Restore a differential database backup using SSMS

A differential backup is based on the most recent, previous full data backup.

Restoring a differential backup restores only the data that has changed since that full backup. After restoring a full database backup WITH RECOVERY, the database is in Restoring state. At this point you restore the differential database backup.

Procedure 

  1. Open the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), and click Object Explorer.

  2. Right-click the Database that is in Restoring state, and select Restore Database.

    Restore database

  3. Select the Options page.

  4. From Recovery state, select RESTORE WITH RECOVERY, and click OK.

    Central app restore

  5. In the Source, select Device and set the location of the differential database backup.

    Source device

  6. Click OK to start the restore process.

  7. Wait for the restore operation to complete successfully. Click OK when the message appears.