How to Link Tables in MS Access

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to link tables across Access databases using External Data.

Quick summary

Linking tables in Microsoft Access lets you connect data from an external Access database without duplicating it, keeping your records in sync at the source. Using the External Data tab and the Link option, you can access external tables directly from your current database's Navigation Pane.

Steps

Open your Access database and go to the External Data tab in the ribbon.
Click New Data Source, select From Database, then click the Access button.
Click Browse to locate and select the source Access database file.
When prompted, choose the Link option so data stays in its original location and remains accessible from your current database.
Click OK to confirm your selection.
In the dialog box listing available tables, select the table you want to link and click OK to confirm.
The linked tables will appear in the Navigation Pane with a small arrow icon, confirming the link is active.

📌 Why this matters

Linking tables in Microsoft Access is essential for organizations that need to share and query data across multiple Access databases without creating redundant copies. This feature ensures data integrity by keeping records in a single source location while allowing multiple databases to read and interact with them in real time. It is especially valuable for teams managing relational data across departments, enabling centralized data governance with decentralized access. Understanding how to use the External Data tab and the Link option helps database administrators and power users build scalable, connected Access solutions efficiently.

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