If you click the official Microsoft link today, you’ll get a 404 error or a redirect to Azure Data Studio. Microsoft has purged the direct ISO links.
While Microsoft made Developer Edition free starting with SQL Server 2016 (and later 2017+ via Docker), the 2012 version was technically a paid product. However, since it is end of life (EOL) —extended support ended July 12, 2022—Microsoft no longer sells it. sql server developer edition 2012 download
Here is the legal gray area: You cannot buy a new license. But if you have an old MSDN subscription key or a legitimate product key from back in the day, you are allowed to download the bits for archival/development use. If you click the official Microsoft link today,
If you are not shackled to a legacy app, download SQL Server 2022 Developer Edition (free & legal) and set your Database Compatibility Level to 110 (SQL Server 2012). However, since it is end of life (EOL)
It did everything Enterprise did. No caps. No throttling. Just pure, unadulterated database power for your local machine.