How to Run Microsoft Access on Chromebook?

Microsoft Access has been the preferred database management system (DBMS) software for many users for decades because of its flexibility and affordability. Many of these users are accountants who have been using Access databases for tracking invoices, reviewing accounts receivable, and keeping track of company finances.

It is becoming increasingly common for such users to use Chromebooks for their regular operations. These machines are relatively inexpensive, and primarily store data in the cloud. Applications are typically not installed on Chromebooks, Microsoft Access is not supported. In this article, we will explore how users can run Microsoft Access on Chromebooks.

Why Do Accountants Use Chromebooks for Managing Databases?

Using Chromebooks to run Microsoft Access for managing databases is a cost-effective solution for accessing the line of business applications. Here are some of the advantages of using Chromebooks for information management using Access.

• Chromebooks are typically less expensive than Windows and Mac machines.
• These lightweight machines are easier and cheaper to support.
• The malware risk is perceived to be lower in Chromebooks.
• The data stored on the physical machine is minimal, as it is optimized for the cloud.
• Fewer things can go wrong on Chromebooks as they have limited capabilities.

What Are the Challenges of Using Microsoft Access on Chromebooks?

Despite their simplicity and affordability, Chromebooks have many drawbacks.

• They do not natively support Microsoft Access and many other Microsoft applications that are widely used by accountants.
• Many of the Microsoft apps, that are optimized for browsers, are not as feature-rich as the Windows Desktop edition applications.
• It is difficult to share local data stored on Chromebooks.
• Chromebooks are typically not the devices of choice of most IT decision-makers.

How to Use Microsoft Access on Chromebooks?

There are primarily two methods for working with Access databases on Chromebooks. The first method is to RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) into a Windows machine with Access running installed on it. However, this method is neither secure nor reliable as the computer with Access installed on it has to be kept running. The other option is to opt for hosted Microsoft Access, on which we will focus. Here are the advantages of using a virtual desktop with Access that can be used in Chromebooks.

• The hosted remote desktop Access runs on a cloud-based Windows server and can be accessed with any internet-enabled device, including Chromebooks.
• Access databases can be scaled and modernized by upgrading to cloud-based SQL servers, that are safer and more reliable.
• The existing Access databases can be used even when there is no Android equivalent for the solution.
• The Access application will continue to run in the background even if the Chromebook has to be shut down.
• The security, file backups, updates, and other backend activities are outsourced, and users will not have to worry about operational issues.

Apps4Rent Can Help Businesses Run Access on Chromebooks

Although using RDP to use Access databases on Windows machines can be a temporary solution, the only practical method to run Microsoft Access on Chromebooks is by using a Microsoft Access database hosting service.

As a Microsoft Gold partner for the Cloud Platform specialization, and a Tier 1 CSP, Apps4Rent offers several hosting options for Microsoft Access. We can host Access in our top-tier SSAE 16 datacenters, or provide managed Azure services for Access hosting, including on Windows 365 Cloud PC. Contact our MS Access hosting experts, available 24/7 via phone, chat, and email for assistance.