Microsoft Access Runtime – Free Download & Installation Guide
The Microsoft Access Runtime is a free version of Microsoft Access that allows you to run an existing Access database without having the full version of Microsoft Access installed.
If you need to use an Access database but don’t need to design or modify it, the free Access Runtime may be all you need.
Current version: Microsoft 365 Access Runtime
Cost: Free
Available in: 32-bit and 64-bit versions
Suitable for: Running existing Microsoft Access applications
What is the Microsoft Access Runtime?
Microsoft Access Runtime provides the components required to run an Access application on a computer that doesn’t have the full version of Microsoft Access.
It is particularly useful for businesses that have a professionally developed Access database with multiple users. Rather than purchasing Microsoft Access for every user, the application can be distributed to users together with the free Runtime.
There is no charge for downloading or using Microsoft Access Runtime.
The main difference is that the Runtime removes or disables many of the design and development features available in the full version of Access.
What can you do with Access Runtime?
A properly developed Access application can operate much like it does with the full version of Microsoft Access.
Depending on how the database has been designed, users can normally:
- open and use forms;
- add and edit records;
- run reports;
- search and filter information;
- run VBA code built into the application;
- print and export information; and
- work with databases connected to SQL Server or Azure SQL.
What you generally cannot do is use the Runtime as a development environment.
For example, you cannot normally use it to redesign forms and reports, modify VBA code or make the kinds of design changes that an Access developer would make using the full version.
Where to get the Microsoft Access Runtime
The free Microsoft Access Runtime enables you to distribute Access applications to users who do not have the full version of Access installed on their computers.
You can find the various version here:
Office 365 / Access 2019 Runtime
Or contact us for more information.
Do not install the Access Runtime on a computer that already has the full version of Access installed as this will cause problems.
