How to Change Access Password? 2 Instant Solutions

Written By Tej Pratap Shukla

Approved By Anuraag Singh

Modified On February 16th, 2026

Reading Time 7 Minutes Reading

Managing data stored in MS Access is essential when it contains important information such as business data, financial records, and confidential reports. Access database files are widely shared with organizations, and protecting them with strong passwords is crucial to prevent unauthorized access. In this situation, users need to update passwords on a regular basis due to several reasons. So, in this blog, we will understand how to change access password for both MDB and ACCDB files.

In cases where you know the exact password, then file can be opened in exclusive mode, but if the password is forgotten user needs a reliable password recovery software. In the following sections, we’ll walk you through instant methods to reset password of Access databases. So, let’s begin with discussions.

Understanding MS Access Database

Microsoft Access is an application to manage structured data, which helps users to share, organize, and edit information efficiently, using tables, queries, and reports. It mainly used two file formats, namely .mdb and .accdb formats. MDB is an older version of Access database with basic security features, and ACCDB is the newer version format that provides stronger security features with improved functionality. Now, let’s move to the instant method to change access database password.

How to Change Access Password? Quick Solution

Download and run the SysTools Access Password Recovery Tool on your PC.
Click on Add File & Folders to upload .mdb files.
Select the Reset option to change password.
Now, a pop-up appear click on OK button.
Lastly, select Copy Password to access database file.

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Why Need to Change Access Database Password?

The Access database stores important information and needs to be secured with strong encryption. It is important because security risks can increase because of credential sharing or outdated passwords. Regularly updating password of Access database is important to maintain privacy of data. Here are some reasons:

Improve Security: It increases protection against unauthorized data access. Also helps to reduces risk of errors.
Backup File Protection: If database file backups are stored, then updating password of the main database improves complete security.
Forgotten Passwords: Users often reuse simple passwords and forget to save them securely. So, they forgot login details, especially for those accounts that are rarely used by them.
Lost or stolen devices: When a device that holds authentication apps, recovery codes, or physical security keys is lost, users lose their access.
Expired credentials: Access tokens or keys for apps and services usually have expiration dates or can be revoked during security updates or policy changes.

Changing Access password is not a daily task, but using MDB or ACCDB file formats requires updating credentials to secure crucial data. Now, let’s move down to discuss different methods in detail.

How to Change Access Database Password? 2 Best Methods

If you are wondering how to change access password, the process is not straightforward in every scenario. While MS Access provide built-in feature to update password, the correct steps depend on whether you are working with MDB or ACCDB file and still remember the existing credentials. In this section, we will explain the best ways to reset Access database password. Using these solutions, users can also unlock Access database password effortlessly. Let’s move on to learn the methods.

Method 1: Change Password Access Database Manually

This solution allows you to change password by using built-in features. It is suitable for those users who know the current password and can open a file in Exclusive mode. This approach is free, but it needs access permissions and depends on database file format. Follow the steps to know more:

Open MS Access on your system.
Click on File > Open and choose the format.
Tap the arrow beside Open and select Open Exclusive option.
Tap on File menu and choose Info option.
Choose Encrypt with Password.
Enter new password and confirm it.
Finally, click on Ok to apply the changes.

Pros of Manual Method

Quick and free solution
Offer a built-in feature
Change Access password of .mdb file easily.

Cons of Manual Method

Always need the old password.
Only useful for MDB files and basic encryption.
Not useful if password is lost or forgotten.

Method 2: How to Change Access Password – Try Automated Solution

Working with manual techniques can be time-consuming when you forget the existing password. Using advanced solution becomes the most reliable and secure option to change access database file password. Here, SysTools Software is a standalone solution that recovers and reset password of MS Access database with just a few clicks.

This smart software is designed to change password of MDB file, and it recovers passwords of ACCDB file. Users working with .accdb files can recover the credentials by using an advanced tool and update the password using the built-in option of Microsoft Access. The tool is suitable for both professionals and beginners. It helps users to regain access to important data in a hassle-free way.

Guide to Change Access Database Password

Download and start the above-mentioned tool on your machine.
Check the options: Add Files or Folders to browse MDB files.
After adding file, click on Reset button to run the process.
A pop-up will appear, click the OK button.
Finally, click on Copy Password to open file with new password.

Key Benefits of Using Pro Utility

Quickly recover and reset password of Access databases.
Support both MDB and ACCDB file formats.
Maintains original folder hierarchy during processing.
It is an offline solution that maintains security of sensitive data.
Easy-to-use interface suitable for both technical and non-technical users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How to change Access password of ACCDB file?

A: If you need to change password of .accdb file using a professional solution, then follow the given steps:

Install the SysTools Pro Tool on your system.
Browse and upload .accdb files.
Choose Options: Unknown and Partial Known Password
Now, click on OK button to complete the process.
Click on Copy Password to open database file.
Open the ACCDB file in MS Access using recovered credentials
Tap on File > Info > Encrypt with Password options.
Enter the passkey and click Ok to apply new password.

Q2: Can I change Access database password without knowing the current password?

A: No, MS Access does not allow users to change password without knowing the existing one. If the credentials are lost or forgotten, you must need to recover it using an advanced tool before setting up a new password.

Q3: What is the difference between MDB and ACCDB passkey protection?

A: MDB files are used in older versions of Access and have basic security, whereas ACCDB files are used in new Access versions and offer stronger password protection with advanced features.

Time to Wrap Up!

In this guide, we have shared two different ways to understand how to change Access password of both MDB and ACCDB files. Using manual techniques, users can reset password of MDB file, but it also comes with some drawbacks. By exploring the advanced features of professional software, you can change Access database password of both file formats within a few minutes. So, choose the right approach that best fits your needs and preferences.