What Access file formats does Query Streams support?

Query Streams supports both .accdb (the modern Access format introduced in Access 2007) and .mdb (the legacy format used by Access 97-2003). The Query Streams Agent connects to either format through the ACE database driver. You do not need to convert or migrate your legacy .mdb files â€” they work as-is.

Do users need Microsoft Access installed to view Access reports through Query Streams?

No. Only the machine running the Query Streams Agent needs access to the .accdb file and the ACE database driver. Everyone else interacts with data through the Excel add-in , Google Sheets add-on , or the Query Streams web portal . Recipients do not need Access, the Access Runtime, or any database driver installed on their computer.

Can I use parameterized queries with Access databases?

Yes. Query Streams supports interactive filters that you configure in the query's Properties tab. You can create filters from explicit SQL variables (e.g., @start_date , @department ) or let Query Streams auto-detect static values in your WHERE clauses (e.g., WHERE region = 'West' ). When the Config switch is enabled for a detected filter, end users see a dropdown or date picker and can adjust the parameters each time they run the query.

How does the Agent connect to a local .accdb file?

The Query Streams Agent runs as a service on the same Windows machine where your .accdb file is stored (or on any machine with network access to the file). During setup, you provide the file path to the .accdb or .mdb file. The Agent uses the ACE database driver to open the file, read the schema, and execute queries. The Agent then relays results through an outbound-only WebSocket connection to the Query Streams cloud â€” no inbound firewall rules needed.

Can I share Access reports with people outside my organization?

Yes. You can invite external users to your Query Streams account and share specific saved queries with them. External users access data through the Excel add-in or Google Sheets add-on using their own Query Streams login. They never see the SQL code, the .accdb file path, or any database credentials. This makes it possible to share Access data with clients, partners, or contractors without exposing the underlying database.

Does Nova AI work with Microsoft Access databases?

Nova AI is fully compatible with Access databases. Nova reads your Access schema â€” tables, columns, data types, and relationships â€” and generates SQL that is dialect-correct for the ACE database engine. Users can ask questions in plain English like "show me all orders from last month sorted by total" and Nova generates and executes the appropriate SQL. Learn more on the AI Data Analytics page .

What happens if my .accdb file is on a network drive?

The Query Streams Agent can connect to .accdb files on mapped network drives or UNC paths (e.g., \\server\share\database.accdb ) as long as the Agent's service account has read access to the file. For best performance, install the Agent on the same machine where the Access database is stored. If the file is on a network share, ensure the connection is reliable to avoid intermittent query failures.

Is my Access data secure when using Query Streams?

Yes. The Query Streams Agent makes outbound-only connections on standard HTTPS/WSS ports â€” no inbound firewall rules, no open ports, no VPN. The .accdb file and any database passwords stay on the Agent machine and are never transmitted to the cloud. All queries are read-only, preventing any writes to your database. Per-user access controls ensure each person only sees the queries they have been granted access to, and every execution is logged for audit compliance.

Can I migrate from Access to SQL Server and keep using Query Streams?

Absolutely. Query Streams supports Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, Snowflake, BigQuery, DuckDB, SQLite, and more from a single Agent installation. If you migrate your Access database to SQL Server or PostgreSQL, you simply add the new database as a data source and rebuild your saved queries. Your users continue using the same Excel add-in and Google Sheets add-on â€” the migration is invisible to them.

How does Query Streams compare to the built-in Access Report Builder?

The built-in Access Report Builder generates static, desktop-only reports that require Access or the Access Runtime to view. Query Streams takes a fundamentally different approach: your Access data flows into Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, where you have modern formatting, charting, pivot tables, collaboration, and sharing. Reports are live and on-demand rather than static snapshots, users do not need Access installed, and you can share reports with anyone â€” including people outside your organization â€” through per-user access controls.