SSMA usage and diagnostic data collection

SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) contains Internet-enabled features that can collect and send anonymous feature usage and diagnostic data to Microsoft.

Collected data

SSMA might collect standard computer information and information about use and performance that might be transmitted to Microsoft and analyzed for purposes of improving the quality, security, and reliability. SSMA doesn't collect your name, address, or any other data related to an identified or identifiable individual. For details, see the Microsoft Privacy Statement, and SQL Server privacy supplement.

Enable or disable usage and diagnostic data collection in SSMA

The following registry entry allows you to opt in or out of data collection:

Depending on the migration source, the entry should be placed under one of the following registry keys:

Configure SSMA feedback policy using Group Policy Objects (GPO)

SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) supports centralized control of feedback collection through a setting in the Windows registry. You can add or modify this registry entry using Group Policy Management to enable or disable feedback feature usage and diagnostic data.

Registry details

• Registry hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER

• Path: Software\Policies\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant\Feedback

• Value name: ProductFeedbackDisabled

• Value type: REG_DWORD

  Value	Description
  0	Feedback enabled
  1	Feedback disabled

Add the registry entry via Group Policy Management

To deploy this policy using Group Policy Management, follow these steps:

1. Open Group Policy Management (gpmc.msc).

2. Select the Domain or Organizational Unit (OU) where the policy should apply.

   Since the registry location is under HKEY_CURRENT_USER, ensure that the GPO is linked to an OU containing user accounts.

3. Right-click the domain or target OU, and select Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here....

4. Name the GPO. For example, SSMA Feedback Policy.

5. Right-click the newly created GPO and select Edit.

6. Navigate to User Configuration > Preferences > Windows Settings > Registry.

7. Create a New Registry Item.

8. Configure the settings as follows:

   Field	Value
   Action	Update (recommended)
   Hive	HKEY_CURRENT_USER
   Key Path	Software\Policies\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant\Feedback
   Value Name	ProductFeedbackDisabled
   Value Type	REG_DWORD
   Value Data	0 (enable feedback) or 1 (disable feedback)

9. Verify the applied setting using the following PowerShell script:

   Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant\Feedback" -Name ProductFeedbackDisabled