Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable Lifecycle

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Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable Lifecycle

Lewis Owen 20

Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable, is this still support after October? Does this follow to end of life path, with Office Applications?

At current we need it for Importing data into SQL, through the Import export Wizard.

Basically, if its ending life - will there be a repalcement?

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Answer 1

Michelle-N 4,105 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Dear @Lewis Owen

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum.

I understand you are asking about the future support for the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable and its replacement, as you rely on it for your SQL Import/Export Wizard. From Microsoft's document, Access 2016 will reach its end of extended support on October 14, 2025. Currently, Microsoft has not provided a separate, official lifecycle policy specifically for the Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable. After reviewing Microsoft's documentation, that there is no official, separate document that specifically announces the support lifecycle for the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable.

Please note that before any service is fully deprecated, Microsoft will provide official communication and clear guidance on the replacement path. As a moderator, I will continue to monitor for a definitive official statement from Microsoft on this topic. Should any specific new information or migration guidance be released, I will be sure to share it with the community as soon as possible.

Appreciate your patience and understanding. We hope the details provided will assist you effectively

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Michelle-N 4,105 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-06T14:43:35.3766667+00:00

Hi @Lewis Owen

Is there any update from you?

If yes, please feel free to let us know.
Lewis Owen 20 Reputation points

2025-08-06T14:47:46.43+00:00

Thanks, for this. Is there any way to get confirmation, there seems to be confusion as with the below message from Karl - which our IT department share that it will end along with Office 2016 products.
Karl Donaubauer 2,171 Reputation points MVP

2025-08-06T17:40:51.5133333+00:00

Hi Lewis,

As Michelle wrote, there is no separate entry for the 2016 Redistributable in the Microsoft Lifecycle listing.

If the Redistributable is not considered a product but a tool, then according to the lifecycle FAQ "Tools are supported along with the product they work with."

Before I wrote my previous reply I checked with a Sr Tech Support Engineer for Access at Microsoft who found my views to be correct.

Unless something better comes along, I'm afraid that might pretty much be the most "confirmation" you'll get without a listed lifecycle.

Servus
Karl

Access Forever News DevCon
Access-Entwickler-Konferenz AEK
Michelle-N 4,105 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-08T14:46:42.8933333+00:00

Dear @Lewis Owen

Thank you for the update.

As Karl Donaubauer mentioned, at this point, Microsoft has not yet made any separate announcements regarding the operational timeline for this support tool. Currently, in our position as moderators, this is the information we have been able to confirm from Microsoft. I truly appreciate your patience, and if there is any new information, I will notify you as soon as possible.

Answer 2

Karl Donaubauer 2,171 MVP

Hi,

Yes, the 2016 Redist support will end in Oct 2025 as for all Office 2016 products.

Without Office/Access installation the suggested replacement is the Microsoft 365 Access Runtime.

You can find more information in this support article.

Servus
Karl

Access Forever News DevCon
Access-Entwickler-Konferenz AEK

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