SQL Server Wait Type: PREEMPTIVE_OS_ENCRYPTMESSAGE

Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the database, the request is placed in a queue and the client application must wait for its turn to access the data. The time that the query spends waiting is called a “wait” and is tracked by SQL Server. This information can be used to identify potential performance bottlenecks and optimize the performance of the database. Wait statistics are commonly used by database administrators to diagnose and troubleshoot performance issues in SQL Server.

The SQL Server PREEMPTIVE_OS_ENCRYPTMESSAGE wait type is used to indicate that a thread is waiting for the operating system to encrypt a message. This typically occurs when a thread is sending an encrypted message over a network, and must wait for the operating system to perform the encryption before the message can be sent.

When a thread encounters a PREEMPTIVE_OS_ENCRYPTMESSAGE wait, it means that it is unable to continue with its current task until the encryption operation has completed. This can cause performance issues, as other threads may also be waiting on the same encryption operation to finish before they can continue with their own tasks.

To alleviate this problem, it is important to monitor for PREEMPTIVE_OS_ENCRYPTMESSAGE waits and take action to address any underlying issues that may be causing long encryption times. This could include optimizing the encryption process itself, or identifying and addressing any problems with the network communication that is causing the need for encryption.

Overall, the SQL Server PREEMPTIVE_OS_ENCRYPTMESSAGE wait type is an important indicator of potential performance issues related to encryption operations. By monitoring for this wait type and taking action to address any underlying issues, it is possible to improve the overall performance of your SQL Server database.

More details avilable on this wait type here: http://DatabaseHealth.com/Waits/PREEMPTIVE_OS_ENCRYPTMESSAGE.html

Do you have a favorite tool for monitoring your wait statistics on SQL Server over time? This is something that you can use Database Health monitor to do. More details at http://DatabaseHealth.com.

If you are having performance issues associated with this wait type and need some help, please contact us with our 30 minute consultation link.