If you’re a Microsoft Office user, you might already know that Access is not available for Mac OS, at least through the official channels. This database solution is only available for people who install Windows on their PC. Still, Mac users will be happy to know there is an alternative to this predicament. This article will tell you how to install Microsoft Access for Mac and all its database solutions. 

What Is Microsoft Access?

Access is a database management system and part of the MS Office suite for the Windows operating system. Access is included in Professional and higher editions. Thus, it’s designed for specialists, organizations that want to automate business processes, and professional developers. 

Access uses a relational database engine with a graphical user interface and some software-development tools. It stores data in a unique format and links them. This way, every change you make in some data automatically updates all the linked data. 

Most professionals, developers, and designers use this database software to develop software and business applications from scratch or templates. These also run Access to manage large amounts of data.  

How to Install Microsoft Access on Your Mac?

Since Microsoft Office for Mac does not include Access, the only way to install Access on your Mac is by using a virtual machine.

But what is a virtual machine?

A virtual machine is a software program that simulates a computational system, virtual environment, or operating system. This is an efficient duplicate of a physical machine. 

The best alternative in this regard is using a tool called VirtualBox. This virtual machine allows you to run different operating systems on existing operating systems, in this case, Mac OS. In other words, thanks to VirtualBox, you can have a Windows-computer-like interface within your Mac. Installing Windows on your Mac will provide you with several advantages.

The first thing you need to do to run Microsoft Access on your Mac is to download a .iso file from the Microsoft Store. With this in your hands, you can create a bootable installation media or a virtual machine. 

The second thing you need to do is visit virtualbox.org and download the OS X version. Upon downloading, install it on your Mac. Next, open it and create a new environment.

The next step is to name your virtual machine, select the version of your operating system, and allocate the needed RAM space for it. Finally, you’ll have to select the optical disk or flash drive you’ll use to complete the process and start the virtual machine. Then select “Start.” Now, your system will start to download the latest Windows version.

Then you need to set up the Windows machine the same way you do on a regular Windows computer. Fill out the form with all the details and select the OS you want to install.

Your Mac will restart. Then, you’ll have to enter your Microsoft information. Upon finishing, and after waiting for a while, you’ll see the old and reliable Windows interface of a classic Windows PC. 

The final step is just downloading Office in your Windows environment and installing Mac Microsoft Access. Just run it, and you’ll be in the presence of the familiar Access interface. However, you’ll still need to pay for an Office license to use Access in your new environment. 

At this point, we recommend acquiring a Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus Key Retail Global CD Key on RoyalCDKeys.  This way, customers can enjoy a complete version of the Microsoft Suite on their computers without problems!     

Note 1. Keep in mind that if you are going to download a complete Windows version, you’ll be paying multiple licensing costs. It also requires you to buy separate licenses for Access and Windows, which means extra costs. If you’re going to do it anyway, the cheapest option is to buy Windows 11 Home OEM Key for €3,30. 

Note 2. This method has a disadvantage: inefficient use of hardware resources; thus, your system should run slower. 

MS Access Mac Version - Main Features

• Connector Library. Thanks to this feature, you can integrate multiple data sources and databases between Access and line-of-business apps to generate aggregated visuals and insights. 
• Store Data. This feature allows you to store your data in MySQL Server and Microsoft Azure SQL to enhance reliability, security, scalability, and long-term manageability. 
• Database Templates. These will help you to start quickly by creating custom apps or getting inspired by professionally-designed templates. 
• Visual Basic. It allows you to automate processes and improve the usability of your forms and reports.

Final Thoughts

Having Microsoft Access on Mac now is possible. VirtualBox stands as the free alternative that helps users to install the Access application on Mac desktops. If you’re a Mac user, it is one of the most useful forms to use Microsoft Access on your Mac. And if it is not enough, you can also install and use Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and other desktop applications by purchasing this Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus Key Retail Global at €11,88. Here, at RoyalCDKeys. You can get the latest version of the famous office suite and get Access on a Mac!