---
title: "ODBC Driver 18 Compatibility with DataShed4 and SQL 2022"
canonical: "https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/DS/1461288974/ODBC%20Driver%2018%20Compatibility%20with%20DataShed4%20and%20SQL%202022"
format: markdown
---
**Issue:**

A new **ODBC Driver 18** was released this year, and users are experiencing issues with encryption features when setting up ODBC connections. These issues are not present when using the **ODBC Driver 17**.

**Background:**

ODBC Driver 18 introduces enhanced encryption features, which may not be fully compatible with existing configurations. This has led to connection issues for some users when attempting to connect to SQL databases.

**Symptoms:**

When attempting to set up an ODBC connection using **ODBC Driver 18**, users encounter the following error when trying to connect:

![image-20241024-045715.png](media://5133e852-48be-4c05-8272-68dfd177b551)

*Error Message: Issues related to encryption features when configuring ODBC connections.*

**Solution:**

The workaround for the ODBC Driver 18 connection issue involves following these steps:

**Initial Configuration:**

When first setting up the ODBC connection, **do not change the default database**. Leave it as is.

![image-20241024-045645.png](media://e23507cc-79a7-4553-8338-8cc3d7bf731d)

**Encryption Settings:**

Continue to the next form in the setup wizard and set the encryption option to **"Optional"**.

![image-20241024-045626.png](media://a91702eb-f8af-4245-a77e-353c2169e9a9)

**Database Selection:**

After adjusting the encryption setting, go back to the first form and select the desired database as you normally would.

This method bypasses the encryption issues and allows a successful ODBC connection using Driver 18.

**Reference:**

For more information about ODBC Driver 18 and its new features, you can refer to Microsoft’s official documentation here:  
[Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/odbc/microsoft-odbc-driver-for-sql-server?view=sql-server-ver16)