Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Microsoft Access Form Opening with Previous Session Size

Tauseeq Magsi Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent a Microsoft Access navigation form from opening with the window size of the previous session, which leaves unwanted excess white space on the screen.

How to Fix Microsoft Access Form Opening with Previous Session Size

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening a navigation form in Access 2016 where form sizing properties do not seem to affect the apparent window size.
Observed behavior: The form opens using the dimensions from the previous session and displays excess white space, ignoring the AutoResize property and basic VBA settings.

Before you start

Before modifying your database properties or adding VBA code, create a backup copy of your Microsoft Access file to prevent any accidental data loss or interface corruption.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Form as Pop-up and Hide the Main Access Window

Use this solution to separate your form from the main Access application window, ensuring the form sizes correctly without the background white space.

The excess white space you see is likely the main Microsoft Access application window, not the form itself. Because navigation forms are often constrained by the application's main frame, modifying the form's properties alone will not shrink the background window.

To resolve this, you can configure your form to act as a standalone pop-up window and use a simple VBA command to minimize or hide the Access application window entirely.

Enable Pop-up in the Property Sheet

Open your form in Design View. Press F4 to open the Property Sheet. Under the 'Other' tab, find the 'Pop Up' property and change it to 'Yes'.

Verify AutoResize Settings

While still in the Property Sheet, navigate to the 'Format' tab. Ensure the 'Auto Resize' property is set to 'Yes' so the form will automatically size to fit its content.

Add VBA to Hide the Main Window

Go to the 'Event' tab in the Property Sheet and click the ellipsis (...) next to 'On Load'. Choose 'Code Builder'. In the VBA editor, enter the command: DoCmd.RunCommand acCmdAppWindowMinimize to minimize the background application window when the form opens.

Configure Form as Pop-up and Hide the Main Access Window

Presentation Improved: Hiding the application window provides a cleaner, more professional application interface that relies solely on your custom form's dimensions.

Solution 2

Use the MoveSize Method in VBA

If you prefer to keep the main Access window visible but need to force the form to a specific dimension every time it opens, use the MoveSize method.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Access form have so much excess white space?

The extra white space is typically the main Microsoft Access application window running in the background, rather than the form itself. Navigation forms open inside this main application frame, which retains its previous size.

Does the AutoResize property affect the main application window size?

No, the AutoResize property only affects the form window. To change or hide the main Access application window size, you must use specific VBA commands or Windows API calls.

What is the difference between AutoResize and MoveSize in Microsoft Access?

AutoResize is a form property that automatically sizes a form window to display complete records without scrollbars. MoveSize is a VBA method that moves or resizes the active window to precise coordinates defined in the code.

Can I completely hide the Access application window and only show my form?

Yes. You can hide the main application window by setting your form's 'Pop Up' property to Yes and using a VBA command (such as minimizing the app window) or utilizing Windows API calls in your module to completely hide the background interface.

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