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migrating-access-databases-to-sql-server-azure-sql-db-accesstosql.md

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title Migrate Access Databases to SQL Server and Azure SQL Database
description Use this recommended process to migrate Access databases to SQL Server or Azure SQL Database using SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA).
author nilabjaball
ms.author niball
ms.reviewer randolphwest
ms.date 12/30/2025
ms.service sql
ms.subservice ssma
ms.topic upgrade-and-migration-article
ms.collection
sql-migration-content
ms.custom
intro-migration
f1_keywords
ssma.access.migratedata.f1
helpviewer_keywords
instructions, migration
migrating databases, overview
overview, migration process
procedure, migration
recommended migration process

Migrate Access databases to SQL Server and Azure SQL (AccessToSQL)

[!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] Migration Assistant (SSMA) is a tool that provides a comprehensive environment that helps you quickly migrate Access databases to [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] or Azure SQL. By using SSMA, you can review Access and [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] or Azure SQL Database objects, assess the Access database for migration, convert Access database objects, load them into [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] or Azure SQL, and then migrate data.

Recommended migration process

To successfully migrate objects and data from Access to [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] or Azure SQL, use the following process:

  1. Create and manage projects. After you create the project, you can set project options, including conversion options, migration options, and data type mappings.

  2. Add and remove Access database files to the project.

    You can add individual files, including files that you find on the computer or network.

  3. Connect to SQL Server or Connect to Azure SQL.

    You can connect either to SQL Server or Azure SQL.

  4. To customize the mapping between one or more Access databases and [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] or Azure SQL schemas, map the source and target databases.

  5. Optionally, you can create an assessment report to determine whether the Access database objects can be successfully converted to [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] or Azure SQL.

  6. Convert Access database objects to [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] or Azure SQL object definitions.

  7. Load converted database objects into SQL Server.

    You can load either the database objects into [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] or Azure SQL by using SSMA, or you can save [!INCLUDE tsql] scripts.

  8. Migrate Access data into SQL Server and Azure SQL.

    You can convert, load, and migrate schemas and data in one step. To perform a single-step migration, select the Convert, Load, and Migrate button.

  9. If you want your Access applications to use the data in [!INCLUDE ssNoVersion] or Azure SQL, use link the Access tables to the SQL Server tables.

You can also use the Migration Wizard to guide you through this process. For more information, see Migration Wizard.

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