The Secret to Speeding Up SQL Server? Drop That Index—But Only After This!

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:09:46 +0000

**The Secret to Speeding Up SQL Server? Drop That Index—But Only After This!** Ever wondered why your SQL Server queries feel sluggish despite having indexes? Many users are asking: *What is the real secret to speeding up SQL Server performance?* The answer often lies in a counterintuitive strategy—using—or more importantly, *rethinking index usage*. Dropping unnecessary or misaligned indexes can dramatically improve query speed, but only after careful analysis. For technical teams and database administrators across the US, this approach balances performance and care, avoiding costly or degrading changes. **Why Extreme Indexing Isn’t Always the Answer** In the past, many believed more indexes meant faster performance. In practice, though, every index adds overhead—storage costs, slower data modification, and complex maintenance. Over-indexing leads to fragmented data, increased lock contention, and slower bulk operations. Recent trends show a shift toward strategic, thoughtful index design rather than blanket optimization.