Microsoft Access Process Remains in Task Manager After Closing: How to Fix
Question details
The user needs to identify why Microsoft Access 32-bit remains active in Task Manager as a background process after a database containing forms or VBA is closed.
- Product
- Microsoft Access for Microsoft 365 (32-bit)
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is investigating Access shutdown behavior after closing a database with forms, VBA, or other programmed components.
- Observed behavior
- Access continues to appear under Background processes in Task Manager after the database is closed; a completely blank database closes normally.
Note your Microsoft 365 or Access build from File > Account and create a new blank .accdb database for comparison. Keep Task Manager open to monitor whether Microsoft Access remains under Background processes after each test.
Confirm the Access build and test a completely blank database
Use this first to separate a general Access installation problem from a programming-related issue.
A blank database rules out forms, VBA, startup code, and add-ins. If it closes normally, the remaining process is likely caused by programmed components rather than the Access application itself.
Select Blank database, name the file, and save it to a convenient location.
Close the database, then open Task Manager and look under Processes or Background processes for Microsoft Access.
Go to File > Account > About Access and note the version and build number before further testing.
Go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now, install pending updates, and restart Access before retesting.
Test a blank database with a form and a Quit Application button
Use this test to check whether a form and application quit action still leave Access running.
Disable VBA, startup code, and add-ins one at a time
Use this on affected databases to isolate the specific programmed component that prevents Access from exiting.
Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative for Daily Office File Work
Since Microsoft Access is a Microsoft Office database application, WPS Office does not repair Access VBA or add-in faults. For everyday document, spreadsheet, and presentation tasks, WPS Office is a free, lightweight, easy-to-use alternative with a familiar ribbon interface and strong Microsoft Office file compatibility, making migration from Word, Excel, and PowerPoint simple.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Go to the official WPS Office download page and click Download WPS Office Free.
- 2. Install and launch WPS Office: Open the installer, complete the installation, and launch WPS Writer or WPS Spreadsheets.
- 3. Open or create Office files: Open an existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx file to verify compatibility, or create a new spreadsheet for list-based data tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Access stay in Task Manager after I close a database?
This usually happens when forms, VBA references, startup code, or add-ins keep Access alive. Test a completely blank database first; if it closes normally, the issue is programming-related.
How do I find my exact Microsoft Access version and build?
Open Access and go to File > Account > About Access. The version and build number are shown there and are useful for support or comparison with other reports.
Does holding the Shift key while opening an Access database help?
Yes. Holding Shift while opening a database bypasses startup forms, AutoExec macros, and startup code, which can help you test whether one of those components is causing Access to remain open.
Can WPS Office open Microsoft Access .accdb files?
No. WPS Office does not include a Microsoft Access database application and does not open .accdb databases. It focuses on Word, Excel, PowerPoint-compatible files and PDF tools.
What is the safest way to quit Access from VBA?
Use Application.Quit in your VBA code and make sure object variables are released or set to Nothing. Also avoid add-ins or form events that cancel the close process.
