How to download Microsoft Access

For those who don't already have Access on their PC

There are 3 requirements to download a free version of Access:

  • You must have a Microsoft Office 365 account. If you don’t already have an account, go to How to get Microsoft Office 365 to get a free account.
  • You must have a PC that uses Windows OS
  • You must be able to download software on this PC

Follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Computer screen graphic with representation of Microsoft Access app

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Log in to your Microsoft Office 365 dashboard

If you don’t already have Microsoft Office 365 bookmarked, go to the link below to sign in.

https://login.microsoftonline.com

Screenshot of Microsoft Office 365 dashboard

2. Install Office 365 on your computer

Microsoft Access is not available in the online version of Office 365. You’ll need to download Office 365 suite to your computer. Follow the steps below:

  1. From the Office 365 dashboard click on the “Install apps” button in the upper right corner.
  2. Choose “Microsoft 365 apps” from the dropdown menu.
  3. A popup will appear. Follow the prompts to install Microsoft Office 365 on your computer.

Note: You will need a stable internet connection when downloading – the downloading process can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on the speed of your internet connection and your computer.

Screenshot of Microsoft Office 365 dashboard showing an orange box around the "Install apps" button and an orange box around the download instruction popup

3. Open Access on your computer

Navigate to your Window’s Start Menu where you will see Microsoft Access.

Screenshot of Windows Start Screen showing Microsoft Access app circled in red