Office Apps Freezing

How to Fix Microsoft Access Runtime Hanging After Update 16.0.17928.20114

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need a workaround for Microsoft Access Runtime hanging in the background and failing to close properly after finishing tasks.

Fix Microsoft Access Runtime Hanging After Update 16.0.17928.20114

Product: Microsoft Access Runtime
Device & OS: Windows Server
Scenario: Running scheduled scripts and generating automated reports.
Observed behavior: The MSAccess.exe process and the associated LDB lock file remain active even after reports finish, which prevents subsequent scheduled scripts from continuing.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows Server to manually terminate frozen processes and apply system-level workarounds.

Solution 1Recommended

Automate the Termination of the MSAccess.exe Process

Since the process fails to close on its own, forcefully terminating it via script ensures your scheduled tasks can continue without interruption.

This is a known bug introduced in recent Microsoft Office updates where the Access Runtime process does not exit cleanly. Implementing a taskkill command acts as an effective workaround until an official patch is released.

Open Your Scheduled Script

Locate the batch file or PowerShell script that handles your automated Access report generation and open it in a text editor like Notepad.

Add the Taskkill Command

Insert the command `taskkill /f /im msaccess.exe` immediately after the line that executes the Microsoft Access report.

Save and Test

Save the script and run a test execution. Verify in the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) that MSAccess.exe is successfully cleared from the 'Details' tab after the report finishes.

Automate the Termination of the MSAccess.exe Process

Temporary Workaround: This method forcefully closes the application and clears the LDB file. Ensure your report generation process has fully completed before the taskkill command is triggered.

Solution 2

Roll Back to a Previous Office Build

Reverting your Microsoft Office installation to a version prior to update 16.0.17928.20114 removes the bug entirely.

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Experience a Stable Office Environment with WPS Office

While waiting for Microsoft to resolve complex Access Runtime bugs, you can rely on WPS Office for your daily document, spreadsheet, and presentation tasks. It offers a lightweight, crash-free experience that won't disrupt your workflow.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick installation prompts.
3. Open Your Files: Instantly open and edit your existing .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files with zero compatibility issues.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight architecture ensures fast loading and smooth performance without background freezing.All-in-one suite design keeps your workspace organized in a single familiar interface.Completely free for standard daily office use with built-in PDF editing tools.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the LDB file remain active after generating my Access reports?

The LDB file is a locking information file created by Access. Because the MSAccess.exe process is hanging in the background due to a bug in update 16.0.17928.20114, the application never officially closes, which prevents the LDB file from being automatically deleted.

Will rolling back the Office update delete my Access databases?

No. Rolling back the Microsoft Office version only affects the software application files. Your databases, scripts, and reports will remain entirely intact.

Is there an official Microsoft patch for this Access Runtime issue?

Currently, this is a known bug documented by the developer community. While Microsoft is aware of it, users must rely on workarounds like task termination scripts or version rollbacks until an official hotfix is deployed.

Does WPS Office include an alternative to Microsoft Access?

WPS Office focuses on providing excellent alternatives for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF editing. It does not include a direct relational database management alternative to Microsoft Access, but it is highly recommended for handling standard office productivity tasks without freezing issues.

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