How to Fix Monaco Editor Formatting Issues in Access Pass-Through Queries
Question details
The user needs to fix or report unexpected formatting behavior and bugs when using the Monaco editor for pass-through queries in Microsoft Access.

- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing SQL pass-through queries using the newly integrated Monaco editor in Microsoft Access.
- Observed behavior
- The Monaco editor introduces unwanted SQL formatting, unexpected carriage returns, view switching bugs, and incorrect Form view options.
Ensure you have saved your current queries and take note of the exact steps that trigger the unwanted formatting so you can accurately report the bug.
Use SQL View and Report to Microsoft Feedback Portal
Since these formatting issues are tied to built-in Monaco editor bugs, use the standard SQL View as a workaround and submit a detailed bug report to Microsoft.
The new Monaco SQL editor in Microsoft Access has known formatting and view switching bugs. While Microsoft works on rolling out updates to resolve these issues, you can bypass some of the erratic behavior by explicitly using SQL View and ensuring Full Menus are enabled. To ensure a permanent fix, reporting your specific scenario to the Access development team is crucial.
Open your pass-through query and explicitly switch to 'SQL View' from the ribbon rather than relying on automatic view switching.
Go to File > Options > Current Database, and ensure that 'Allow Full Menus' is checked to prevent interface restrictions that might exacerbate view switching bugs.
In Microsoft Access, navigate to Help > Help Improve Office, or visit the official Microsoft Feedback Portal online.
Describe the unwanted carriage returns and formatting issues clearly. Include reproducible steps and attach screenshots, ensuring any sensitive database information is removed.

Looking for a Lightweight Office Suite? Try WPS Office
While Microsoft Access is built for complex database queries, managing your exported data, creating reports, and handling daily documents doesn't have to be frustrating. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for handling spreadsheets, documents, and presentations with a familiar interface.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Manage Exported Data: Open WPS Spreadsheet to seamlessly import, format, and analyze CSV or Excel data exported from your database queries.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Monaco editor add unwanted carriage returns in my SQL code?
This is a known bug in certain versions of the Monaco editor integration within Access. The auto-formatting feature currently lacks the ability to perfectly adapt to all pass-through query syntax, leading to unexpected line breaks.
Can I disable the Monaco editor and use the classic SQL editor in Access?
Currently, Microsoft Access does not provide a direct built-in toggle to revert to the classic SQL editor once the Monaco editor update is rolled out to your channel. You must rely on view-switching workarounds or await future patches.
How long does it take for Microsoft to fix reported Access bugs?
Timelines vary depending on the severity and the number of users affected. Submitting detailed reports through 'Help Improve Office' with reproducible steps significantly increases the likelihood of a faster resolution in upcoming Office updates.




