Why Microsoft 365 Access Runtime Displays as 2016 and Support Lifecycle
Question details
Users need clarification on why Microsoft 365 Access Runtime appears as version 2016 in their installed applications and whether this means the application will expire soon.
- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Checking installed applications and verifying software support lifecycles.
- Observed behavior
- The installed Microsoft 365 Access Runtime application is listed as 'Microsoft Access Runtime 2016', causing confusion regarding its expiration and support status.
Verify the exact version number of your Access Runtime in your system's installed applications list (e.g., version 16.0.17126.20132) to ensure you are running the latest update.
Verify Access Runtime Version and Support Status
Understand Microsoft's naming conventions and confirm that your Access Runtime will not expire despite the 2016 label.
The naming of Office and Microsoft 365 products is often tied to underlying legacy architecture, which is why Microsoft 365 Access Runtime may inappropriately display as 'Access Runtime 2016'.
Rest assured, the Access Runtime version label does not dictate expiration. Microsoft Access applications will not expire simply because of this naming convention, and they will continue to run seamlessly on compatible operating systems based on the applicable Microsoft product lifecycle.
Press the Windows key, type 'Installed apps' or 'Add or remove programs', and press Enter to open your system settings.
In the search bar under installed apps, type 'Access Runtime'. You will likely see it listed as 'Microsoft Access Runtime 2016 - en-us'.
Click on the application entry or look next to the name to verify the actual build version (e.g., 16.0.17126.20132). This confirms it is the current Microsoft 365 build, despite the 2016 title.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Microsoft Access Runtime 2016 expire?
No, the application will not expire. The '2016' label is simply a packaging and naming convention used by Microsoft. Your application will continue to run normally on compatible operating systems.
Why does Microsoft 365 Access Runtime show version 16.0?
Version 16.0 is the internal root version number Microsoft uses for Office 2016, Office 2019, Office 2021, and Microsoft 365. The specific build number that follows it (like 17126.20132) determines your actual update level.
What happens when Microsoft Access reaches the end of support?
When an Office version reaches its end of support, it stops receiving official security patches and feature updates from Microsoft. However, the software does not stop working and can still be used locally on compatible operating systems.
