Download Microsoft.ace.oledb.12.0 Provider For Both 64-bit 99%
This is the most critical step. If you already have 32-bit Office installed on your computer, running the 64-bit installer directly will fail with an error message saying you cannot install 64-bit Office components alongside 32-bit Office.
Option A: You do not have Office installed (or you have 64-bit Office)
Simply double-click the downloaded AccessDatabaseEngine_X64.exe file and follow the prompts.
Option B: You have 32-bit Office installed (Common Scenario) If you have 32-bit Microsoft Office but need the 64-bit driver for a server application (like SQL Server Integration Services), you must perform a Silent Install via the Command Prompt to bypass the version check.
The "12.0" release corresponds to Office 2007/2010 era. However, it remains the most widely referenced version in legacy connection strings. Even modern systems often request this specific version due to hard-coded application dependencies.
Once installed, you need the correct connection string syntax.
Even with the correct download links, errors happen. Here are solutions to the top 3 errors.
Most users only need one architecture. Here is how to do it cleanly.
Scenario A: You only have 64-bit tools (e.g., 64-bit SQL Server, 64-bit SSIS).
Scenario B: You only have 32-bit tools or 32-bit Office
After installation, the provider will be registered in the OLE DB list. You can verify via: download microsoft.ace.oledb.12.0 provider for both 64-bit
Your connection string will look like this:
Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\Data\Sales.xlsx;Extended Properties="Excel 12.0 Xml;HDR=YES";
To successfully download Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider for both 64-bit and 32-bit, follow this checklist:
/passive workaround — but prefer separate environments.The error “Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider is not registered” is completely solvable. By matching bitness and using the official Microsoft downloads, you can restore full Office file access to your applications within minutes.
Last Updated: October 2024
Microsoft Product Support Lifecycle: The ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider remains supported as part of the Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable, which is currently in extended support until October 14, 2026.
Need help with a specific error? Leave a comment below (or contact your system administrator with the exact error code).
To download and install the Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider for 64-bit systems, you must install the Microsoft Access Database Engine Redistributable
. While the specific 2010 version associated with the "12.0" identifier is legacy, newer versions remain compatible and are recommended for modern environments. Data Savvy Recommended Downloads
Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable (Recommended) Official Microsoft Download Center provides the 2016 version, which supports the Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 connection string. To get the 64-bit version, select AccessDatabaseEngine_X64.exe during the download process. Microsoft 365 Access Runtime For environments using Microsoft 365, you can download the Access Runtime
, which includes the latest ACE drivers for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. Installation Notes Version Compatibility This is the most critical step
: The 2016 driver (ACE 16.0) is downward compatible and will work with connection strings specifying Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 Bit-Level Conflict
: By default, you cannot install the 64-bit version if a 32-bit version of Microsoft Office is already installed (and vice versa). Silent/Passive Install
: If you encounter errors about existing Office installations, you can force the installation via the command prompt by adding the switch to the file path. C:\Downloads\AccessDatabaseEngine_X64.exe /passive ManageEngine Verification
After installation, the provider should appear in your system's ODBC Data Source Administrator (64-bit) or be accessible via code using:
Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=yourfile.accdb; specific connection string
for a different file type, such as Excel or an older .mdb database? Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable
To download the Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider for a 64-bit environment, you need the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 Redistributable . While newer versions like the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016
are available and often downward compatible, the "12.0" version specifically refers to the 2010 release. Download Links Access Database Engine 2010 (Direct Driver): Download from the Official Microsoft Download Center AccessDatabaseEngine_x64.exe for the 64-bit provider. Access Database Engine 2016 (Updated Alternative): Download from This version provides the Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.16.0 provider, which can often be used in place of 12.0. SS&C Blue Prism Community Installing Both 32-bit and 64-bit Providers
By default, Microsoft prevents installing the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the Access Database Engine on the same machine. To bypass this restriction and install both: AccessDatabaseEngine.exe (32-bit) and AccessDatabaseEngine_x64.exe (64-bit) files. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator. Run with Passive Switch The "12
: Navigate to your download folder and run the installer using the
C:\Users\Name\Downloads\AccessDatabaseEngine_x64.exe /passive for the 32-bit version if needed. Registry Fix (If needed)
: If you encounter errors after installing both, you may need to delete the registry value located at
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Common\FilesPaths to prevent version conflicts. SQLServerCentral Verification To confirm the 64-bit provider is correctly registered: : Create a new text file, rename its extension to , and double-click it. Under the
tab, look for "Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine OLE DB Provider". Application Bit-ness
: Ensure your application (e.g., Visual Studio, Excel, Power BI) is set to run in 64-bit mode
(x64), as a 64-bit application cannot use a 32-bit provider. Microsoft Learn connection string
example for your application to ensure it targets the 12.0 provider correctly? Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable