Buy Access
By Richard Rost
21 days ago
How to Buy Microsoft Access - 2026 Edition
In this video, we will talk about how to buy Microsoft Access in 2026. We will discuss which Microsoft 365 plans include Access, which do not, and common issues that lead people to think Access is missing. I will explain the differences between the subscription and one-time purchase options, clarify frequent sources of confusion, and offer warnings about illegitimate sources. I will also mention the Access runtime edition, compatibility with older versions, and Access alternatives, as well as point you to free resources for learning Access.
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Seems I have to update this video pretty much annually because Microsoft keeps changing things around. Just in case this isn't the most recent version that you landed on, here's a link to the most recent version:
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TechHelp Access, Microsoft Access missing, buy Access 2026, Microsoft 365 plans, Access subscription, Access one-time purchase, Access Personal Family plan, Access Business Standard, Access Enterprise E3 E5, Access standalone 2024, Access web browser, Access Mac version, Access runtime edition, Access alternatives, Office Home and Business 2024
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Intro In this video, we will talk about how to buy Microsoft Access in 2026. We will discuss which Microsoft 365 plans include Access, which do not, and common issues that lead people to think Access is missing. I will explain the differences between the subscription and one-time purchase options, clarify frequent sources of confusion, and offer warnings about illegitimate sources. I will also mention the Access runtime edition, compatibility with older versions, and Access alternatives, as well as point you to free resources for learning Access.Transcript Why is Microsoft Access so hard to find? And why does it seem like it's missing from half the versions of Office that people buy? Welcome to another TechHelp video brought to you by accesslearningzone.com. I'm your instructor Richard Rost.
Today we're going to talk about how to buy Microsoft Access in 2026. Yes, I have to redo this video every year because this seems to change all the time. We'll talk about which version you actually need. I'm going to clear up which Microsoft 365 plans include it, which don't, and how to avoid buying the wrong thing like so many people do.
I still get emails almost every day from people saying, "I can't find Access," or "It didn't come with my version of Office or Microsoft 365," whatever they're calling it today. They say Microsoft must have gotten rid of it. So today we're going to clear up all these misconceptions.
Now I'll say this upfront. I love Microsoft, love them, spent the better part of 30 years working with Access, Office, Word, Excel, all that. But Microsoft's licensing, their naming, and their website can be confusing even to me. So if you're confused, don't worry, you're not alone.
Quick disclaimer before we begin: prices and plans change all the time. If something changes after this video, check my website for updates. I try to keep everything current there.
Let me also say this clearly: Microsoft Access is not dead. It's not going anywhere. Every couple of weeks someone tells me their IT department says their grandma's sister's cousin's former roommate said that Access is being phased out. No, it's not true. Access is alive and well. I've done multiple other videos on this, so go watch those.
There are basically two main ways to get Microsoft Access today. Option one is a subscription, which is what I recommend. Option two is a one-time purchase.
Let's start with the subscription model. Microsoft calls it Microsoft 365. It used to be called Office 365. Same idea, different name.
Now here's the big update that's causing all the confusion right now. Access is no longer just in the business plans. It is now included in the consumer plans too, which is a good thing. So yes, Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family both include Access. That's new compared to how things used to be. It's also still included in the business plans like Apps for Business, which is one that I use, Business Standard, Business Premium, and the Enterprise plans like E3 and E5.
Now if you go to Microsoft's website, sometimes Access doesn't show up clearly in the list of apps. That's been an issue for years. I've been yelling at them for a long, long time now. You go to Microsoft's website, you scroll down, you see all these, and Access isn't listed anywhere. It's in there. It's like the spaghetti sauce. It's in there. They just need to put the logo on there. Please, Microsoft, come on.
If you scroll down, fortunately, all the way down, there's Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote. Okay, there's Access. PC only, which we'll talk about in a second. It's in Personal, Family, and Premium. It's not in Office Home 2024. That's the standalone version. That's not a subscription. We're going to talk about that in just a minute too.
So if you want the simple answer: if you're on Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or one of the standard Business desktop app plans on a Windows PC, you should have Access.
Here's another place where people get tripped up. Not all Microsoft 365 plans include desktop apps. If you have something like Business Basic or a web-only plan, you will not get Access because those are browser-based apps only. They've got Word and Excel and a bunch of other stuff in the browser only. You don't get desktop apps with those.
Also, if you're on a Mac, sorry, there's no Access. It's still Windows only. That has not changed.
So if someone says, "I have Microsoft 365, but I don't see Access," the answer is usually one of four things: wrong plan, web-only plan, they're on a Mac, or it just wasn't installed. Someone might have done a partial install, like just installed Word and Excel and didn't include Access. So check that out too.
Let's talk about that second option: one-time purchase. If you don't like subscriptions, you can still buy Access as a standalone product. As of now, that's Access 2024. It's a one-time purchase. The current price on Microsoft's website is 179.99. I just checked. There it is. Same as it was last time.
The difference: you install it, you own that version, and you get updates and bug fixes for a couple of years, but you won't get new features like you do with the subscription. If you plan on using Access long term, it can be a good deal. If you like getting the latest features and updates, then the subscription is probably better.
There is also a third option called the LTSC, the long term servicing channel. It's mostly for large organizations that want maximum stability and minimal changes. Think hospitals, manufacturing, government. It's not something that most home users or small businesses need and pricing is not publicly listed. I did send them a request last year, still haven't heard back. So no idea what Microsoft sales is doing there, but you probably don't need this one.
Now here's another point of confusion. There are two completely different products that sound very similar. There's Microsoft 365 Home, which is a subscription. Then there's Office Home and Business 2024, which is a one-time purchase.
Microsoft 365 Personal or Family, the subscription, does include Access. Office Home and Business 2024 does not include Access. So someone buys a new computer, they see Home and Business, they assume it has everything, and then they wonder where Access is. It's not there. You'd have to buy Access separately or switch to a subscription. That one catches people all the time.
A few quick notes. These are the slides from last year. It says 2025, but it's still valid today. Access is PC only, no Mac version. We already talked about that. No online version that runs in your browser, like Word or Excel.
There's no free version of Access for developers. However, there is something called the runtime edition that allows you to distribute your database to other users without them needing a full license. So if you've got 10 users and only one developer, let's say you, you only need one paid copy for you. Everyone else can still use their database with the runtime edition and that's free. I got a whole separate video on how to use the runtime, look in the links down below.
Older versions of Access still work on modern Windows systems. In many cases, I've seen people still running Access 2013 or even 2007. But you might run into problems, compatibility issues, etc. I recommend staying with the latest version. That's just me.
Let's talk about something else that's important. Be careful where you buy this stuff. There are a lot of shady websites selling what look like official copies of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Access. Some of them are just plain not legitimate. There are volume licenses being resold improperly and some are just flat out scams.
Same thing with YouTube videos claiming that you can download Access for free. That usually involves cracked or illegal versions. Don't do it. It's not worth the risk. If you're going to buy Access or a subscription, buy it directly from Microsoft or a trusted reseller.
And this is actually the screen of YouTube videos from last year when I type in "download Microsoft Access for free." Let's check it again this year. Looks like I've gone up from number four to number three. So that's good. I see there's still some other ones on here that are talking about, no, no, no, don't do it. Just don't do it. My video is warning people not to do it. In fact, I got this video too, warning people about downloading illegal copies of Access.
You'll also see a lot of Access alternatives pop up when you search online. Those like Airtable and others and some of them are fine for certain use cases, especially web-based stuff. But as far as a full desktop database application, Access is still king of the hill. It's still in a class of its own. And if you find something better than Access, I want to know about it.
So you've got Access. You purchased it. You downloaded it. You install it. What's next? Well, now you've got to learn how to use it. And that's where I come in.
I got a full beginner course. It's absolutely free. It's four hours long. It'll get you up and running building basic databases from scratch. And it's completely free. It's on my website. It's on my YouTube channel. And after that, I got hundreds of hours of additional training going all the way up to the developer level.
Why do I give my Access Beginner Level 1 class away for free? Well, because I've got lots more lessons on my website. Not only do I want to get more people interested in Access and building databases with Access, but I'm hoping you enjoy my beginner class so much that you come back and buy some more. My additional lessons aren't that expensive. Level two starts at just one dollar and they go up from there.
So stop by my website. Check them out. I got all my outlines on here. I've even got some seminars and some SQL Server stuff and lots more.
And don't forget to check out all my free TechHelp videos. I try to release a new one every couple days and you'll find a whole bunch of them on my YouTube channel and on my website. And there's lots of them.
So there you go. I hope this helps you to navigate the maze of options on Microsoft's website. I'll put some links down below, including a link to the version of MS 365 that I have, the Apps for Business. Like I said, it's eight bucks a month. It includes Access and everything else I need. You'll find a link to that and a whole bunch of other stuff down below.
That's going to do it for your TechHelp video for today. I hope you learned something. Live long and prosper my friends. I'll see you next time.Quiz Q1. Which Microsoft 365 consumer subscription plans now include Microsoft Access?
A. Only business plans include Access
B. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family
C. Only Enterprise plans (E3/E5)
D. Access is not included in any Microsoft 365 plans
Q2. Why might a user have Microsoft 365 but not see Access on their computer?
A. They may have the wrong or web-only plan
B. Their subscription is too expensive
C. Access was discontinued
D. Access only works on mobile devices
Q3. What is true about Microsoft Access availability on Mac computers?
A. Access runs natively on Macs
B. Access can be used in a browser on Macs
C. Access is only available for Windows PCs
D. Access is included with all Apple devices
Q4. What is the main difference between buying an Access subscription versus a one-time purchase?
A. One-time purchase gives new features forever
B. Subscription provides ongoing updates and new features
C. One-time purchase is necessary for online use
D. Subscription is always cheaper than a one-time purchase
Q5. What is the LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) version of Access intended for?
A. Home users who want free software
B. Advanced users who program in SQL
C. Large organizations needing maximum stability
D. Students who need temporary access
Q6. If a user buys Office Home and Business 2024, will Access be included?
A. Yes, Access is always included
B. No, Access is not included and must be purchased separately
C. Only included if bought from a third-party site
D. It depends on the country
Q7. What should users be cautious of when looking to buy Microsoft Access online?
A. Microsoft only sells Access in physical stores
B. Only the runtime edition is legitimate
C. Scams and unofficial volume license resales
D. Access cannot be purchased legally anymore
Q8. What is the purpose of the Access runtime edition?
A. For developers to build applications
B. To allow users to use Access databases without a full paid license
C. To enable running Access on Macs
D. For viewing Access files online
Q9. What is the main risk of downloading Access from non-official sources or YouTube videos promising free versions?
A. Slow download speeds
B. Outdated user interfaces
C. Possibility of cracked/illegal and unsafe software
D. No risk; all versions are legitimate
Q10. If someone needs Access with the latest features and updates, what is the recommended way to obtain it?
A. Use Access 2013
B. Buy the Office Home and Business 2024 version
C. Subscribe to Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or qualifying Business plans
D. Install the runtime edition
Q11. What is NOT true about Access compared to web-based database alternatives?
A. Access is king as a full desktop database application
B. Some web-based alternatives may suit certain use cases
C. Access no longer works on Windows
D. Access is in its own class for desktop databases
Q12. According to the video, what should you do after buying and installing Access?
A. Start learning to use it with free beginner courses
B. Try to get a refund
C. Install it on as many Macs as possible
D. Uninstall all other Office apps
Answers: 1-B; 2-A; 3-C; 4-B; 5-C; 6-B; 7-C; 8-B; 9-C; 10-C; 11-C; 12-A
DISCLAIMER: Quiz questions are AI generated. If you find any that are wrong, don't make sense, or aren't related to the video topic at hand, then please post a comment and let me know. Thanks.Summary Today's video from Access Learning Zone tackles a question I receive regularly: why is Microsoft Access so difficult to find, and why does it seem to be missing from so many versions of Office? I am Richard Rost, your instructor, and I'm here to clear up the confusion about buying Microsoft Access as we head into 2026. The purchasing landscape changes frequently, so it's important to understand which versions include Access, and how to avoid making an expensive mistake by purchasing the wrong one.
Almost every day, I get messages from people saying, "I can't find Access," or "My version of Office or Microsoft 365 did not come with Access." Some even think Microsoft has discontinued Access. Let me set the record straight: Microsoft Access is very much alive. It is not being phased out or discontinued despite rumors circulating in many IT departments. I've covered this topic in other videos, so feel free to look those up for more details.
First, understand that Microsoft's product names, licensing details, and even their website can be quite perplexing, even for those of us who work with these products every day. If you are feeling lost, trust me, you are in good company.
Before I go any further, remember that Microsoft's pricing and product bundles change regularly, so make sure to check my website for any updates if you see something that has changed since this video was published.
Now, let's review how you can get Microsoft Access today. There are two main methods. The first is through a subscription, which is usually the easiest and the method I recommend. The second is a one-time purchase.
Starting with the subscription, Microsoft now calls this service Microsoft 365, although it used to be known as Office 365. The biggest bit of news in recent years is that Microsoft Access is now available in the consumer subscription plans, not just the business ones. So, both Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions provide Access. This is a change from how things used to be, so if you subscribe to one of these plans, you are covered. Access is also included with business plans like Apps for Business, Business Standard, Business Premium, and in enterprise plans such as E3 and E5.
One source of confusion is that Microsoft's website often omits Access from its list of included applications. It is still included, even if it takes some digging to find it on their lists. You may have to scroll extensively before you find Access listed alongside Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, and when you do, you'll see that Access is available for PC only.
Access is not included in the standalone version Office Home 2024, which is a one-time purchase and not a subscription. We'll look at that more closely shortly.
For a simple summary, if you use Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or any of the standard Business desktop app plans on a Windows PC, you should have Access.
A common issue is that not all Microsoft 365 subscriptions include desktop apps. Some plans, such as Business Basic or other web-only plans, only provide browser-based versions of Word and Excel and do not offer desktop applications at all. Access will not be available in those cases.
If you are using a Mac, unfortunately, there is still no version of Access for macOS, and that limitation has not changed.
Generally, if a user cannot find Access on their system, the problem is usually that they have chosen the wrong plan, selected a web-only offering, are using a Mac, or perhaps installed only some Office components and left Access out. Make sure to review the plan details and install all the necessary applications.
Now, let's talk about the second purchasing route: the one-time purchase model. If you prefer not to use a subscription, you can buy Access as a standalone application. The latest version is Access 2024, and as I checked at the time of this recording, it is $179.99. When you buy Access this way, you own that specific version and receive updates and bug fixes for a couple of years, but you will not get the ongoing new features that are released to subscription users. If you want stability and a one-time cost, this could be a good solution. But if you like new features and frequent updates, stick with the subscription.
There is also the LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) version, designed mainly for large organizations like hospitals, manufacturers, or government agencies who need maximum reliability. This option is not usually practical for small businesses or individuals, and its pricing is not publicly listed.
Be cautious about confusing two similar-sounding products: Microsoft 365 Home (which is a subscription) and Office Home and Business 2024 (which is a one-time purchase). Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions include Access, but Office Home and Business 2024 does not. Many people buy a new computer with Office Home and Business, assume Access is included, and are surprised when it is missing. In these cases, you will have to purchase Access separately or switch to a subscription plan.
Let me run through a few important notes. Access is still Windows-only; there is no version for Mac and no web-based version like Word or Excel. There is also no free developer version of Access. However, Microsoft does offer a runtime edition, which allows you to distribute your database to users who do not have a paid Access license. For example, if you develop a database for your team, only the developer needs a full Access license, while other users can use the free runtime edition.
Still using an older version of Access? Many people continue to run Access 2013 or even 2007 on current Windows systems. While this will often work, you may face compatibility issues or limitations. I recommend staying up to date with the latest version.
Be very careful about where you purchase Access or Office. There are many illegitimate websites selling what look like valid copies, but they might be volume licenses being resold improperly, or even fully pirated versions. Stick to purchasing directly from Microsoft or a reputable reseller.
The internet is also full of videos and websites promising free downloads of Access, but these typically involve cracked or illegal versions. Do not fall for these offers - it is not worth the risk. I also have videos warning viewers about downloading fraudulent copies of Access.
You may also come across Access alternatives like Airtable and others. While some web-based options work well for certain needs, when it comes to full-featured desktop database applications, Access remains the leader in its category. If you do find something truly better, let me know.
Once you have purchased and installed Access, the next step is to actually learn how to use it. That is where I step in to help. I offer a completely free four-hour Access Beginner course that will get you started building basic databases from scratch. It is available on my website and YouTube channel. Beyond that, I have hundreds of hours of additional Access training up to developer-level material, with affordable pricing.
The reason I make my beginner course free is because I want as many people as possible to discover the benefits of learning Access, and of course, I hope you enjoy it enough to return for more advanced lessons, which start at just one dollar.
Visit my website to find the course outlines, seminars, training on SQL Server, and much more. And remember to check out my collection of free TechHelp videos, which I update regularly both on YouTube and on my website.
I hope this information helps you navigate the sometimes confusing options for purchasing Microsoft Access. You'll find links below to the version I currently use, Apps for Business, along with other helpful resources.
You can find a complete video tutorial with step-by-step instructions on everything discussed here on my website at the link below. Live long and prosper, my friends.Topic List Finding Microsoft Access in Microsoft 365 subscriptions
Which Microsoft 365 plans include Access
Differences between consumer and business Microsoft 365 plans
Availability of Access in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family
Distinction between web-only and desktop app plans
Access availability on Windows vs Mac
Troubleshooting reasons Access is missing after installing Office
Buying Access as a standalone one-time purchase
Details about Access 2024 one-time purchase
Updates and feature differences between subscription and standalone versions
Explanation of the LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) version
Differences between Microsoft 365 Home and Office Home and Business 2024
Limitations of Access regarding free and online versions
Distribution of databases using Access Runtime edition
Compatibility of older Access versions with modern Windows
Risks of purchasing Access from unofficial sources
Dangers of downloading cracked or pirated Access copies
Alternatives to Microsoft Access and their limitations
Overview of getting started learning Access after purchaseArticle Many people find themselves confused when searching for Microsoft Access, often wondering why it seems so difficult to locate or why it appears missing from certain Office or Microsoft 365 packages. To clear up these issues, let's walk through exactly how to get Microsoft Access in 2026 and avoid the common pitfalls that trip up so many users.
First and foremost, Microsoft Access is still widely available and actively supported. Contrary to popular myth, it is not being discontinued or phased out any time soon. Access remains a top choice for building powerful desktop database applications.
You basically have two main ways to buy Microsoft Access: the subscription route, which I usually recommend for most users, or a one-time purchase. Let's break down both options.
The subscription version is part of the Microsoft 365 family, which was previously known as Office 365. Up until recently, Access was only included with Microsoft's business plans, but now it's available with consumer plans too. This means that Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions both include Access. Of course, it's still in the business-focused subscriptions as well, such as Microsoft 365 Apps for Business, Business Standard, Business Premium, and in the enterprise plans like E3 and E5.
When browsing Microsoft's website, Access doesn't always appear in the main app lists, which can lead to confusion. You often have to scroll down the page to spot its mention, usually next to a note that Access is "PC only." It's true - it runs only on Windows, not on Macs, and there's no browser version like there is for Word and Excel.
If you have Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or any standard business desktop plan on a Windows computer, you should have Access available to you. However, not every Microsoft 365 plan includes the desktop apps. Plans like Business Basic or other "web only" options do not include Access - these are strictly for browser-based apps. You also will not find Access on Macs.
Suppose you have Microsoft 365 but can't find Access. Usually, this is due to one of four things. You might be on the wrong plan that doesn't include it, you've chosen a web-only plan, you're using a Mac, or perhaps Access simply wasn't installed in the initial setup. Sometimes people only install Word and Excel and forget about Access; in that case, running the installer again and adding Access will resolve the issue.
If you aren't interested in a subscription, you can buy Microsoft Access with a one-time purchase. As of now, the version is Access 2024, and the last checked price was $179.99. With a one-time purchase, you own the right to that version, including updates and bug fixes for a limited time, but you won't receive new features released in the future. If you want to keep up-to-date with the latest improvements, the Microsoft 365 subscription remains the better choice.
There's also a third variant called the Long Term Servicing Channel, or LTSC. This edition is meant for large organizations, like hospitals or government agencies, which desire maximum stability with minimal changes. Its pricing isn't public and it's not something most home users or small businesses would need.
A notable source of confusion comes from the similarity in product names. Microsoft 365 Home (or Personal), a subscription service, does include Access. Office Home and Business 2024, which is a one-time purchase often bundled with new PCs, does not include Access. Many people buy a PC, see Office Home and Business, and assume it will have Access, but it does not. In that case, you would either need to buy Access separately or get a Microsoft 365 subscription.
There are no online-only versions of Access and there's no version for Macs. Access is a Windows desktop app only, and there isn't a free developer version. However, Microsoft offers the Access Runtime, which lets you distribute Access databases for free to other users who do not have a paid license. For example, if you are the developer and build a database, your end users can run the database with the free runtime edition without buying Access for themselves. Only the developer needs the paid copy of Access.
Older Access versions like Access 2013 or even 2007 still work on modern versions of Windows, but you may encounter compatibility issues as time goes on. It's best to stick to the latest version if possible.
You should always buy Microsoft Access or Office directly from Microsoft or a reputable reseller. There are many unofficial sites and shady vendors selling counterfeit or improper licenses, as well as YouTube videos claiming to offer Access for free, often involving illegal downloads. Avoid these options. Download only from official channels to keep your system safe and legal.
Searching for Access alternatives will lead you to tools like Airtable. While those can work for lighter, web-based records or forms, for full-featured desktop database work, Access still leads the pack.
Once you have Access, the next step is learning how to use it. There are plenty of resources available, including detailed beginner courses that cover building basic databases from scratch. Many of these are free and supplemented by more advanced lessons that you can purchase as your needs grow.
In summary, Microsoft Access is still available; you simply need to be aware of the plan differences. If you're on Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or any of the main business plans on Windows, you have Access. Avoid plans that are web-only, and remember that Access doesn't exist for Mac or in browser form. Be wary of misleading sites or offers, and know that legitimate, safe purchasing options are always best.
Now that you're armed with the right information, navigating the Microsoft Office lineup and finding Access for your needs should be much easier. If you want to take your skills further, plenty of training is available to get you started and help you reach the expert level in Access development. |
