Others

How to Save a Microsoft Access Query with a New Name

Camila Milosovich Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to duplicate an existing Microsoft Access query and save it under a different name.

How to Save an Access Query with a New Name

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a copy of an existing database query to modify or reuse without altering the original query.
Observed behavior: The goal is to successfully duplicate the query object and assign a unique name to the copy within the database.

Before you start

Ensure you have the appropriate permissions to modify objects within the current Access database. It is helpful to know the exact name of the original query you intend to duplicate.

Solution 1Recommended

Duplicate the Query using the Navigation Pane

This is the quickest method to create an exact copy of a query directly from the Access sidebar without opening it.

Copy the original query

In the Navigation Pane on the left side of your Access window, locate the query you want to duplicate. Right-click on it and choose 'Copy' from the context menu.

Paste the query

Right-click in an empty area within the Navigation Pane and select 'Paste'.

Enter a new name

A 'Paste As' dialog box will appear. Type your desired new name for the query into the text field and click 'OK' to save it.

Duplicate the Query using the Navigation Pane

Quick Tip: You can also use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste after selecting the query in the Navigation Pane.

Solution 2

Use Save Object As in Design View

Use this method if you are already editing a query and want to save your current progress as a completely new query.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Free, Lightweight Office Suite?

While Microsoft Access is used for complex databases, most of your daily spreadsheet, document, and presentation needs can be handled efficiently with WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring smooth file handling without the expensive subscription.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the setup file.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
3. Open Your Office Files: Launch WPS Office to instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files or create new documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx), Word (.docx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Free and lightweight, taking up minimal system resources on your computer.Familiar tabbed user interface, allowing you to manage multiple documents in one window.Built-in PDF editing tools for comprehensive and seamless document management.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy an Access query into a completely different database?

Yes, you can copy a query from the Navigation Pane in your current database, open a second Access database, right-click in its Navigation Pane, and select 'Paste'.

Does copying a query also duplicate the underlying table data?

No. A query in Access only saves the structure, criteria, and instructions for pulling data. The duplicated query will still pull its information from the original underlying tables.

Why is the Save As option greyed out or unavailable in Access?

The 'Save As' option may be unavailable if you do not have the specific object currently open and active, or if your database is opened in a read-only state. Make sure you open the query in Design View first.

Office Quick Solutions