Check your registry for the provider:
Alternatively, test via PowerShell:
# Check 64-bit provider
Get-OleDbProvider -Name "*ACE*"
If you have ever tried to read an Excel spreadsheet (.xlsx) or an Access database (.accdb) using a script or application—particularly in a 64-bit environment—you have likely encountered the infamous error: download microsoft.ace.oledb.12.0 provider for both 64-bit
"The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine."
This error stops data analysts, SQL developers, and system administrators dead in their tracks. The root cause? A mismatch between your application’s bitness (32-bit vs. 64-bit) and the installed OLEDB provider. Check your registry for the provider:
In this 2,500+ word guide, you will learn exactly how to download Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider for both 64-bit and 32-bit systems, understand which version you actually need, and troubleshoot common installation failures.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: Alternatively, test via PowerShell: # Check 64-bit provider
AccessDatabaseEngine.exe /quiet
or
AccessDatabaseEngine.exe /passive
Why this works: The /quiet switch suppresses the conflicting architecture check. After completion, both Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 (32-bit) and Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 (64-bit) will be registered and usable.
AccessDatabaseEngine_x64.exe /quiet
Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\MyFolder\MyWorkbook.xlsx;Extended Properties="Excel 12.0 Xml;HDR=YES";
Cause: You downloaded the wrong architecture for your OS.
Fix: Run a 32-bit executable on 32-bit Windows or 64-bit on 64-bit Windows. Almost all modern servers are 64-bit.