How to fix Error 4110 on Windows Server 2025 / Windows 11

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Troubleshooting Guide: SQL Server Error 4110

Why This Error Happens

Error 4110 occurs when a Transact-SQL statement passes a parameter of an incompatible data type to a built-in function or stored procedure that expects a specific type. This commonly happens after application updates, schema changes, or when implicit conversion rules change between SQL Server compatibility levels. In SQL Server 2025, stricter type-checking in certain T-SQL functions (especially those related to JSON, vector operations, and date/time handling) can surface this error even in queries that worked on older compatibility levels.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

Step 1: Identify the Offending Query and Function

  • Capture the full error message, including the function name (%s) and argument position (%d) from SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or the application log.
  • Use SQL Server Profiler or Extended Events to trace the exact query executing at the time of failure.
  • Check the Windows Event Viewer under Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > SQL Server for correlated error entries.

Step 2: Verify Data Types and Explicit Casting

  • Open the query in SSMS and inspect the parameter or column feeding the flagged argument.
  • Use SELECT sys.dm_exec_describe_first_result_set() or sp_describe_first_result_set to confirm expected vs. actual data types.
  • Add explicit CAST() or CONVERT() functions around the argument to match the expected type (e.g., CONVERT(nvarchar(max), @value)).

Step 3: Check Database Compatibility Level

  • Run the following to check current compatibility level:
  • SELECT name, compatibility_level FROM sys.databases WHERE name = 'YourDatabaseName';
  • If the database was recently migrated to SQL Server 2025, temporarily test with a prior compatibility level to confirm if stricter type enforcement is the cause:
  • ALTER DATABASE YourDatabaseName SET COMPATIBILITY_LEVEL = 160;
  • If the issue resolves at a lower compatibility level, update the application code rather than permanently downgrading compatibility.

Step 4: Update or Patch the Application Layer

  • Review any ORM frameworks (Entity Framework, Dapper, etc.) or client drivers (ODBC, OLE DB) for outdated type mappings.
  • Update the Microsoft OLE DB Driver or ODBC Driver to the latest version certified for SQL Server 2025 and Windows Server 2025/Windows 11.
  • Restart the SQL Server service after driver updates:
  • Restart-Service -Name 'MSSQLSERVER' (via PowerShell, run as Administrator)

Step 5: Validate Function Signatures Against Documentation

  • Cross-reference the function in question (e.g., JSON_VALUE, DATEADD, VECTOR_DISTANCE) against the official SQL Server 2025 Transact-SQL documentation for updated argument type requirements.
  • Adjust stored procedures or application queries to align with the documented signatures.

Alternative or Verification Steps

  • Re-run the original query or application transaction in SSMS after applying the CAST()/CONVERT() fix and confirm no Error 4110 is thrown in the Messages pane.
  • If the error persists, isolate the issue by executing the function independently with hardcoded literal values of the correct type to confirm whether the root cause lies in the data source rather than the function call itself.