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How to Connect Microsoft Access to Google Sheets – Stream Live Database Data

7 min read

CONNECTOR GUIDE

Microsoft Access Google Sheets

Microsoft Access Microsoft Access
Query Streams Query Streams
Google Sheets Google Sheets
No VPN Required
Live Data
Secure

Query Streams enables you to connect Microsoft Access databases directly to Google Sheets, streaming live data without VPNs, firewall changes, or complex configuration. Sign up for free at QueryStreams.com and start pulling live database data into your spreadsheets in minutes.

This guide shows you how to establish a secure, real-time connection between your Microsoft Access database and Google Sheets. Whether you want to build live dashboards, automate reporting, or share secure database queries with teams worldwide, Query Streams provides a simple solution that keeps your data secure while making it accessible from anywhere.

Secure by Design

Outbound-only connections, no firewall changes

Live Data On-Demand

Fresh data every time you run a query

Share Securely

Share queries without exposing SQL or credentials

Setup in Minutes

Install agent, connect database, start querying

What You’ll Accomplish

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to:

  • Connect Google Sheets to your Microsoft Access database through the Query Streams agent
  • Create and share secure database queries with colleagues
  • Pull real-time data into Google Sheets with the click of a button
  • Set up dynamic filters and parameters for interactive data exploration

Prerequisites

1

Query Streams Account

Create a free account at QueryStreams.com to get started.

Create Free Account →
2

Query Streams Agent Installed

The agent must be installed on the same machine as your Microsoft Access database file.

Install the Query Streams Agent →
3

Microsoft Access Database Engine

The Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable must be installed on the agent machine.

Download from Microsoft →
Important: The Query Streams agent must be installed directly on the machine where your Microsoft Access database file (.accdb or .mdb) physically resides. Network UNC paths are not supported for performance and reliability reasons.

Step 1: Access the Query Streams Agent Interface

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Now that your agent is installed and running, you’ll configure your Microsoft Access connection through the local agent interface.

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to the agent interface: https://localhost:1823
  2. Navigate to Data Connections: In the left sidebar, click Data Sources to expand the menu, then select Connections
  3. Add a new connection: Click the Add Connection button
Note: If you selected a different port during installation, replace 1823 with your chosen port number.

Step 2: Select Microsoft Access as Your Connection Type

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After clicking “Add Connection,” you’ll see the New Connection wizard with a 5-step process.

  1. Choose Microsoft Access: You’ll see several database connection options available. Click on the Microsoft Access tile (it will highlight with a green border when selected)
  2. Alternative – Use search: If you have many connection types, use the search bar and type “Microsoft Access” to quickly find it
  3. Proceed to next step: Once Microsoft Access is selected, click Next

Step 3: Configure Your Microsoft Access Connection Details

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You’re now on Step 2: Configure Connection where you’ll enter your Microsoft Access database details.

Required Connection Details:

  1. Connection Name (required) – Enter a friendly name to identify this connection (e.g., “My Access Database”)
  2. Database File Path (required) – Enter the full path to your Microsoft Access database file. Examples: C:\Access\TestDB.accdb or D:\Data\company.mdb. Click the folder icon to browse.
  3. Open in Read-Only Mode (optional) – Check this to prevent accidental modifications. Recommended for production databases.
  4. Connection Timeout – Default is 30 seconds. Increase for large files or slow storage.

Once all required fields are completed, click Next to proceed.

Step 4: Select Your Data Realm

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A Data Realm determines your query processing capacity – essentially how much data can flow through your queries. This is based on your Query Streams subscription level and measured in MB/GB.

Important: This is NOT storage capacity for your database. Your Microsoft Access data remains on your computer. This represents processing capacity for query results as they flow through Query Streams to Google Sheets.
  1. Review available options: You’ll see your available Data Realms based on your subscription
  2. Select your preferred realm: For most users, the “Default Data Realm” is appropriate
  3. Click Next to proceed to the connection test

Step 5: Test Your Database Connection

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Query Streams will now verify that your Microsoft Access database is accessible with the configuration you provided.

  1. Automatic testing: The agent will attempt to connect using your configuration
  2. Review the results: On success, you’ll see “Connection Successful!” with database details including file path, size, and last modified date
  3. Click Next to proceed to the final step
Troubleshooting: If you see “Microsoft Access Database Engine (64-bit ACE) is not installed”, install the Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable from Microsoft and restart the agent.

Step 6: Finish Setup

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  1. Review your configuration: Verify all settings are correct
  2. Click Finish to save your Microsoft Access connection

Your database connection is now ready to use! Next, you’ll install the Google Sheets add-on to start querying.

Step 7: Install the Google Sheets Add-On

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Install the Query Streams add-on from Google Workspace Marketplace:

After installation, the add-on will appear in your Google Sheets under Extensions > Query Streams.

Step 8: Run Your First Query

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Open the Query Streams add-on and create your first query:

  1. Click “Stream a Query” to begin creating a new query
  2. Select your Microsoft Access connection from the Data Source dropdown
  3. Choose the database from the Database dropdown
  4. Write your SQL query in the editor
Example Microsoft Access Query SQL
SELECT 
    CustomerID,
    CustomerName,
    ContactName,
    City,
    Country
FROM Customers
ORDER BY CustomerName
LIMIT 100;
  1. Configure destination: Choose “Create a new tab” for your first query
  2. Click the Play button to execute the query

Congratulations!

You’ve successfully connected Microsoft Access to Google Sheets! Your data will appear instantly in a new worksheet tab. Re-run the query anytime to refresh with the latest data from your database.

Next Steps: Save and Share Queries

For a more streamlined workflow, use the Query Streams web portal to build, save, and manage your queries:

  • Save queries: Store frequently used queries for easy reuse
  • Add filters: Create dynamic parameters that users can adjust without seeing SQL
  • Share with teammates: Let others run your queries from anywhere in the world
  • Access from Saved Queries: Saved queries appear in the add-on’s “Saved Queries” menu

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Query Streams use Google Apps Script? +

No. Query Streams uses the Google Sheets API directly, which provides better performance than Apps Script. Unlike Apps Script which has a 6-minute execution limit, Query Streams can handle large datasets efficiently.

🔒 Is my database data secure? +

Yes. Your database credentials never leave your network – they stay within the Query Streams agent. Data is encrypted in transit, and the agent only makes outbound connections, so no firewall changes or VPNs are required.

📂 Can I connect to .mdb files (older Access format)? +

Yes. Query Streams supports both .accdb (Access 2007+) and .mdb (Access 97-2003) file formats through the Microsoft Access Database Engine.

Why does it require local installation? +

Microsoft Access databases are file-based, so the agent needs direct file system access for optimal performance. Network UNC paths create latency and reliability issues. Install the agent on the same machine as your .accdb/.mdb file.

👥 Can I share queries with people outside my organization? +

Yes! This is one of Query Streams’ key features. You can share saved queries with external users who can run them from anywhere – they’ll get live data without ever seeing your SQL or database credentials.

Updated on June 3, 2026

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