What is the difference between Shrink Database and Shrink File?

The difference between Shrink Database and Shrink File is DBCC ShrinkDatabase(): shrink all files and DBCC ShrinkFile(): shrink just one file. 

For example, you may have a log backup issue and it's grown out of control so you run DBCC ShrinkFile().

You almost never use ShrinkDatabase.

Last Updated: March 31, 2025