility level of the database. This was the first time for me so I was bit confused and I tried to search online. Upon searching online I realize that if I was not the first, there are very few questions on this subject on various forums as well as there is no convincing answer to this problem online. That means, I was pretty much first one to face this error.

See the image of the situation I was facing.

Now I decided to resolve this issue as soon as I can. I spent a few minutes here and there and realize my mistake.

I had connected to SQL Server 2014 instance from SQL Server 2012 Management Studio. Hence, I was not able to see any compatibility related settings. Once I connected to SQL Server 2014 instance with SQL Server 2014 Management Studio – this issue was resolved.

Well, simple things sometimes keep us very busy.

Reference: Pinal Dave https://blog.sqlauthority.com/ )