SQL 2019 install…what is AzureAttestService?

Question

We started the installation and configuration of SQL Server 2019 on Windows 2019 and noticed after install a new service named 'AzureAttestService' was running and set to automatic. Services list the Description and Group field also as AzureAttestService. Below are a few questions:

• What is the purpose of this service?
• What is the relationship with SQL Server 2019?
• Any negatives of stopping and disabling this service?

I've researched, but haven't found much information on AzureAttestService. If anyone has information on this service and can share I'd be greatly appreciative.

Thanks!

Answer 1

This service has to do with the Always Encrypted with Enclaves feature. I have sent a note to the team to get this more explicitly documented for customers. Some scenarios will break if that service is not enabled.

Conor Cunningham