Auto Shrink Enabled
The auto shrink option is enabled, which will cause SQL Server to actively shrink data files, leading to performance issues and file fragmentation.
If there is an issue with ballooning database files, the cause of the undesired growth should be addressed. Routinely shrinking the database, automatically or manually, will only mask the problem while continuing to cause performance issues and skew capacity planning forecasts.
Why Auto Shrink Is a Problem
- Performance Impact: Auto shrink can slow down your database due to the constant shrinking and expanding of files, leading to fragmentation and degraded performance.
- File Fragmentation: Repeated shrinking and regrowing of database files causes file fragmentation, which negatively impacts I/O performance.
- Masked Problems: Auto shrink hides the underlying cause of excessive database growth, making it harder to identify and fix the root problem.
How to Monitor and Handle Auto Shrink
You can monitor the auto shrink setting manually and disable it to improve performance. Use the following query to check if auto shrink is enabled:
SELECT name, is_auto_shrink_on
FROM sys.databases
WHERE is_auto_shrink_on = 1;
If this query returns results, you have databases with auto shrink enabled, which could lead to performance issues.
Suggested Action
Auto shrink should be disabled, and the cause of any undesired growth addressed.
How to Disable Auto Shrink for a Database
USE [master]
GO
ALTER DATABASE [DatabaseName] SET AUTO_SHRINK OFF WITH NO_WAIT;
GO
* Replace [DatabaseName] with the name of the database you want to configure.
How Aireforge Detects Auto Shrink
Aireforge Advisor automatically checks for databases with auto shrink enabled and flags them as a potential performance risk. Aireforge provides recommendations for disabling auto shrink and suggests monitoring for the root causes of database growth. This helps to ensure optimal database performance by addressing the core issue rather than simply shrinking the data files.