Access Evolved
FAQ · Modernization and migration

Can Microsoft Access be migrated to SQL Server?

Yes. Access tables can be moved to SQL Server while Access forms, reports, queries, and VBA continue serving as the front end.

Short answer

Yes. Access tables can be moved to SQL Server while Access forms, reports, queries, and VBA continue serving as the front end.

What this means in practice

This approach can improve data reliability, backup options, concurrency, permissions, and scalability without immediately replacing the entire user interface.

✓Assess data types, primary keys, indexes, relationships, and invalid data.
✓Create and secure the SQL Server database.
✓Migrate and reconcile table contents.
✓Relink Access tables through ODBC.
✓Update queries and VBA that behave differently against a server.
✓Test performance, record locking, reporting, and failure recovery.

The practical next step

Simply moving tables does not guarantee faster performance. Queries and forms may need to be redesigned so filtering and processing happen on the server rather than transferring large datasets to Access.

Related guidance

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This answer provides general guidance. The right recommendation depends on your application, data, users, licensing, and business requirements.