Merge pull request #303247 from AbhishekMallick-MS/Jul-24-2025-EEE

Addressed EEE doc ask #28656238

Author: prmerger-automator[bot]

articles/backup/sql-support-matrix.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 title: Azure Backup support matrix for SQL Server Backup in Azure VMs 
 description: Provides a summary of support settings and limitations when backing up SQL Server in Azure VMs with the Azure Backup service.
 ms.topic: reference
-ms.date: 05/29/2025
+ms.date: 07/24/2025
 ms.custom: references_regions 
 ms.service: azure-backup
 author: AbhishekMallick-MS
@@ -20,8 +20,8 @@ You can use Azure Backup to back up SQL Server databases in Azure VMs hosted on
 --- | ---
 **Supported deployments** | SQL Marketplace Azure VMs and non-Marketplace (SQL Server manually installed) VMs are supported.
 **Supported regions** | Azure Backup for SQL Server databases is available in all regions, except France South (FRS).
-**Supported operating systems** | Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 (all versions), Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 <br/><br/> Linux isn't currently supported.
-**Supported SQL Server versions** | SQL Server 2022 Express, SQL Server 2022, SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2017 as detailed on the [Search product lifecycle page](https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search?alpha=SQL%20server%202017), SQL Server 2016 and SPs as detailed on the [Search product lifecycle page](https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search?alpha=SQL%20server%202016%20service%20pack), SQL Server 2014, SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2008 <br/><br/> Enterprise, Standard, Web, Developer, Express.<br><br>Express Local DB versions aren't supported.
+**Supported operating systems** | Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 (all versions), Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 <br/><br/> Additional configuration is required for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2. Learn how to [set VM permission](backup-azure-sql-database.md#set-vm-permissions). <br><br> Linux isn't currently supported. 
+**Supported SQL Server versions** | SQL Server 2022 Express, SQL Server 2022, SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2017 as detailed on the [Search product lifecycle page](https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search?alpha=SQL%20server%202017), SQL Server 2016 and SPs as detailed on the [Search product lifecycle page](https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search?alpha=SQL%20server%202016%20service%20pack), SQL Server 2014, SQL Server 2012. <br/><br/> Enterprise, Standard, Web, Developer, Express.<br><br>Express Local DB versions aren't supported.
 **Supported .NET versions** | .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later installed on the VM
 **Supported deployments** | SQL Marketplace Azure VMs and non-Marketplace (SQL Server that is manually installed) VMs are supported. Support for standalone instances is always on [availability groups](backup-sql-server-on-availability-groups.md). <br><br>  Note that the SQL databases that are part of a AlwaysOn AG and are synced from SQL Managed Instance aren't supported.
 **Cross Region Restore** | Supported. [Learn more](restore-sql-database-azure-vm.md#cross-region-restore).