Find and Fix SQL Server Deadlocks

Locking is required for concurrent operations of relational databases to prevent data inconsistency and loss. However, locking impairs the performance of databases. Moreover, the locking process is often complicated. Deadlocks occur when concurrent processes compete for locks on shared resources. That is, one process holds a lock that another process requests while the second process holds a lock that the first process requests. Without accessing these shared resources, the processes cannot proceed. The database management system then aborts and rolls back one of the two processes so that the other process can continue. Addressing deadlocks requires tuning of applications, databases, and systems. When deadlocks are a persistent problem, changes in the design of applications and databases may be needed.

This solution brief shows how to monitor, alert, diagnose, and report on deadlocks with SQL Diagnostic Manager for SQL Server. In particular, view deadlocks for session and query performance, analyze locked and blocked sessions with deadlocks, and detect deadlocks with prescriptive analysis. Also, access deadlock metrics for managed cloud instances, display deadlocks in the mobile console, and set activity monitor options for deadlocks.