Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation setup. Step 3: Force Install the Second Version via Command Line
To ensure that both providers are correctly registered on your local machine, check your system Registry. Press Windows Key + R , type , and press Enter . For the 64-bit provider , navigate to:
To download the provider for both 64-bit and 32-bit environments, you must install the Microsoft Access Database Engine Redistributable . Official Download Links
| Item | Details | |------|---------| | | Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable (x64) or Microsoft 365 Access Runtime (x64) | | Connection string provider name | Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 (use this name even if newer runtime is installed) | | 64-bit installer filename | accessdatabaseengine_X64.exe | | 32-bit installer filename | accessdatabaseengine.exe | | Bitness rule | ACE provider architecture must match your calling application’s architecture | | Installing both architectures | Install one normally, then install the other with /quiet flag | | Support status | Access Database Engine 2016 support ended Oct 14, 2025; Microsoft 365 Access Runtime is the replacement |
Your application’s architecture does not match the installed provider. Fix: download microsoft.ace.oledb.12.0 provider for both 64-bit
Console.WriteLine(reader["YourColumn"].ToString());
using (OleDbConnection connection = new OleDbConnection(connectionString))
Installing the 64-bit provider is straightforward if you do not have a conflict with 32-bit Office applications. Download . Run the executable as an administrator. Follow the installation wizard prompts.
To download and install the provider for 64-bit systems, you must download the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 Redistributable . While newer versions like 2016 exist, the "12.0" provider specifically refers to the 2010 engine components. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation
Standard installation of one version will often block the other if it detects a bitness mismatch with installed Office products. Follow these steps to force a dual installation:
After installation, the provider will be registered in the OLE DB list. You can verify via:
Complete Guide to Downloading the Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 Provider for 64-Bit and 32-Bit Systems
If you have 64-bit Microsoft Office installed, you must download the 64-bit driver. If you have 32-bit Office, you must use the 32-bit driver. Step 2: Installing the Provider (64-Bit) For the 64-bit provider , navigate to: To
You can find the necessary installers at the official Microsoft Download Center . While the 2010 version is older, it is often cited for the "both bitness" workaround.
Standard GUI installer conflict. Fix: Force the installation using the command line method in Part 4 (passive mode). However, be aware that this can destabilize Office. Back up your registry first.
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to download, install, and troubleshoot the Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider for both 64-bit and 32-bit systems. What is Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0?
This version works better with 64-bit Office 2013/2016/2019/365. It supports modern connection strings and data types. Summary Checklist AccessDatabaseEngine_x64.exe Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 Check Architecture 64-bit Windows & App Must match Run Silent AccessDatabaseEngine_x64.exe /passive Used for 32-bit Office conflict Verify Driver Open PowerShell