This error happens because the necessary driver—the —is missing, specifically for the architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) that your application is running.
Disclaimer: Note that support for the 2016 Access Database Engine Redistributable ended on October 14, 2025. The recommended long-term solution is migrating to Microsoft 365 Access Runtime. If you'd like, I can: download microsoft.ace.oledb.12.0 provider for both 64-bit
: If you are working with modern platforms like Visual Studio 2022, Microsoft recommends upgrading your connection string to use the fully supported Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable ( Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.16.0 ). This error happens because the necessary driver—the —is
After installation, the provider will be registered in the OLE DB list. You can verify via: If you'd like, I can: : If you
This article explains how to download, install, and troubleshoot the 64-bit Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider. What is Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0?
Type cmd , right-click , and select Run as administrator . Locate your downloaded 64-bit installer file. Type the full file path followed by the /passive flag. Your command should look exactly like this:
Open (not ISE) and run: