If you are a newcomer to the macOS, then you might be looking for some programs that you are familiar with. These programs can be personal or work-related and in this article, we are going to discuss Microsoft Access for Mac.
We are going to take a look at Microsoft Access’ availability on macOS and also other alternatives that you can use on Apple’s hardware. We are also going to take a look at how to install them. Ready? Let’s get started.
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- Your Mac can have as little as 64GB of free storage space, but at least 128GB of free storage space provides the best experience. Automatic Windows updates require that much space or more. If you have an iMac Pro or Mac Pro with 128GB of memory (RAM) or more, your startup disk needs at least as much free storage space as your Mac has memory.
Contents
- 2 Best Methods to Get Microsoft Access for Mac
- 2.2 2. Using Boot Camp Assistant
Is Microsoft Access Available for Mac?
Microsoft Access is a database management program that is used by individuals and companies. If you have done any prior research on the subject, you might already know that Microsoft does not make a macOS version of their software. But do not worry, as this does not mean you cannot use Access or an Access alternative on your Mac.
In the next section, we are going to take a look at ways you can use Microsoft Access on your Mac and also some of the best alternatives for it.
Best Methods to Get Microsoft Access for Mac
This list contains five things you can do to get Microsoft Access for Mac. The methods are not ranked and offer slightly different advantages, so you can choose whatever suits you best. The first 2 methods on this list will be focused on getting the original Microsoft Access for Mac.
1. Using Virtual Machines
Virtual machines are really cool. They let you emulate another computer system without restarting your system or partitioning your drive. Softwares like VMWare and Parallel Desktop 15 lets you run the Windows operating system without a lot of hiccups. Virtual Machines do cause a slight performance hit but if you choose the right software, this can be minimized. After installing Windows on your VM, you can easily run any Windows application.
I won’t recommend that you buy VM just to use Microsoft Access but if you have other essential Windows programs that have no alternatives or if you need to use Microsoft Access for some reason, you should definitely buy it. You can check out VMWare and Parallel Desktop 15. Both offer trial versions so you can make an informed decision.
2. Using Boot Camp Assistant
Boot Camp Assistant lets you easily install Windows 10 on your Mac and also lets you switch between macOS and Windows during restart. The only reason to consider Boot Camp over virtual machines is that there is no performance hit whatsoever. There are several requirements for this method.
Requirements
- Latest macOS update.
- 16 GB external USB flash drive.
- 64GB or more free storage for a nice experience.
- A 64-bit Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro ISO. You can download it on Microsoft’s website.
Compatible Devices
The following are the compatible devices listed on the Apple website.
- 2015 MacBook or later
- MacBook Air introduced in 2012 or later
- MacBook Pro introduced in 2012 or later
- Mac mini introduced in 2012 or later
- iMac introduced in 2012 or later1
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro introduced in 2013
How to Use Boot Camp Assistant
- Open Boot Camp and follow the instructions. You will be asked to insert your USB drive so that Boot Camp can turn it into a bootable drive for Windows installation. You will also be asked to choose the partition size. Remember that it has to be at least 64GB because you can’t change it later on.
- Your computer will restart soon and it will show you WIndows installer. You will be asked to choose the partition you want to install Windows in. After choosing, press Format.
- Unplug any other drives or external displays (do not unplug the bootable USB drive) and just follow the instructions shown. Windows will be installed.
- After the restart, you will be taken to the Bootcamp WIndow. Install Bootcamp and other Windows drivers and your Mac will restart again. That’s all you have to do.
3. Wizard
If you don’t want the hassle of installing an entirely different OS on your Mac and you are willing to use an alternative to Microsoft Access, then Wizard is for you. Wizard lets you easily create databases and crunch numbers. Just like Access, it offers a ton of features and that is why it is considered Microsoft Access for Mac. You can even import your Access MDB files.
The normal version of Wizard is available on the Mac App Store for $79.99 while the Pro version is available for $199. Both of them offer trial versions so you can use that to make your decisions.
4. File Maker Pro
File Maker Pro is one of the most popular database management programs for Mac. It offers a lot of helpful tools, just like Microsoft’s offering and that is why it is one of the best Microsoft Access alternatives for Mac. It is owned by a subsidiary of Apple so it has nice optimization and design. Although it shares a lot of features with Microsoft Access, it’s also very different from it, the main sticking point being transparency. While Access lets you view underlying tables, File Maker does not let you do that.
The pricing is different for the different numbers of users. You can get an annual subscription or a perpetual license. Check out their prices on their website.
5. MDB ACCDB Viewer
MDB ACCDB Viewer is one of the most powerful database tools for Mac. It supports .mdb as well as the .accdb format. MDB ACCDB Viewer lets you easily view, search and export your data. It also handles large databases with ease. However, while this program can view the data in databases, it cannot display forms or queries. It also cannot modify the database.
You can download MDB ACCDB Viewer for $18.99 from the Mac App Store.
Also Read: RUFUS for Mac
Final Take
That is all there is to know about Microsoft Access for Mac. Hopefully, one of our methods or apps came in handy. If you have any doubts or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section down below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Microsoft offers runtime versions of Microsoft Access so you can create database applications in MS Access and distribute them to non-Access owners. The runtime version allows your users to use your databases without purchasing their own license of Access/Office.
The Microsoft Access Runtime version differs from the retail version in several ways:
- All design-related user interfaces are either removed or disabled
- Database and macro windows are hidden
- Filter By Form, Filter By Selection, and Advanced Filter windows are hidden
- This means your users only use the forms and reports you create and do not work directly with the tables, queries, etc.
- Users cannot create their own Microsoft Access databases or modify the object designs in the database(s) you give them
- There is no Design View. Your users cannot modify your objects including queries and reports.
- The VBA editor is not included. Your users cannot view or modify module code.
- They can view, add, edit, and delete the data in your database
- Special Keys such as Ctrl+Break, Ctrl+G, Shift key when opening the database, and other keys to modify objects or code are not available
- Microsoft Office features such as spell checking are not included. Note that spell checking is available if the user has that version of Office installed.
- Crashes in your VBA code are not handled. Make sure you implement error handling throughout your application.
- No Access help file
Make Sure You Have Error Handling for Runtime Distributions
Because users of the runtime version do not have the design surfaces, it's important that any MS Access application you distribute with the runtime has a robust global error handler in place for all procedures. Otherwise, unexpected errors will cause your application without recourse. The Debug dialog is not available with a runtime deployment.
For more details on error handling read our papers on:
In earlier versions of Microsoft Access, you needed to purchase a special developer version of Access to receive the runtime version and other related resources. Since MS Access 2007, Microsoft has distributed the runtime versions for free. You can download them from here:
Office 365 and Access 2019 Runtime (released January 2019)
Microsoft Access 2016 Runtime (released December 4, 2015)
Microsoft Access 2013 SP1 Runtime (released April 22, 2014)
Original Microsoft Access 2013 Runtime no longer available for download
- Microsoft Access 2010, Service Pack 2 released July 18, 2013 (KB Article KB2687444)
- Original Microsoft Access 2010 Runtime (released May 10, 2010)
Free Microsoft Access 2007 Runtime (released April 28, 2009)
Older versions of Microsoft Access
The runtime versions of Access 2003 and earlier were not free.
Microsoft Office Access 2013 For Mac Free Download
- For Access 2003, get the Office Developer Extensions for Office 2003
- For earlier versions of Access, get the Office Developer Toolkit
Given the deprecation of many features in Microsoft Access 2013, we recommend distributing the Microsoft Access 2010 runtime rather than 2013 in most cases.
As the developer, you have the full version of Microsoft Access to create your database application. Rather than have a different machine to test how your application behaves with the runtime version, Microsoft offers a way to run MS Access in runtime mode. Read our paper for more details:
Launching Microsoft Access with your database is similar to the way you would do so with the regular version of Access. Simply launch the msaccess.exe followed by the name of your database. Your database should launch with an Autoexec macro or have a startup form defined. Without it, nothing will appear as the runtime version does not expose the database container to users.
Here's a history of all the Microsoft Access major version releases, service packs, and recent updates with a summary of enhancements, deprecated features and other changes.
Our custom software development team has extensive experience creating Microsoft Access solutions that are deployed to users around the world using the Access runtime version.
Ms Access Download
Total Access Startup for Deployment
In conjunction with our Total Access Startup program, application deployment can be managed and updated centrally.
RemoteApp and Terminal Services to Eliminate User Installations
We also have experience using Terminal Services and RemoteApp to support users over the Internet to run Access applications without having to install Access on their local machines. By hosting the Access application in a secure data center, Mac users and other non-traditional Access users can run your Microsoft Access application from their device.
Consulting Services
Contact our Professional Solutions Group for details.