---
title: "Get-DbaDbDataClassification"
description: "Retrieves data classification information for columns in SQL Server databases"
url: "https://dbatools.io/Get-DbaDbDataClassification/"
availability: "Windows, Linux, macOS"
tags: ["DataClassification", "Classification", "Compliance", "Security"]
author: "the dbatools team + Claude"
source: "https://github.com/dataplat/dbatools/blob/master/public/Get-DbaDbDataClassification.ps1"
last_updated: "2024-01-01"
---

# Get-DbaDbDataClassification

## Synopsis

Retrieves data classification information for columns in SQL Server databases

## Description

Retrieves data classification labels stored as extended properties on table columns. Data classification  
is used to tag sensitive data columns with information type and sensitivity labels, which helps with  
compliance, data governance, and security auditing.  
  
Classification metadata is stored as four extended properties on each classified column:  
- sys_information_type_id: GUID identifying the information type  
- sys_information_type_name: Human-readable information type name (e.g., "Financial", "Health", "Credentials")  
- sys_sensitivity_label_id: GUID identifying the sensitivity label  
- sys_sensitivity_label_name: Human-readable sensitivity label (e.g., "Public", "General", "Confidential")  
  
These properties are compatible with Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) labels used by SQL Server  
Data Discovery & Classification in SSMS and Azure SQL Database.  
  
Requires SQL Server 2005 or later due to use of sys.extended_properties.

## Syntax

```powershell
Get-DbaDbDataClassification
    [[-SqlInstance] <DbaInstanceParameter[]>]
    [[-SqlCredential] <PSCredential>]
    [[-Database] <String[]>]
    [[-Schema] <String[]>]
    [[-Table] <String[]>]
    [[-Column] <String[]>]
    [[-InputObject] <Database[]>]
    [-EnableException]
    [<CommonParameters>]

```

## Examples

### Example 1: Returns all data classifications across all databases on sql2019

```powershell
PS C:\> Get-DbaDbDataClassification -SqlInstance sql2019
```

### Example 2: Returns all data classifications in the AdventureWorks database

```powershell
PS C:\> Get-DbaDbDataClassification -SqlInstance sql2019 -Database AdventureWorks
```

### Example 3: Returns data classifications for columns in the Customer table

```powershell
PS C:\> Get-DbaDbDataClassification -SqlInstance sql2019 -Database AdventureWorks -Table Customer
```

### Example 4: Returns all data classifications in AdventureWorks by piping the database object

```powershell
PS C:\> Get-DbaDatabase -SqlInstance sql2019 -Database AdventureWorks | Get-DbaDbDataClassification
```

### Example 5: Returns only columns classified as Highly Confidential in AdventureWorks

```powershell
PS C:\> Get-DbaDbDataClassification -SqlInstance sql2019 -Database AdventureWorks | Where-Object SensitivityLabel -eq "Highly Confidential"
```

### Optional Parameters

##### -SqlInstance

The target SQL Server instance or instances.

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Alias |  |
| Required | False |
| Pipeline | false |
| Default Value |  |

##### -SqlCredential

Login to the target instance using alternative credentials. Accepts PowerShell credentials (Get-Credential).  
Windows Authentication, SQL Server Authentication, Active Directory - Password, and Active Directory -  
Integrated are all supported.  
For MFA support, please use Connect-DbaInstance.

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Alias |  |
| Required | False |
| Pipeline | false |
| Default Value |  |

##### -Database

Specifies which databases to search for data classifications. Only applies when connecting directly via SqlInstance.

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Alias |  |
| Required | False |
| Pipeline | false |
| Default Value |  |

##### -Schema

Filters results to columns in the specified schema(s).

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Alias |  |
| Required | False |
| Pipeline | false |
| Default Value |  |

##### -Table

Filters results to columns in the specified table(s).

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Alias |  |
| Required | False |
| Pipeline | false |
| Default Value |  |

##### -Column

Filters results to the specified column name(s).

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Alias |  |
| Required | False |
| Pipeline | false |
| Default Value |  |

##### -InputObject

Accepts database objects piped from Get-DbaDatabase.

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Alias |  |
| Required | False |
| Pipeline | true (ByValue) |
| Default Value |  |

##### -EnableException

By default, when something goes wrong we try to catch it, interpret it and give you a friendly warning message.  
This avoids overwhelming you with "sea of red" exceptions, but is inconvenient because it basically disables advanced scripting.  
Using this switch turns this "nice by default" feature off and enables you to catch exceptions with your own try/catch.

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Alias |  |
| Required | False |
| Pipeline | false |
| Default Value | False |

## Outputs

**PSCustomObject**

**Returns one object per classified column with the following properties:**

- ComputerName: The computer name of the SQL Server instance
- InstanceName: The SQL Server instance name
- SqlInstance: The full SQL Server instance name
- Database: The database name
- Schema: The schema name of the table
- Table: The table name
- Column: The column name
- InformationTypeId: GUID identifying the information type
- InformationType: Human-readable information type name
- SensitivityLabelId: GUID identifying the sensitivity label
- SensitivityLabel: Human-readable sensitivity label name

---

Part of [dbatools](https://dbatools.io/), a free and open source PowerShell module for SQL Server administration. Full command index: https://dbatools.io/commands/