How to Use Microsoft Access on a Mac?

Microsoft Access helps your store, reference, organize, and share information with utmost ease and efficiency. The database management system is also equipped with business application development capabilities. It provides powerful tools that are easy to learn for new users and sophisticated enough for professional developers. Access enables you to create and use databases that simplify information management and sharing. If you are a Mac user and looking for a way to use Microsoft Access on a Mac system, this article can help you with a few methods to do so.

What Are the Methods for Using MS Access on Mac?

Method 1: Virtualization

Microsoft Access is not designed for macOS. However, you can run the Microsoft Access Windows version in a virtual machine in the Mac system created by a software hypervisor that allows multiple operating systems to work in parallel. This method has some drawbacks that include inefficient use of hardware resources and multiple licensing costs.

Method 2: Installing Windows on Mac

Another way to use Access on a Mac is to installing Windows on your Mac machine and selecting Windows in Boot Camp mode. This approach requires you to partition your hard disk for macOS and Windows. So, when you start your machine, it asks you which operating system you would like to continue with. If you choose Windows, you can use a Mac system just like a Windows PC to run Microsoft Access. However, you will have to restart your machine every time you want to switch between the operating systems, which can hamper your productivity. It will also require you to buy separate licenses for Windows and Access, thereby adding extra costs.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

Third-party software or emulator designed to provide a compatibility layer that attempts to allow applications and games developed for Windows to run on other operating systems is one more option. But this method is not recommended as it can severely slow down your machine and can risk your data.

Method 4: Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting is a safe and cost-efficient approach for using Microsoft Access on Mac systems. In this approach, a cloud hosting services provider creates a separate Windows-based virtual machine on the cloud infrastructure and provides you access to it for a monthly fee. Whenever you want to run MS Access applications and databases on your Mac system, you are connected to the virtual machine running in the cloud via the internet. This process is instant, and it is difficult to differentiate between your Windows desktop and cloud desktop look and feel. You can also install other premium utilities offered by Microsoft Office 365 suite on your cloud desktop and use them from anywhere, on any device securely.

Build Your Access Business Applications Online with Apps4Rent

Cloud desktops enable your teams to build business applications using Access from where they are, on whichever system they want, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. This can help you improve efficiency in information management and business application development while reducing costs on the infrastructure in the long run. Apps4Rent provides fully managed Microsoft Access cloud desktops to help you run Access online. As a Tier 1 Microsoft CSP for Microsoft Office 365 solutions, we can also help you select the right package for Office 365 apps like Access, SharePoint, OneDrive, Power BI, and more. Contact our Microsoft certified professionals, available 24/7, for Microsoft 365/Office 365 subscription and Microsoft Access hosting plan inquiries.