How to Install Microsoft 365 Access Runtime 64-Bit Offline
Question details
The user needs a complete offline installer for the Microsoft 365 Access Runtime 64-bit because the standard setup file is a web installer that fails on computers without internet access.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Access Runtime
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Deploying the Access Runtime environment on disconnected or air-gapped computers so users can run existing ACCDE database files.
- Observed behavior
- The default OfficeSetup file attempts to download the runtime during installation and fails because the target computers do not have an active internet connection.
Ensure you have access to a separate, internet-connected computer and a USB flash drive or network share to securely transfer the downloaded installation files to your offline target machines.
Use the Office Deployment Tool for Offline Installation
The most reliable method is to use Microsoft's Office Deployment Tool (ODT) to download the necessary runtime files on an online PC, then install them locally on the offline target PCs.
The small OfficeSetup file provided by default is a web installer, meaning it fetches the installation files during setup. To bypass this, ODT allows you to download the full package in advance and deploy it locally.
On a computer with internet access, navigate to the official Microsoft Download Center and download the Office Deployment Tool executable.
Run the downloaded file to extract the ODT components, which include 'setup.exe' and sample configuration XML files, into a new, easily accessible folder.
Create or modify a configuration XML file in a text editor to specify the download of the 64-bit Access Runtime product.
Open Command Prompt, navigate to your ODT folder using the 'cd' command, and run 'setup.exe /download configuration.xml' to fetch the complete offline installation files.
Copy the entire ODT folder, including the newly downloaded 'Office' folder, 'setup.exe', and your XML file, to a USB drive and move it to the offline computer.
On the offline computer, open Command Prompt, navigate to the transferred folder, and run 'setup.exe /configure configuration.xml' to complete the installation locally.
Temporarily Connect the Target Computer to the Internet
If configuring the Office Deployment Tool is too complex for your scenario, temporarily connecting the offline computer to the internet is the fastest alternative workaround.
Need a Lightweight Office Suite for Your Offline Computers?
While WPS Office does not natively run Microsoft Access databases, it is the perfect alternative for handling Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. It provides a complete, offline-friendly installer, ensuring seamless deployment across your organization without requiring an active internet connection.
- 1. Download the Offline Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website on a connected device and download the full offline installation package.
- 2. Transfer the Setup File: Use a secure USB flash drive or a local network share to transfer the setup file to your disconnected computers.
- 3. Install and Deploy: Run the installer locally and follow the on-screen prompts to fully equip your offline PCs with a robust productivity suite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Microsoft 365 Access Runtime installer fail on my offline computer?
The default setup file provided by Microsoft is a web-based installer (typically only a few megabytes). It requires an active internet connection to download the actual, larger installation files during the setup process.
Can users create new databases using the Access Runtime?
No. The Access Runtime environment is exclusively designed to allow users to execute and interact with existing databases (such as ACCDE or ACCDB files). It lacks the design and modification tools found in the full version of Microsoft Access.
Where can I find the Office Deployment Tool?
The Office Deployment Tool (ODT) is available for free from the official Microsoft Download Center. Be sure to download the latest version to ensure compatibility with current Microsoft 365 deployment protocols.
How do I know whether to install the 32-bit or 64-bit Access Runtime?
You must match the architecture of the runtime with any existing Microsoft Office products installed on that specific computer. Additionally, ensure it aligns with the bit-version the target ACCDE database was originally compiled for.
