Microsoft Access Runtime Distribution and Free Downloads

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:

• Error Handling and Debugging Techniques for Microsoft Access, VBA, and Visual Basic 6 (VB6)
• Pinpointing Exactly Where A Crash Occurs in Your Module Code

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:

Given the deprecation of many features in Microsoft Access 2013, we recommend distributing the Microsoft Access 2010 runtime rather than 2013 in most cases.

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.

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.