Microsoft Access lets you easily create your own database apps in formats that serve your business best. But the new Microsoft Access 2021 is better, with improved features.

With Microsoft Access 2021, you’ll build and share a database in seconds. All you need to do is supply the information and let Access do the rest. This makes it easy for you or your team to create and structure your company data. You can also use reports and queries to put your data into the format you want, so your apps consistently look great.

If you’re upgrading to Microsoft Access 2021 from Access 2019, you’ll still have all your Access 2019 features, but you’ll also notice some new ones!

Microsoft Access 2021 Features

The new and changed features in Access 2021 in the high-end Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021 are:

Refresh, remove or relink your linked tables

The Access 2021 database includes a Linked Table Manager. This provides a central location for viewing and managing all linked tables/data sources. If from time to time, you may need to edit, refresh, relink, delete, or find linked tables, this updated feature will make your work easy. Changes to data source location, table schema, or table name shouldn’t be a bother anymore.

The new Access Date/Time Extended data type has better precision

Microsoft has applied SQL (Structured Query Language) to implement the DateTime2 data type into Access to enhance syntax compatibility with SQL. This will improve accuracy and detail level in dates and time records. Date range shouldn’t be a problem because the DateTime2 data type includes a larger date range (0001-01-01 through 9999-12-31) with higher-specified time precision (nanoseconds, rather than seconds).

Keep tabs on your Access database objects

Now, you can clearly see your open/active tab, easily drag/rearrange tabs, and close your database objects with just one click. Tables, reports, forms, and queries will appear in your Access tabs by default. You can still display objects in overlapping windows.

Dark theme support

Access now supports dark gray and black themes. This is perfect for those who prefer a softer take on high-contrast visuals.

Add tables with fewer clicks

Use the new feature called Add Tables task pane, which stays open while you work, to add tables to queries and relationships.

SQL View Improvements

Use Microsoft’s Find and Replace dialog box in the Access SQL View to search for and replace text in an SQL statement. This is especially useful for long statements.

Query Designer Improvements

Microsoft has added new time-saving options for Access table objects. In the Query Design View, right-click to select Open, Design View, or Size to Fit. Better view now.

Relationships Window Improvements

You can now quickly adjust the table size to reveal additional fields and relationships, select a subset of tables and relationships, and scroll horizontally and vertically using your mouse’s scroll wheel.

Microsoft Access 2021 System Requirements