Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 Express Available for Download

Microsoft has posted the SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Express on the Microsoft Download Center. SQL Server 2012 Express with SP1 are a free, feature-rich editions of SQL Server that is ideal for learning, developing, powering desktop, web & small server applications, and for redistribution by ISVs. SQL Server 2012 SP1 Express release includes the full version of SQL Server 2012 Management Studio with SP1 instead of SQL Server 2012 Management Studio Express.

How to obtain Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 Express?
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP1 packages are available for download at: Microsoft Download Center website. Download the files appropriate for you.

This download site contains the following packages and service patches for the SQL Server 2012 SP1 Express release:

LocalDB (SqlLocalDB):
LocalDB is a lightweight version of Express that has all its programmability features, yet runs in user mode and has a fast, zero-configuration installation and short list of pre-requisites. Use this if you need a simple way to create and work with databases from code. It can be bundled with Application and Database Development tools like Visual Studio and or embedded with an application that needs local databases.

Express (SQLEXPR):
Express edition includes the SQL Server database engine only. Best suited to accept remote connections or administer remotely.

Express with Tools (SQLEXPRWT):
This package contains everything needed to install and configure SQL Server as a database server including the full version of SQL Server 2012 Management Studio with SP1. Choose either LocalDB or Express depending on your needs above.

SQL Server Management Studio Express (SQLManagementStudio):
This does not contain the database, but only the tools to manage SQL Server instances, including LocalDB, SQL Express, SQL Azure, full version of SQL Server 2012 Management Studio with SP1, etc. Use this if you already have the database and only need the management tools.

Express with Advanced Services (SQLEXPRADV):
This package contains all the components of SQL Server Express including the full version of SQL Server 2012 Management Studio with SP1. This is a larger download than "with Tools," as it also includes both Full Text Search and Reporting Services.

System requirements
Supported operating systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Vista Service Pack 2

• Processor: Intel - compatible processor with a minimum speed of 1 GHz or a faster processor
• RAM: Minimum 512 MB for SQL Server Express with Tools, and SQL Server Express with Advanced Services and 4 GB for Reporting Services that installs with SQL Server Express with Advanced Services
• Hard Disk Space: 4.2 GB of Disk Space

Limitations:
Microsoft SQL Server Express supports 1 physical processor, 1 GB memory, and 10 GB storage.

Reference:

• SQL Server 2012 SP1 Release Notes