Use this version only if you are maintaining legacy software that explicitly requires the 2010 binaries.
Microsoft packages the ACE OLEDB 12.0 provider inside the . You must download the exact version that matches your runtime environment's architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit), not necessarily your operating system. 1. Access Database Engine 2016 (Recommended)
(e.g., 64-bit SQL Server, IIS, Visual Studio targeting x64) 64-bit Office (or No Office installed) 64-bit ( _X64.exe ) 32-bit (e.g., Visual Studio targeting x86, 32-bit Python) 32-bit Office (or No Office installed) 32-bit ( .exe ) 64-bit Application 32-bit Office installed 64-bit (Requires Command Line Override) 🛠️ Step-by-Step Installation Guide Standard Installation Run the downloaded executable ( .exe or _X64.exe ). Follow the on-screen setup wizard. microsoft ace oledb 12 download
The ACE engine parses complex binary formats. Do not point the provider to untrusted, user-uploaded Excel or Access files to prevent remote code execution vulnerabilities.
Choosing the wrong architecture is the #1 cause of installation failures. Use this cheat sheet to select the correct download: Your Development Env / Host Application Microsoft Office Architecture Driver to Download Use this version only if you are maintaining
Comprehensive Guide to Microsoft ACE OLEDB 12.0: Downloads, Installation, and Troubleshooting
Run these commands in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): 64-bit), not necessarily your operating system
EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1; RECONFIGURE; EXEC sp_configure 'Ad Hoc Distributed Queries', 1; RECONFIGURE; -- Enable dynamic parameters and allow in-process hosting EXEC master.dbo.sp_MSsetpropertyshare 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0', 'DynamicParameters', 1; EXEC master.dbo.sp_MSsetpropertyshare 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0', 'AllowInProcess', 1; Use code with caution. 🛡️ Security Best Practices