How to Fix: 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' Provider is Not Registered on the Local Machine

 If you encounter the error:

'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine.

while importing Excel or CSV files into SQL Server, don't worry! This is a common issue caused by a missing or mismatched version of the Microsoft Access Database Engine.

Download the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable

1. Go to the official Microsoft download page:
   Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable

2. Select the version based on your system:

• 32-bit version (recommended even on 64-bit systems if you're using 32-bit SQL Server tools).
• 64-bit version (only if you're sure all tools are 64-bit).

Note: Using the 32-bit version resolves compatibility issues with tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which often run in 32-bit mode.

Install Using Command Prompt (Silent Install)

Once downloaded, follow these steps to install properly:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Navigate to the folder where the .exe file is downloaded.

  Example Command:  cd C:\Test\AccessDatabaseEngine.exe /quiet

If your file is named differently (like AccessDatabaseEngine_X64.exe), use the exact name.

This will install the provider quietly without UI interruptions.

Restart Your Tools

After installation:

• Restart SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

• Try your import or export task again.

You should no longer see the 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine error!