Download Microsoft Access Free

Introduction

Microsoft Access is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite (available in editions like Office Professional) and enables users to easily create, manage, and analyze databases through an intuitive graphical interface. With Access, users and businesses can develop customized database applications, generate reports, and handle large volumes of data without needing expertise in SQL or other complex database systems.

In this blog, we will explore how to download Microsoft Access for free, providing a comprehensive guide to obtaining and installing this software. We'll also cover the differences between versions Access 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024, helping you choose the best option for your needs. Keep reading to discover the methods to legally get Microsoft Access free download, step by step!

Can you download Microsoft Access for free?

Microsoft Access is commercial software, meaning there isn't a permanently free full version of Access. Typically, using the complete version requires purchasing a Microsoft Office license or a Microsoft 365 subscription (previously known as Office 365) that includes Access. However, it is indeed possible to legally download Microsoft Access for free by leveraging certain methods provided by Microsoft:

Microsoft 365 Free Trial

Microsoft offers a 30-day free trial of the Office 365 suite (Microsoft 365). This trial includes all Office applications, including Access, allowing you to download Access for free and use it for a limited period without cost. This is an excellent choice if you need Access temporarily or want to test the program before purchasing.

Free Version for Students and Teachers

If you're a student or educator, your educational institution might offer free access to Microsoft Office (including Access) through Microsoft's educational program. Many universities and schools provide Microsoft 365 Education for free to their students and staff. Check with your institution if you qualify for an educational license; if you do, you could download Access for free using your institutional email following Microsoft's instructions for educational accounts.

Microsoft Access Runtime

Microsoft provides a special version called Access Runtime, which can be downloaded for free from its official site. Access Runtime allows you to run Access applications (i.e., open and use databases created by others) without needing the full version installed. Important: Runtime does not allow creating or modifying databases; it is intended only for using already developed applications. If your goal is solely to open an existing Access database without cost, this option is suitable. For developing and designing databases, you'll need the complete version of Access.

Licenses and Older Versions

Although not strictly "free," it's worth mentioning that if you already have a valid Office or Access product key from a previous version (such as Access 2016, 2019, etc.), you can download and install that version of Access without additional cost using your existing license.

If you don't already have a valid license, you can purchase your license from our Licendi store at an affordable price with guaranteed activation.

Later in this blog, we will include dedicated sections on downloading Access 2016, downloading Access 2019, downloading Access 2021, and downloading Access 2024, where we'll provide the corresponding installers for each version (ensuring a secure and legal download).

Is It Legal to Download Access for Free?

Yes, as long as you use the methods mentioned (official trial, educational program, Runtime, or official installers), you are obtaining the software through legitimate means. We do not recommend using pirated versions or downloads from unofficial websites, as they may contain malware or violate Microsoft’s terms of use. The options we present will allow you to get Microsoft Access for free temporarily or with limitations, or at least download the installer legally to later activate the product.

With that clarified, let’s walk you through how to download and install Microsoft Access step by step, assuming you’ll opt for the direct download of the installer for your desired version.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download and Install Microsoft Access for Free

Once you've decided which version of Access you need, you can follow this general guide to download and install Microsoft Access on your PC. This procedure applies whether you're using Microsoft's free trial or downloading a specific version’s installer.

Step 1: Check Requirements and Choose the Right Version

Before downloading anything, make sure your device meets the minimum system requirements to run Access. All modern versions of Microsoft Access require a Windows operating system (Access is not compatible with Mac unless you use virtual machines or Boot Camp).

• Access 2016: Compatible with Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 (also works on Windows 11). Requires approximately 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended for 64-bit) and around 4 GB of disk space for full Office installation.
• Access 2019 and Access 2021: Require Windows 10 or Windows 11. They do not work on Windows 7 or 8.1. At least 4 GB of RAM and about 4 GB of disk space are recommended.
• Access 2024: Designed for Windows 11 (can also be installed on Windows 10, but Microsoft recommends Windows 11 for full compatibility). Hardware requirements are similar to Office 2021.

Besides OS and hardware, you need to decide whether you need the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Access. This usually depends on your Windows version (modern systems are typically 64-bit) and whether you already have another version of Office installed. Tip: If you don’t have any Office version installed, choose the 64-bit version of Access to better leverage memory on 64-bit systems. If you already have a 32-bit version of Office, you must install Access in 32-bit too (same goes for 64-bit). Microsoft Office does not allow mixing 32-bit and 64-bit applications on the same machine.

Step 2: Download the Microsoft Access Installer

After reviewing the above, proceed to download Access. Further down in this article, you’ll find download links for Access 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024. Choose the version you need and download the corresponding installer (usually provided by Microsoft). Some installers come as disk images (ISO or IMG) containing the setup files, while others are direct executable files (.exe). Download sizes may vary: a full Office/Access installer can take up 2 to 4 GB, so be patient and ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection to avoid interruptions.

Step 3: Prepare for Installation (Mount ISO Image if Necessary)

• If the downloaded file is an executable (.exe), this step is simple: locate the file (usually in your “Downloads” folder) and double-click it to run. The Microsoft Access or Office installation wizard should launch automatically.
• If the downloaded file is an ISO/IMG disk image, you’ll need to mount the image to access the setup files. On Windows 10 and Windows 11, just right-click the .iso file and select "Mount." This will create a virtual drive on your system with the installer contents. (Alternatively, you can use third-party software to mount the image or burn it to a DVD/USB, but the right-click method is the fastest.) Once mounted, open the drive in File Explorer to view the installation files.

Step 4: Launch the Installation Wizard

Inside the installer content (either the mounted disk or executable), look for a file typically named Setup.exe or Setup.iso (this may vary slightly by version). Double-click it to start installing Access. At this point, a Microsoft Office or Access window will likely appear, preparing the necessary files.

• In more recent versions, a window may first appear asking you to accept the license terms. Read them if you wish, then check "I accept the terms" to continue.
• In older versions (e.g., Office 2016), you may be asked to choose the type of installation (Quick or Custom). The Quick or "Typical" install will set up Access with default settings. If you choose Custom, you can select which Office components to install (e.g., just Access instead of the full Office suite). For most users, the typical installation is recommended.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

After launching the installer, wait while all files are copied. The duration of this process depends on your system’s speed and may take several minutes. Avoid turning off your PC during installation. A progress bar will show the current status.

Once the wizard finishes, you’ll see a message indicating that the installation was successful. Click "Close" or "Finish" as prompted. Congratulations — Access is now almost ready to use on your computer!

Step 6: Activate Microsoft Access

Although Access is now installed, you must activate it with a valid license to use it without restrictions (unless you are in a free trial period). When you first open Microsoft Access, it will likely prompt you to sign in with your Microsoft account or enter a product key:

• If you're using the free trial of Microsoft 365, sign in with the same Microsoft account you used to activate the trial. This will enable temporary Access usage during the trial period.
• If you installed a perpetual version (2016, 2019, 2021, 2024) and already have a product key, enter it when prompted. The key is usually a 25-character code. After entering it, the program will verify it online and activate your license, allowing full use of Access.
• If you don’t have a license yet and just want to try Access, you may choose to skip activation. Microsoft Access will work in limited mode for a few days; after that, if not activated, it will switch to read-only mode (you can open databases but not edit or create new ones). Note: For full and continued use, you’ll eventually need to obtain a legitimate license.

Step 7: First Launch and Optional Setup

Once activated, Microsoft Access is ready to use. You can search for "Access" in the Windows Start menu and open the application. On first launch, you might see a short tutorial or be asked to choose a color theme (Light, Dark Gray, Black — the latter is the dark mode). Access 2021 and later support dark mode, which can be configured under File > Options > General > Office Theme. Choose the one that suits you best for comfortable work.

That’s it! With these steps, Microsoft Access should now be installed and working on your PC. Up next, we’ll go over specific features of each version (2016, 2019, 2021, 2024) to help you decide which one suits you best if you're still undecided.

Differences Between Microsoft Access Versions (2016, 2019, 2021, 2024)

Microsoft Access has evolved with each version, adding new features and improving performance. If you're unsure which version to download, here's a summary of the main differences and highlights of each:

Microsoft Access 2016

Released as part of Office 2016, this version retained most features from Access 2013 while improving stability and some interface elements. Access 2016 includes the “Tell Me” tool in the menu bar, helping you find functions quickly by typing keywords. For many users, Access 2016 is still sufficient—especially in environments still using Windows 7 or 8. It’s a stable and mature version with support for .ACCDB databases (introduced in Access 2007) and backward compatibility with older formats. Note that starting with Office 2016, Microsoft changed its editions: Access 2016 is not included in Office Home & Student or Home & Business, only in Office Professional Plus or as a standalone purchase. This led many users to search for “Access 2016 download” separately after discovering their Office suite didn’t include it.

Microsoft Access 2019

Part of Office 2019, Access 2019 introduced several enhancements over 2016. It reintroduced support for dBASE files (.dbf), allowing users to import or link dBASE tables again. It also added 11 new modern chart types for creating more visually appealing reports and forms directly within Access. Other upgrades include support for the Large Number (BigInt) data type, useful for SQL Server integration; the ability to sort properties in the Property Sheet for easier navigation; a new “Label Name” property to easily associate labels with controls; and improved ODBC connection stability (with automatic retries if the connection drops). In short, Access 2019 is ideal if you need advanced charting and broader data source compatibility. It requires Windows 10/11 and is officially supported until October 2025.

Microsoft Access 2021

Included in Office 2021 (also known as Office LTSC 2021 in business editions), Access 2021 includes all improvements from 2019 plus several enhancements. New features in Access 2021 include an improved “Add Tables” pane that stays open while working in queries or relationships, making it easier to add tables with fewer clicks; a refined tabbed interface for better object navigation; and an updated Linked Table Manager offering a centralized view of all linked data sources, allowing you to refresh, relink, or remove them more easily. Access 2021 also introduced the Date/Time Extended data type for greater timestamp precision (aligned with SQL Server’s DateTime2 type). Of course, Access 2021 supports dark mode and general performance improvements. It’s a solid choice for users on Windows 10 or 11 who want a perpetual license with modern support (backed until around 2026 for LTSC).

Microsoft Access 2024

This is the latest version of Access available as a perpetual license (one-time payment). Part of the Office 2024 suite released in late 2024, Access 2024 includes all Access 2021 features plus some previously exclusive to Microsoft 365. Access 2024 improvements include: a native Dataverse connector for seamless integration with Microsoft Power Platform data; a new Edge-based web browser control for forms (replacing the outdated browser control with Chromium); Large Address Aware enabled by default (Access can use more memory on 64-bit systems, ideal for large databases); the ability to digitally sign VBA modules for better security; an option to open queries directly in SQL view; the ability to disable missing linked table alerts; and improved limits for open tables and concurrent connections, allowing Access to handle larger workloads more efficiently.

It's important to note that with Office/Access 2024, Microsoft made distribution changes: there is no longer a standalone Office 2024 Professional edition including Access. Businesses can get Office LTSC Professional Plus 2024 (volume licensing), but home users only have editions without Access. As a result, many users now purchase Access 2024 as a standalone product. Fully compatible with Windows 11, Access 2024 is expected to be supported until 2029. If you're looking for the latest and most complete version—and especially if you use Windows 11—Access 2024 is the recommended choice.

Now that you know the key features of each version, you can decide which best fits your needs. In the next section, we’ll provide download links for each Access version, so you can get started safely and quickly.

Download Microsoft Access by Version

Below you’ll find various Microsoft Access versions ready for download. Select the version you need and get the official installer. (Remember: you’ll need a valid license or subscription to activate the product permanently, except for the Runtime version.) All download links are official or verified, ensuring you're getting the original software without modifications.

Access 2024 Download

Microsoft Access 2024 is the newest version, ideal for those looking for the latest features and full compatibility with Windows 11. By downloading Access 2024 for free (official installer), you can install it and either use a trial or activate it with a license. Make sure to check if your system is 32-bit or 64-bit and download the matching version to avoid compatibility issues. Access 2024 offers enhanced performance and all the features mentioned earlier, making it the best choice for modern environments.

• Download Access 2024

Access 2021 Download

If you prefer a proven and stable version, Access 2021 is an excellent choice. You can download Access 2021 for free using the installer provided below and install it on Windows 10 or Windows 11. This version includes most modern features and has the advantage of being a perpetual license (no subscription required) with ongoing support. After downloading, follow the installation guide above to install Access 2021 smoothly. Make sure your Windows system is up to date for a seamless installation process.

• Download Access 2021

Access 2019 Download

For users running Windows 10 and needing compatibility with specific formats or functions, Access 2019 remains a very useful option. You can download Access 2019 for free using the official installer linked below. Then, install it on your system and activate it with an Office 2019 product key or via subscription if applicable. Access 2019 is known for its reliability and for reintroducing dBASE support, among other enhancements—making it ideal for maintaining databases in a standard business environment.

• Download Access 2019

Access 2016 Download

If your PC runs on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, Access 2016 is the last compatible version with those operating systems. Here you can download Access 2016 for free (the original Microsoft Office 2016 installer that includes Access). Even though it’s an older version, Access 2016 still provides all the essential functionality to create and manage desktop databases. Once downloaded, you can activate the product using your Office 2016 license key. This version is ideal for legacy systems or users who already have an Office 2016 key and want to add Access to their suite.

• Download Access 2016

Note: While we refer to "free download" of these Access versions, please remember that full and prolonged use of the software requires activation. The download itself is free, but a license is needed to unlock all features. Fortunately, downloading the Access installer (for any version) does not obligate you to pay until you choose to activate it—so you can get the file with no commitment and test the product first.

Conclusion

In summary, downloading Microsoft Access for free is possible by taking advantage of the legal options Microsoft provides—such as free trials, educational programs, or downloading official installers to be used with a valid license. If you don’t yet have an Access license, remember that you can easily purchase one from our store, Licendi, where we offer original licenses at affordable prices with full activation guarantee. In this article, we've covered both the methods to get Access for free and a step-by-step installation guide, along with useful information on different versions (Access 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024) to help you make the best decision.

Microsoft Access remains a powerful and versatile tool for database management. Now, with the download links we've provided and the tips included, you can download Microsoft Access safely and quickly on your device. Follow the installation recommendations, check your system compatibility, and in just a few minutes you’ll have Access up and running.

We hope this blog has been helpful and that you can enjoy Access for free during your trial period or with the licenses available from Licendi. Let’s get started! Download the version you need, install the software following the guide, and start building your own databases with Microsoft Access. If you found this guide useful, feel free to share it with others who are looking for a free Access download and installation tips. Best of luck with your Access projects!