MS Access Crashes on Windows 11 After Update Fix Guide

Introduction

Microsoft Access helps many users manage their databases efficiently. Windows 11 introduced new updates in version 24H2. Many users faced issues where MS Access crashed after this update. This guide shows step-by-step ways to fix these crashes quickly.

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Why MS Access Crashes After Windows 11 Update

Compatibility Issues With Version 24H2

The new Windows 11 update may cause system conflicts. MS Access may stop working when copying rows or opening forms. Users notice freezing or crashing especially in Table mode. These problems happen mostly after installing the 24H2 update.

Suggested Actions Feature Interference

Windows 11 includes a Suggested Actions feature. It tries to help with quick actions after copying content. This feature often breaks MS Access behavior. When you copy records in Table mode MS Access may freeze. Disabling this feature often solves the crash problem.

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

Update Microsoft Access First

Open any Office application. Go to File then Account then Update Options. Select Update Now. Install the latest updates. Microsoft may have patched the crashing issue.

Disable Suggested Actions in Windows 11

Follow these steps to disable Suggested Actions:

• Open Windows Settings
• Go to System then Clipboard
• Find Suggested Actions toggle
• Turn it off

This fix helps Access run normally while copying rows.

Use Compatibility Mode

You can run Access in compatibility mode for Windows 10. This avoids the new update conflict. Follow these steps:

• Right-click the Access shortcut
• Select Properties then Compatibility tab
• Check Run this program in compatibility mode
• Select Windows 10 from the list
• Click Apply then OK

Now MS Access should behave as expected.

Block the Windows 11 24H2 Update

If Access worked well before the update you can block version 24H2. Use tools like InControl. InControl lets you pause updates easily. This avoids update problems until Microsoft fixes the bugs.

Update Microsoft Office Fully

Sometimes the problem lies in Office itself. Open any Office app. Go to File then Account then Update Options. Click Update Now. A new patch may fix the issue.

Decompile and Recompile the Database

Corruption in VBA code can cause crashes. Decompile then recompile to fix code-level issues:

• Open Access then press Ctrl + G to open Immediate Window
• Type Decompile then press Enter
• Reopen the database
• Go to Debug then Compile

This refreshes all code links in the database.

Use Compact and Repair Feature

Compact and Repair solves many internal data issues:

• Open Access
• Go to File then Info
• Select Compact and Repair Database

Access will clean up internal data structures. This may prevent crashes and freezing.

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Check RAM and System Load

Access needs enough RAM. Close unused apps and free up system memory. Go to Task Manager. See memory usage. Ensure enough memory stays free.

Remove Extra Office Versions

Multiple Office versions cause problems. Uninstall older or standalone versions. Keep only the latest Office suite.

Reinstall Microsoft Access

As a last resort uninstall and reinstall Access. Back up your database first. Reinstall fixes many deep-rooted issues.

Advanced Fix Options

Use System Restore Point

If Access worked earlier try System Restore:

• Go to Control Panel
• Search for Recovery
• Select Open System Restore
• Choose a restore point before the crash started

Restore resets Windows settings. This can fix unknown issues.

Check Windows Logs for Errors

Check Event Viewer for crash logs:

• Press Win + X then select Event Viewer
• Navigate to Windows Logs then Application
• Find MS Access crash logs

This shows exact error details. Use those clues to fix deeper problems.

Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated display drivers cause UI issues. Use Device Manager to update your display drivers. Select Display Adapters then right-click and choose Update Driver.

Create a New Access Profile

Create a fresh database file. Move forms tables and code to the new file. Old files sometimes hold hidden corruptions.

Use Access in Safe Mode

Launch Access in safe mode to disable add-ins:

• Press Win + R then type msaccess /safe

Check if the issue still happens. If not an add-in may be the cause.

Pros and Cons of Each Fix

Fix Method	Pros	Cons
Update Access	Fast and easy	Might not fix all issues
Disable Suggested Actions	Fixes freeze instantly	Disables helpful Windows feature
Compatibility Mode	Works with old settings	Needs technical steps
Block Updates	Prevents future bugs	Misses security patches
Office Update	Easy and quick	May not resolve deeper bugs
Decompile and Recompile	Fixes VBA bugs	Needs code understanding
Compact and Repair	Boosts database health	May not fix crash causes
Free RAM	Improves speed	Not a permanent fix
Remove Extra Versions	Clears conflicts	Time-consuming
Reinstall Access	Fresh start	Must back up data
System Restore	Restores working state	Loses recent changes
Check Logs	Detailed errors	Needs experience to read
Update Drivers	Fixes UI issues	Needs driver knowledge
New Profile	Removes corruptions	Time-intensive
Safe Mode	Finds add-in bugs	Limited functionality

FAQs

Conclusion

MS Access crashes on Windows 11 are frustrating. Follow these fixes step by step. Start from simple updates. Then try compatibility mode and database repair. Use advanced options if needed. You can solve the issue without expert help. Keep your data safe and your work smooth.