What is Microsoft Access?
Microsoft Access is a Windows desktop application for building relational databases with tables, queries, forms and reports. Authoring an application and running a distributed Access application have different software requirements.
Who is Microsoft Access for?
Teams building and maintaining Windows database applications with a named owner for the data model, deployment and backups.
Choose the database application and its owner
Access combines relational data with forms and reports in a desktop workflow. Identify who designs the application, who enters records and who maintains the working files.
Microsoft’s deployment guidance separates application design from distribution. Compare Airtable for a different shared-data workflow or SQL Server when a separate database-server requirement is involved.
Microsoft Access features
The core capabilities to consider for your workflow.
- Relational tables and queries
- Forms for data entry and reports for output
- Desktop database application design and deployment
Microsoft Access pricing
Paid plans / trial
Access is included in selected Microsoft 365 offers and has standalone purchase routes. Confirm the Windows app entitlement; Runtime distribution and full design access are separate decisions.
Calculate the cost of your quote →Free access & evaluation
Full Access authoring requires an appropriate licence. Microsoft provides a separate free Access Runtime for running suitable deployed applications.
Before you choose Microsoft Access
Access is PC-only; confirm the supported Windows and Office arrangement.
Free Access Runtime does not provide the full application-design environment.
Shared use, database growth, backup and deployment need a plan beyond creating a file.
Check the actual workflow
Use fictional records to check relationships, a data-entry form, a query and the final report. Specify where data will be stored, how users receive the application and who handles updates and recovery.
The free Runtime supports running suitable distributed applications. It does not replace the full authoring environment. Check the actual Office architecture and deployment requirements before choosing a distribution route.
Explore related database tools
Microsoft Access FAQs
Is Microsoft Access free?
Full Access authoring needs an appropriate licence. The separate Microsoft 365 Access Runtime is available as a free download for suitable deployed applications.
Does Microsoft Access run on a Mac?
Microsoft lists Access as PC-only. Confirm a supported Windows setup rather than assuming a native Mac authoring application.
Is Access Runtime the same as full Microsoft Access?
No. Runtime is for running suitable distributed Access applications. The full application-design environment needs the appropriate Access entitlement.
What can I build with Microsoft Access?
Access provides relational tables, queries, data-entry forms and reports for desktop database applications. Plan shared access, deployment and ongoing data ownership separately.