Are you looking to a new database from scratch, or do you just need to open a file someone sent you?

You cannot download a permanent free copy of Microsoft Access for Windows 10. But the free Access Runtime lets you run existing databases, and the 1-month Microsoft 365 trial gives you full features temporarily. Always download directly from Microsoft — not from random “free download” websites.

| Method | Free? | Limitations | |--------|-------|--------------| | | ✅ Yes | Can only run existing databases — no designing, editing, or creating new ones | | Microsoft 365 free trial | ✅ Yes (1 month) | Full Access features, but requires credit card and stops working after 30 days | | Access Online (web browser) | ✅ Free with school/work account | Limited to specific org licenses — not for personal use | | Older Access versions | ❌ No | No legal free distribution of Access 2010, 2013, 2016, or 2019 |

You cannot. Access is only offered as part of Office Professional or Microsoft 365. The standalone version was discontinued after Office 2016.

| Your Goal | Best Free Solution | |-----------|--------------------| | Just view an Access database | Microsoft Access Runtime | | Build a new database once | Microsoft 365 30-day trial | | Occasional editing on a budget | OpenOffice Base + MDB Viewer | | Student project | Microsoft 365 Education (free with school email) | | Enterprise reporting | Use Power BI Desktop (free) with Access ODBC |