Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.16.0 Provider is Not Registered on the Local Machine Fix

If you’ve encountered the frustrating error message:

“The ‘Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0/15.0/16.0’ provider is not registered on the local machine.”

…while trying to import data from Excel into your application, you’re not alone. This issue is common for developers and analysts working with different versions of Excel files and OLEDB providers.

In this post, we’ll walk through exactly why this error occurs, and more importantly, how to fix it — step by step.

💡 Why You’re Seeing This Error

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This error typically appears when trying to connect to or import Excel files (especially newer formats like .xlsx) using OLEDB providers on a machine that doesn’t have the required Access Database Engine installed.

It’s common when working with files outside of the older Excel 97–2003 (*.xls) format.

🛠️ Reproducing the Error

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Let’s simulate the problem using a modern Excel file (e.g. Excel 2016). When attempting to load or connect to it using an OLEDB connection, you’ll likely see the error stating:

“The Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.16.0 provider is not registered on the local machine.”

This message can refer to version 12.0, 15.0, or 16.0, depending on the version of Excel or the Access Database Engine your code or tool is trying to use.

🧩 The Solution: Install the Access Database Engine

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To resolve this, you’ll need to download and install the Microsoft Access Database Engine manually.

🔽 Step 1: Download the Access Database Engine

• Visit the official Microsoft website and search for:
  “Microsoft Access Database Engine Redistributable”.
• Choose the correct version based on your system:
  • 64-bit for most modern systems.
  • 32-bit if your app or Office installation is 32-bit.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure of your system architecture, try both versions. One will likely work.

⚙️ Step 2: Install via Command Prompt (Recommended)

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After downloading the installer (AccessDatabaseEngine.exe), place it in a known directory (e.g., C:\Drivers\AccessEngine).

Then:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Navigate to the folder: cd C:\Drivers\AccessEngine
3. Run the installer: AccessDatabaseEngine.exe /quiet

You’ll see the installation begin. It usually completes in under a minute.

✅ Testing the Fix

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After installation:

1. Restart any tools or applications you were using.
2. Try importing your Excel data again.

In most cases, the error will be resolved immediately — and your Excel connection will go through smoothly.

🎉 Success! You’ve now fixed the “OLEDB provider not registered” issue and can import your Excel data without interruptions.

🧠 Final Thoughts

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This error can feel like a brick wall, especially when you’re on a deadline. But as you’ve seen, the solution is straightforward once you know the root cause. Installing the right version of the Access Database Engine often does the trick.

If this helped, consider bookmarking this post or sharing it with others who might face the same issue.